Edmonton-based roots rockers Jr. Gone Wild have announced their expanded 2022 touring schedule in support of their acclaimed new album Still Got The Jacket. Kicking off with a run of shows in Alberta in March, the legendary band makes a long-overdue return to eastern Canada in April, hitting Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and three other cities. The full schedule is below, with ticket information available at the individual venues.
From 1983-1995, Jr. Gone Wild helped introduce Canada to a new musical genre, alternative country. Over the course of five acclaimed albums, the Edmonton, Alberta band fused elements of folk and rock with a punk attitude, while building a devoted fan base through epic live shows.
Now, original members Mike McDonald (guitars/vocals), Steve Loree (lead guitar) and Dave “Dove” Brown (bass) have reunited with McDonald’s nephew Quinton Herbert on drums for Still Got The Jacket, an album that incredibly sounds as if no time has passed. Over the course of 16 tracks, Still Got The Jacket burns with the old fire, while at the same time offering a fresh lyrical perspective that’s a product of hard-earned experience.
Ahead of the album’s joint release through (weewerk) and Stony Plain Records, the band has shared the power pop-infused “Girl In The Crowd” and a spot-on cover of the Chilliwack classic “Fly At Night.” Another “double single” followed, “Five Million Songs” and “Southern Cross,” bringing the twangy side of Jr. Gone Wild to the fore.
The seeds of a Jr. Gone Wild revival were planted in 2013 when the members agreed to do a short run of shows. The enthusiastic response led to more shows, as well as new songs taking shape. Sadly, drummer Larry Shelast died from a heart attack in 2019, but with Herbert taking over the kit, the band hunkered down in Loree’s studio and recorded Still Got The Jacket during the summer of 2020. On one hand, there was a sense of things coming full circle, but on the other hand it was apparent to everyone that a new, exciting chapter was just beginning.
Upon hearing Still Got The Jacket, there is little doubt Jr. Gone Wild sound as vital as they ever have. Part of that came from knowing exactly what they wanted to capture on tape for the first time, while their other primary motivation was to exceed the expectations of the loyal listeners in Canada and around the world who have kept Jr. Gone Wild’s legacy alive.
Members of Jr. Gone Wild are available for interviews.
JR. GONE WILD 2022 TOUR DATES:
March 8 (Tues) :: Wayne AB :: Last Chance Saloon
March 9 (Wed) :: Red Deer AB :: The Velvet Olive
March 10 (Thurs) :: Calgary AB :: Broken City
March 11 (Fri) :: Twin Butte AB :: Twin Butte General Store
March 12 (Sat) :: Lethbridge AB :: The Slice
April 9 (Sat) :: Edmonton AB :: Rocky Mountain Ice House
(Winterruption / Vinyl release show)
April 11 (Mon) :: Peterborough ON :: Spanky’s
April 12 (Tues) :: Ottawa ON :: Rainbow Bistro
April 13 (Wed) :: Owen Sound ON :: Heartwood Concert Hall
April 14 (Thurs) :: Toronto ON :: Dakota Tavern
(w/ Ron Hawkins & The Do Good Assassins)
April 15 (Fri) :: Montreal QC :: Turbo Haus
April 16 (Sat) :: Knowlton QC :: The Thirsty Boot
July 7 (Thurs) :: Vancouver BC :: Rickshaw Theatre
July 8-10 :: Vancouver Island Music Festival
July 30 (Sat) :: Edmonton AB :: A Taste Of Edmonton
