There are a ton of amazing Canadian bands, however not many make a living creating music. So it’s pretty exciting when a band from Burlington, Ontario makes it big in Canada, and then explodes in the United States, and then starts making the big money. It’s even more amazing when they become the theme song for WWE. We spoke to the guys from Finger Eleven about their new release “Life Turns Electric” and their struggle to the top.
Finger Eleven’s “Paralyzer” has set a download record.
According to Nielsen SoundScan RTD Digital Track Chart, the Finger Eleven single is Canada’s most downloaded track by a Canadian artist.
“To have been told of this amazing news, it completely overwhelms me and the rest of the band,” says the band’s drummer, Rich Beddoe.
“When we wrote this song, we never could have imagined how far it would take the band and just how many people would react to it.
“We are honoured to be just a little part of musical history.”
The track is also popular south of the border, where Americans have downloaded it more than 2.2 million times. This makes it the 19th best-selling download of all time.
Finger Eleven also recently took a title from fellow Canadian rockers Nickelback. “Paralyzer” was locked in at #1 on the Canadian rock radio chart for 14 weeks–breaking Nickelback’s record for the most weeks spent at the top of the chart.
Finger Eleven will be hitting Canadian stages next month. Here are their Canadian tour dates:
* July 8 — Calgary, AB for the Calgary Stampede
* July 19 — Grand Falls, NL for Salmonfest
* Aug. 8 — Brandon, MB for X Fest
* Aug. 16 –Chatham, ON for Rockstock Festival
* Aug. 29 — Gatineau, QC for Le Festival De Montgolfieres De Gatineau
Feist, Michael Bublé and Finger Eleven will be among the performers at this year’s Juno awards.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, who organizes the annual celebration of Canadian music, unveiled the first slate of performers on Tuesday. Additional acts are expected to be revealed next Monday, a day before the nominees for the 2008 awards are announced.
“Having artists such as Feist, Finger Eleven and Michael Bublé perform on the same night will be an incredible experience for the fans and audiences watching worldwide,” said CARAS president Melanie Berry.
“What a great way to show off our homegrown talent.”
Feist previously won new artist of the year and best alternative album, for “Let It Die,” at the 2005 gala.
This year’s ceremony will honour broadcasting mogul Moses Znaimer and country singer Paul Brandt with the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award and the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, respectively.
The Junos are set to take place April 6 at Calgary’s Saddledome. In celebration, the city will host three days of festivities beginning April 4 and set to a “Wild West” theme.
Finger Eleven will end a big year with a big bang.
The Burlington rockers are dropping by 299 Queeen St. West on Dec. 17 for a Live@Much.
Starting 8 p.m., the band will answer audience and viewer questions via phone, email, text and Speakers’ Corner and, of course, play some tunes.
Finger Eleven have had a busy 12 months, releasing a new album “Them vs. You vs. Me,” touring the U.S. with Evanescence and scoring gigs both on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and at the 2007 NHL awards show.
They also performed their single “Paralyzer” atop the roof of the MuchMusic building at the MMVAs, accompanied by a heavy-duty display of fireworks.
For a chance to get wristbands to Finger Eleven’s Live@Much, watch MuchOnDemand on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. ET.
For information on how to email or text your questions for the band, go to http://www.muchmusic.com/events/liveatmuch/fingereleven/.
