Glass Tiger is proving great music – and great friendships – stand the test of time. The Canadian rock band is back on the road with their “This Island Earth Tour,” making stops across the country, including three shows in the Maritimes this week.
Keyboardist Sam Reid says fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and surprises.
“Mr. Connolly (guitarist) is singing a song, and we’ve got a lovely little Celtic acoustic moment where Alan sings some Scottish songs and shares some stories,” Reid said. “And, of course, all the hits you like to hear.”
Adding to the nostalgia, the band is joined on tour by former Much Music VJ Erica Ehm.
“Back in the day, when we started with our videos, Erica was just starting on television… she probably interviewed the band more than anyone at Much Music,” Reid said. “It’s a lot of fun to have her out, bringing a little retro moment back to the audience.”
For Sam Reid, touring the Maritimes is extra special.
“On a personal level, my dad was a Newfoundlander, so I love coming to the East Coast. I have a lot of family in Halifax, N.S.,” he said.
The region holds a unique charm for lead singer Alan Frew.
“It’s the one place in Canada that certainly makes me think of Scotland and the old country,” Frew said. “And I’ve always equated the East Coast, kind of to what Nashville is to the States, because everybody plays, some guy’s got a fiddle, a shaker, a guitar.”
This tour isn’t just about performing – it’s a celebration. After four decades together, Glass Tiger is set to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame later this year, an honor that highlights the band’s lasting impact.
“The thing that always comes to the forefront for me is the fact that we’re still friends, we still like each other, and we have fun when we tour,” Frew said.
Beyond the accolades, the band is still making meaningful music. On Tuesday, Frew posted a new tune, “Canada’s Song,” a tribute to the country’s resilience, freedom, and beauty.
“You know, the environment we’re living in, there’s always going to be anger, crime, and immigration discussions,” Frew said. “But we’re still in one of the greatest countries on the planet. We’re still free to be who we want, say what we want, and be with who we want.”
Fans won’t have to wait long to hear “Canada’s Song” live. Glass Tiger will debut the song during their show in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Thursday night.
“I just wanted to have a song on behalf of the band that encourages the fact that we are Canadians and we’re stronger together.”
While Glass Tiger has achieved chart-topping success, Frew says their biggest achievement is the fans who have supported them through the years.
“The band is only as good as its audience and we owe this legacy to them,” he said. “Without them, you’d look pretty silly up there playing an empty hall.”
With a career spanning over 40 years, Glass Tiger is showing no signs of slowing down.
“We’ve seen a lot of bands come and go, but we’re still here. And it feels good,” said guitar player Al Connolly.
The “This Island Earth Tour” continues this week, with stops in Charlottetown, Moncton, and Halifax.
