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Theory of a Deadman (abbreviated as Theory or T.O.A.D) is a Canadian rock band from North Delta, British Columbia. Formed in 1999, the band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records as well as 604 Records. The band's music has hints of various music styles, such as country and acoustic, in addition to their post-grunge and alternative rock foundation. Nine of their singles have entered the top ten of the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including four songs that peaked at number one: "Bad Girlfriend", "Lowlife", "Rx (Medicate)" and "History of Violence".

HistoryEdit

File:Theory of a Deadman - Logo.svg
The band's logo from 2008 to 2017

Early years and self-titled album (1999–2003)Edit

Theory of a Deadman was initially formed in 1999 by lead guitarist/vocalist Tyler Connolly and bassist Dean Back.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They later became the first act to sign with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger's 604 Records imprint in 2001 after Connolly convinced Kroeger's ex-girlfriend Jodi to send him a copy of their first demo recording. Shortly afterwards; Kroeger invited Connolly to a barbecue and discussed giving his band a record deal soon after. They released their eponymous debut album Theory of a Deadman on September 17, 2002, co produced by Kroeger. The name of the band comes from a song from their first album, whose lyrics describe a man preparing to commit suicide. That track was later renamed "The Last Song".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album was a large success for the band in North America, peaking at #4 in Canada and #85 in the US. The band would later tour in support of the album as an opening act for Nickelback throughout 2002 and 2003. The album was certified platinum in the United States and Canada on May 12, 2006.

Gasoline (2005–2007)Edit

On March 29, 2005, Theory of a Deadman released their second album, Gasoline. After the release of the album, the band toured with Shinedown and No Address. Starting on March 1, 2005, Theory began a promotional tour, headlined by Breaking Benjamin and The Exies. Songs from Gasoline appeared in the soundtrack of the 2005 video game Fahrenheit, which was released under the title Indigo Prophecy in the United States.

The band performed the theme song to World Wrestling Entertainment's No Way Out 2006 pay-per-view, a cover version of "Deadly Game" from the WWE Anthology album. The song was released on the WWE Wreckless Intent album. They also did a cover of "No Chance In Hell", the theme song for WWE chairman Vince McMahon. The song was released on WWE The Music, Vol. 8 on March 25, 2008.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=volume8>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They also performed the theme song for the 2011 edition of the WWE pay-per-view SummerSlam.

Scars & Souvenirs (2008–2009)Edit

On April 1, 2008, Theory of a Deadman released their third album, Scars & Souvenirs, from which they released eight singles: "So Happy", "By the Way", "Little Smirk", "Bad Girlfriend", "All or Nothing", "Hate My Life", "Not Meant to Be", and "Wait for Me". The song "By the Way" features vocals from Chris Daughtry and Robin Diaz. On April 6, 2008, they appeared at the Juno Awards in Calgary, Alberta, after making various stops across Canada in a promotion known as Journey to the Junos.

Theory also performed in the 96th Grey Cup halftime show, along with Suzie McNeil and Andree Watters, on November 23, 2008.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Along with Hinder, they supported Mötley Crüe during the 2008/2009 tour. They also played at Crüe Fest 2.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Total Nonstop Action used Theory of a Deadman's song "Got it Made", from the album Scars & Souvenirs, for their special 2008 year review video.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> The song later went on to be used by Sun Sports for Miami Heat post-game video recaps during the 2010-11 season. It was also used in the NASCAR 09 video game.

On April 9, 2009, Scars & Souvenirs was certified gold by the RIAA, with sales reaching 500,000 copies in the U.S. alone.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The Truth Is... (2010–2012)Edit

In late 2010, it was announced that the band would start recording their fourth studio album, which was projected to be released in mid-2011.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Better source needed It was then confirmed by Tyler Connolly that the band's fourth album would be released on July 12, 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The first single from the album, "Lowlife", was released on May 17, 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Better source needed The title of the upcoming album was announced to be The Truth Is...<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2011, Theory co-headlined the second annual Carnival of Madness Tour with Alter Bridge. The supporting bands were Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way, and Emphatic. The band contributed a new song, which was co-written with The Exies singer Scott Stevens, called "Head Above Water", to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack, which was released on June 14, 2011. Another track titled "Drag Me to Hell" was made available for free through the official Roadrunner Records website on June 16, 2011.<ref>[1] Template:Webarchive</ref> The second official single, "Out Of My Head", was released on June 14, 2011. On July 1, 2011, the unreleased single, "Let Me Go", featuring Pop Idol's Cveta Majtanović, was also released via CloudMusic and for the parted collaboration music video.


Savages and Angel Acoustic EP (2013–2016)Edit

On November 9, 2013, it was confirmed via Theory's Twitter page that pre-production on their fifth album had started. In January 2014, they stated that they were "finishing up record number 5 next week" with release dates and news soon to come. In April 2014, Theory of a Deadman announced that a new single titled "Drown" would be released in April, with their new album Savages released in July.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The song "Panic Room" from the album would serve as the theme song for WWE's October pay-per-view Hell in a Cell.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On April 28, 2015 the band released a 5 track acoustic EP titled Angel. On November 11, 2016, the band released a cover of the song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, a tribute in recognition of his death on the seventh of the same month.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Wake Up Call (2017–2018)Edit

In January 2017, the band announced that they were recording their sixth studio album. They released two cover singles shortly after—Sting's "Shape of My Heart" in February and Major Lazer's "Cold Water" on March 17.<ref name="ShapeOfMyHeart">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="ColdWaterSingle">Template:Cite tweet</ref> Instead of working with the same production team in Los Angeles that they had used for their previous four albums, they decided to work with Swedish music producer Martin Terefe, and spent seven weeks recording in London at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios.<ref name="SurreyNow-Leader1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="TwoDoodsReviews2">Template:Cite AV media</ref> The group announced the name of their upcoming album—Wake Up Call—on July 27, 2017, with the release of its lead single, "Rx (Medicate)". The song, which handles the topic of prescription drug addiction, topped the Billboard US Mainstream Rock Songs chart for six consecutive weeks later that year,<ref name="SurreyNow-Leader2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="RxMainstreamRock">Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart – Rx (Medicate)

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With the release of the new album, the band decided to undergo a name change, shortening it to Theory. The group cited that discussions involving the name of their band with people who are unfamiliar with their music was challenging. Connolly equated it to rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers frequently abbreviating their name to Chili Peppers.<ref name="StingrayMusic">Template:Cite AV mediaTemplate:Cbignore</ref>

Wake Up Call has been described by critics as a departure from Theory of a Deadman's usual hard rock foundation, moving into pop and pop rock territory.<ref name="AlternativeAddiction">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Spokesman">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> To promote the album, the band launched a 33-city tour in the United States during the fall of 2017.<ref name="AXS2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The tour was extended into 2018 to include shows throughout western Canada and Europe,<ref name="SurreyNow-Leader1" /> and the group toured in Australia for the first time in their career in June 2018. Connolly told The Music, "There's a real dichotomy of Theory now, two very different sides. Not that we want to get away from our old songs, but the new songs are so diverse, such a juxtaposition. We're really working on building a big show, and trying to make it all more visual, as well."<ref name="TheMusicAU">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Say Nothing (2019–2022)Edit

The band returned to London in April 2019 to begin work on their seventh record with Terefe.<ref name="Record Seven">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> In August 2019, Connolly informed the public that the group would continue their 2019 headlining tour efforts in September.<ref name="2019 Fall Tour">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On September 25, Theory of a Deadman announced their seventh album, Say Nothing, which was released on January 31, 2020; the news coincided with the release of the first single, accompanied by its music video, "History of Violence", a song that addresses domestic violence.<ref name="Alternative Press Interview">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="History of Violence Video">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> "Strangers" was the second song to be released from Say Nothing and was released on November 8; the track examines the polarizing effect of politics on society and how current events are creating a new generation of activists. It was released simultaneously with an official animated music video.<ref name="Parade">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The band headlined a Canadian tour, beginning on January 31, 2020, to coincide with the release of the album.<ref name="Say Nothing Tour 1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Two North American tours were scheduled in 2020—one with American band 10 Years, and the second with Breaking Benjamin, Bush, Saint Asonia, and Cory Marks. Both were canceled due to the restrictions on large-scale gatherings on account of the coronavirus global pandemic.<ref name="Say Nothing Tour 2">Template:Cite tweet</ref><ref name="Say Nothing Tour 3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Dinosaur (2022–present)Edit

On October 20, 2022, the band released a new single, "Dinosaur", which marked a return to their hard rock sound. The band would release their 8th album titled Dinosaur on March 17, 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Music stylesEdit

Theory of a Deadman's music style has generally been regarded as post-grunge,<ref name="AllMusicBio">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Ruidosonews">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="nrtoday">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="e-know">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> hard rock,<ref name="AllMusicBio"/><ref name="e-know"/><ref name="Alternative Press Genres">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> alternative rock,<ref name="Ruidosonews"/><ref name="nrtoday"/> alternative metal,<ref name="e-know"/> and pop rock.<ref name="Alternative Press Genres"/> The band also mixes country, pop, and acoustic elements into their sound.<ref name="nrtoday"/><ref name="AllMusicBio"/>

Band membersEdit

Current membersEdit

  • Tyler Connolly – lead vocals, lead guitar (1999–present), piano (2017–present)
  • Dave Brenner – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Dean Back – bass guitar, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Joey Dandeneau – drums, backing vocals (2009–present)

Former membersEdit

  • Tim Hart – drums, backing vocals (1999–2004)
  • Brent Fitz – drums, backing vocals (2004–2007)
  • Robin Diaz – drums, backing vocals (2007–2008)

TimelineEdit

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Colors =

id:Lvocals       value:red         legend:Lead_vocals,_lead_guitar
id:Guitar       value:green        legend:Rhythm_guitar,_backing_vocals
id:Bass          value:blue        legend:Bass,_backing_vocals
id:Drums         value:orange      legend:Drums,_backing_vocals
id:Piano   value:purple      legend:Piano
id:Studio        value:black       legend:Studio_album

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layer:back
 color:Studio
  at:17/09/2002
  at:29/03/2005
  at:01/04/2008
  at:12/07/2011
  at:29/07/2014
  at:27/10/2017
  at:31/01/2020
  at:17/03/2023

BarData =

bar:Connolly   text:"Tyler Connolly"
bar:Brenner     text:"Dave Brenner"
bar:Back     text:"Dean Back" 
bar:Hart    text:"Tim Hart"
bar:Fitz    text:"Brent Fitz"
bar:Diaz     text:"Robin Diaz"
bar:Joey  text:"Joey Dandeneau"

PlotData=

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Connolly  from:01/01/1999 till:end color:lvocals
bar:Connolly  from:01/01/2017 till:end color:piano width:3
bar:Brenner   from:01/01/1999 till:end color:guitar
bar:Back    from:01/01/1999 till:end        color:bass
bar:Hart   from:01/01/1999 till:01/01/2004   color:drums
bar:Fitz   from:02/01/2004 till:01/01/2007        color:drums
bar:Diaz   from:02/01/2007 till:31/12/2008        color:drums
bar:Joey   from:01/01/2009 till:end        color:drums</timeline>

DiscographyEdit

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

AwardsEdit

Organization Year Category/award Nominee/work Result Ref.
BMI Pop Awards 2010 Award-Winning Song (shared with co-writer Kara DioGuardi) "Not Meant to Be" Template:Won <ref name="2010 BMI Pop Awards">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Canadian Radio Music Awards 2009 Fans' Choice Award Theory of a Deadman Template:Nom <ref name="2009 CRMA Nom">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref name="2009 CRMA Winner">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2010 Fans' Choice Award Theory of a Deadman Template:Nom <ref name="2010 CRMA Nom">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref name="2010 CRMA Fans' Choice Winner">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

SOCAN Song of the Year "Not Meant to Be" Template:Nom <ref name="2010 CRMA Nom" /><ref name="2010 CRMA Song of the Year Winner">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

iHeartRadio Music Awards 2018 Rock Song of the Year "Rx (Medicate)" Template:Nom <ref name="2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Juno Awards 2003 New Group of the Year Theory of a Deadman Template:Won <ref name="Juno Artist Profile">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2006 Group of the Year Theory of a Deadman Template:Nom
Rock Album of the Year Gasoline Template:Nom
2018 Fan Choice Theory Template:Nom
Rock Album of the Year Wake Up Call Template:Nom
MuchMusic Video Awards 2012 MuchLOUD Rock Video of the Year "Chick Came Back" Template:Nom <ref name="2012 MuchMusic Video Awards">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

SOCAN 2010 Pop/Rock Music Award (shared with co-writer Kara DioGuardi) "Not Meant to Be" Template:Won <ref name="2010 SOCAN Awards">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2012 No. 1 Song Award (shared with co-writer Christine Connolly) "Lowlife" Template:Won <ref name="SOCAN Lowlife">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2017 No. 1 Song Award "Rx (Medicate)" Template:Won <ref name="SOCAN Rx">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Western Canadian Music Awards 2003 Outstanding Rock Recording Theory of a Deadman Template:Nom <ref name="2003 WCMA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2005 Outstanding Rock Recording Gasoline Template:Nom <ref name="2005 WCMA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2009 Rock Recording of the Year Scars & Souvenirs Template:Won <ref name="2009WCMA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

ReferencesEdit

Template:Reflist

External linksEdit

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