Photo Credit: Richmond Lam
Canadian duo The Dears will make their return to the UK this month, in support of their latest album Times Infinity Volume Two. We caught up with frontman Murray Lightburn ahead of the tour to hear his stories and top tips from the road.
Favourite thing about touring
My favourite thing about touring is that I get to travel and spend time with my best friend/partner/mother of my children, Natalia. It’s different to how we spend time together at home. We are on an adventure together. I love it.
Least favourite thing about touring
The schedule is absolutely punishing.
Five essentials for the road
1. Hand sanitiser
2. Camera w/ film
3. Universal travel adapter
4. Something to read
5. Sunglasses
Your favourite way to pass the time
I love to walk around and explore and observe. Usually I’ll have a camera with me.
“The Most”
Memorable moment
When the first time we found out Natalia was pregnant just before soundcheck in Brussels, 2005.
Hilarious moment
We were on tour in the US and headlining the El Rey. We arrived at the venue in the morning, I really had to go to the men’s. The venue was locked but I could see the cleaning crew inside. I knocked on the window in my pyjamas, the guy vacuuming looked at me with a “sorry we’re closed” face. I said “I really gotta go.” He just shrugged. I banged on the window again pointing at the poster and said “that’s me!! Come on!” He was like “sorry, can’t help you” kept vacuuming but he was totally having a laugh. It was brutal.
Embarrassing moment
Falling backwards over a monitor in Toronto, 2008.
Outrageous moment
Saving those for my memoirs – out 2020.
Drunken moment
You’re kidding right? I was a champion drinker all through my 20s and 30s and you want me to narrow it down to one drunken moment???
Rewarding moment
Every interaction with our audience is a rewarding moment.
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See The Dears on tour at one of the following UK dates:
October
Thu 5th – OXFORD – Academy 2
Fri 6th – BRIGHTON – The Haunt
Sat 7th – LONDON – Oslo
Mon 9th – PORTSMOUTH – Wedgewood Rooms
Tue 10th – MANCHESTER – Deaf Institute
Wed 11th – NEWCASTLE – Academy 2
Thu 12th – GLASGOW – King Tuts
Fri 13th – LIVERPOOL – Academy 2
Sun 15th – DUBLIN – The Grand Social
Mon 16th – BELFAST – Empire Music Hall
Fri 20th – LONDON – St Pancras Old Church (Murray Lightburn solo show)
