The words “free” and “concert tickets” don’t usually go together, but Arizona pop-rock band The Maine is looking to change that with their upcoming fall tour. The tour begins on August 30 and will come to the Denver area on Sept. 1.
Formed in 2007 in Tempe, Arizona, The Maine is made up of John O’Callaghan (lead vocals and piano), Jared Monaco (guitar), Kennedy Brock (guitar and vocals), Garrett Nickelsen (bass) and Patrick Kirch (drums). After gaining traction online, the band began to tour both nationally and internationally. During their eight years together, they have released five albums and numerous EPs. Their most recent record is “American Candy.” The idea of a tour with free shows has been floated by The Maine for a long time, but now they have the ability to execute it in support of “American Candy.”
“We always thought that [a free tour] would be a really fun experience and something unique to do,” O’Callaghan said during a phone interview with The Clarion. “[It’s] a great way to extend our extreme appreciation for the people that allow us to make and play music. We’re fortunate that it came to fruition.”
Titled the “Free For All” tour, the shows will be played in states across the country, from Michigan to Texas to Colorado. Some of the venues will be more traditional theaters and clubs, but many shows will take place at shopping centers and other public settings. The Maine is footing the bill for many of these shows in order to rent the venue, but money is clearly not what this tour is about. They’re just excited to finally have the opportunity to bring the idea of a free tour to fruition.
O’Callaghan expressed the wish to demonstrate The Maine’s thanks to fans who have supported the band by purchasing concert tickets, albums and merchandise for the last eight years. They hope that it will be a way for fans who have been unsure about buying tickets or even unable to afford tickets see the band live. It could even make it easier for new fans to discover them.
“I think it’s also about us being excited about this new album and wanting to share this enthusiasm with people, and honestly what better way than to put something on for free,” O’Callaghan said.
Due to the unavailability of venues willing to participate in free shows, the Maine is simultaneously playing a club tour in the cities where they were unable to find places to put on a free show. While the free shows will feature a set list that highlights their newest release and pays respect to their older material, the club tour will solely feature “American Candy.” A usual set list would not allow The Maine to play every song off the album, but they wanted to opportunity to pay tribute to the time and effort they put into the record.
“It’s something that we’ve done with our past two records,” O’Callaghan said. “We put so much energy and effort into the album we’re just so excited to play these songs.”
The “American Candy” tour will not be coming to Colorado, but the “Free For All” tour will. On Sept. 1, The Maine will be playing at the Orchard Town Center in Westminster at 6 p.m. The venue is 30 minutes from DU.
“We have zero expectations [about the Free For All tour] which makes it really nerve-wracking, but really fun at the same time. We’re putting everything into the set,” said O’Callaghan. “Hopefully people show up, hopefully people appreciate the experience.”
More information can be found on the The Maine’s website, on their Facebook page and on Twitter. Their music is available on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming sources.
