Six-time JUNO-nominated Canadian hardcore punk heavyweights, Cancer Bats, are set to embark on an exciting and intimate tour across Ontario. Kicking off with a handful of dates in January and followed by additional shows in March, this tour offers fans a rare chance to experience the band live while also playing a pivotal role in shaping their upcoming album. For Cancer Bats, the decision to take this more personal approach comes from the belief that true inspiration is often sparked by the energy and connection shared with their audience.

“The whole idea with this tour is to be working on new music but not to shut ourselves away in a room and overthink what Bats fans want from a new album,” shares lead vocalist Liam Cormier. “We need to play some packed rowdy shows to be immersed in the creative sweat, spit and grit of why we love playing these songs live and the pure release that we all get, band and fans, when we’re all vibing together screaming our lungs out having a blast in a small club.”

The 8-date tour will revisit key markets that were crucial to the band's early days, places where fans have been supporting them since their high school years. With each stop, the band guarantees an energetic and dynamic setlist, packed with plenty of fan favourites.

Cormier shares, “These are the true Bats fans that have been in our corner since the start and who we always want to stay connected to. So this tour is a call to all the true Bats fans who love to come and rage with us! HELP US GET STOKED TO WRITE NEW TUNES!!”

Canadian doom metal band Ethereal Tomb and Brampton hardcore unit Mile End will join the Bats on the January leg of the tour. New England extreme metal powerhouse Escuela Grind and Mile End will support for the March run. Tickets for all shows are now available to purchase. Head here for tickets.

Tour dates

January (with Ethereal Tomb & Mile End)
23 - Windsor, ON - Dominion House
24 - Barrie, ON - The Queens
25 - Guelph, ON - Sonic Hall
26 - St. Catharines, ON - The Warehouse *

* with Ethereal Tomb

March (with Escuela Grind & Mile End)
20 - Kingston, ON - The Broom Factory
21 - Toronto, ON - The Velvet Underground
22 - Hamilton, ON - Bridgeworks
23 - London, ON - Rum Runners

With almost 20 years under their belt, including seven acclaimed studio albums, six JUNO Award nominations and countless tours around the globe, Cancer Bats have become an undeniable force within the world of heavy music. One of the hardest working bands in the industry, Cancer Bats have graced the covers and pages of countless tastemaking publications.

(Photo - Derek Bremner)