Theory of a Deadman

Theory of a Deadman Overview:

Theory of a Deadman were both helped and hindered by their connection to their fellow Canadian rockers, Nickelback. Like Nickelback, whose Chad Kroeger signed the band to a label deal at the beginning of the 21st century, Theory of a Deadman play hard rock that emphasizes a man’s-man grittiness. The rock songs tend to be adorned with thick slabs of slow, distorted guitars, while their ballads have the same groaning angst that Kroeger made his specialty. Still, these comparisons didn’t keep Theory of a Deadman from being successful in their own right, although nowhere near the level of Nickelback.

Theory of a Deadman's Origins:

Forming in Vancouver, Canada, Theory of a Deadman are a trio consisting of frontman Tyler Connolly, bassist Dean Back and guitarist David Brenner. They’ve used different drummers on their albums and on tour, but none of them have been officially added to the group’s lineup. The band came to the attention of Chad Kroeger after Connolly gave him a demo. Soon after, Kroeger signed Theory to his label, 604 Records.

Standing in Nickelback's Shadow:

The band’s 2002 self-titled debut rarely strayed from the Nickelback sound, not surprising since Kroeger contributed to much of the songwriting. Connolly’s voice displayed a similarity to Kroeger’s deep-toned delivery, and the songs dealt with relationships and disillusionment. As a way to boost their songs’ visibility, Theory of a Deadman created a video for the ballad “Make Up Your Mind” that featured a beautiful actress as its main character. This strategy would continue to be incorporated for future singles. Ultimately, Theory of a Deadman was a bigger hit in the band’s native Canada than in the U.S.

Playing With 'Gasoline':

2005’s Gasoline was filled with more songs about bad girlfriends, but Theory of a Deadman managed to move away from the Nickelback formula a bit, such as on the pop-minded “No Surprise,” which was another example of a video that put a sexy woman front and center. Though Connolly’s lyrics were candid and vulnerable, too often his attacks on his ex got uncomfortably close to feeling misogynistic. (Ironically, in the band’s videos, the women were usually the wronged party.) Gasoline landed four singles onto the Mainstream Rock chart, and the album cracked the Top 60 of the Billboard album chart.

Finding Success With a "Bad Girlfriend":

Theory of a Deadman enjoyed their greatest radio success with 2008’s Scars & Souvenirs. The first two singles, “So Happy” and “Bad Girlfriend,” were both big hits, finding the group adopting a flashier style that sounded less indebted to grunge. Connolly hadn’t adjusted his subject matter much – his central theme remained “Women: can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em” – but at least the group’s songwriting was becoming more hooky and engaging. And, suggesting their appeal with a largely male fan base, the women in their videos were getting sexier and sexier.

Current Lineup:

Dean Back – bass
David Brenner – guitar
Tyler Connolly – vocals, guitar

Key Theory of a Deadman Songs:

“Say Goodbye”
“So Happy”
“Bad Girlfriend”

Discography:

Theory of a Deadman (2002)
Gasoline (2005)
Scars & Souvenirs (2008)

Theory of a Deadman Quotes:

Tyler Connolly, on trying new lyrical themes for Scars & Souvenirs.
“Lyrically, I’ve always been the guy that’s written songs about breakups. People have said, ‘Man, your breakup songs speak to me.’ Yeah, it’s great doing that, but at the same time, I wanted to think three-dimensionally with the lyrics on this record. It’s fresh to write songs just for fun and not to think about breakups.”

Tyler Connolly, on loving Los Angeles, where he wrote the songs for Scars & Souvenirs.
“I don’t know why people have a problem with it. I think it’s great. Maybe it’s because I didn’t actually work there, and I didn’t have to drive in traffic every day.”

Dean Back, on the improvements from Theory of a Deadman to Gasoline.
“The first album, we had a lot of songs that were sort of half-written, and we went into the studio sort of with half-songs, and it was more of a struggle to try and finish the songs. I think we learned a lot the first time and being on the road, which I think helped us with writing the second album in a short time.”

Dean Back, on his influences.
“I grew up listening to rock music like Guns N’ Roses ... the Seattle scene was a huge influence on all of us.”

Theory of a Deadman Trivia:

• The band’s name comes from a song title off their first album. Ultimately, the band decided they liked the title so much that they used it as their band name. The song was renamed “The Last Song.”
• Tyler Connolly is married to actress Christine Danielle, who appeared in Underworld: Evolution and In the Land of Women.
• Theory of a Deadman have toured with 3 Doors Down, Saliva and Three Days Grace.
• Tyler Connolly played guitar on “Hero,” the Chad Kroeger contribution to the Spider-Man soundtrack.