Canadian hard rock group Theory of a Deadman has spent the last decade releasing albums, compiling top 10 hits in both Canada and the U.S., touring in both countries, and developing a strong following with their fans.

Their latest tour is taking them across Canada with fellow Canuck rock group Big Wreck. The two bands will bring their co-headlining show to Spectra Place on Sunday, December 9 at 7 p.m.

Theory of a Deadman guitarist Dave Brenner said the concerts have been great thus far, and Big Wreck has been terrific to tour with.

“We're digging the band,” said Brenner. “We've known a bunch of those guys for a long time, and we're meeting a lot of them for the first time on this run. Their crew has been great with our crew.”

They haven't had any issues with coordinating the concerts, he said. Each band has a 75-minute set to play their music, and neither band has been concerned with who has been the opening act, and which one has had to close out the concert.

“It seems like whoever is playing first is playing for the most people,” said Brenner.

During the eastern Canada dates, Big Wreck was typically the closing act, he said. Brenner expects that the B.C.-based Theory of a Deadman will likely be the final band on stage for the western Canada shows.

Brenner admitted that he wasn't sure what to expect from touring Canada with Big Wreck, and he has been pleased with how the two groups have gelled.

The crowds have also been excellent each night, he said.

This is the final promotional tour for Theory of a Deadman's 2011 album "The Truth is…" and the band wanted the album's last tour to be a good one. 

Brenner said Theory of a Deadman has spent nearly 21 months travelling to promote “The Truth is...”. They'll start working on a new album in 2013, but they have yet to decide which songs will be included.

The U.S. has been a very lucrative market for the band. Two of their songs, “Bad Girlfriend” and “Lowlife,” have been No. 1 hits on the U.S. rock charts. Seven of their songs have gained top 10 status. And their music has been incorporated into movie soundtracks, or used for other promotional reasons for prominent events.

Their success south of the border is a reflection of their work ethic and desire, Brenner said.

“We just went there and toured, and toured, and toured, and we built it through touring,” said Brenner. “It took a long time, and we played a lot of shows while opening for bands, in which they were the only other ones in the club. And now 10 years later, we can go play in some really great-sized rooms, and fill them up.”

They received a confidence boost when songs like “Nothing Could Come Between Us” and “Make Up Your Mind” reached top-20 status on the U.S. rock charts. Band members recognize that success in the music business can be fleeting, and so they have to maintain their work ethic in the U.S.

Theory of a Deadman hasn't shunned Canada, either, and they have been a big draw in Canada since they debuted in 2001. But Brenner said Canadian content requirements on radio stations, and other requirements, allow for radio to give upstart homegrown bands an opportunity for success, and the U.S. doesn't have anything similar.

Tickets are still available for the concert, which is being presented by Estevan Lifestyles Publications.