Haken Announces North American Tour: An Evening with Haken
UK progressive-metal stalwarts Haken have revealed plans for their highly anticipated return to the United States this year. The tour, titled An Evening with Haken, promises an exciting experience for fans as the band will perform their latest album, Fauna, in its entirety, along with a selection of tracks from their extensive discography.
Why Now? A New Format for Fans
In a recent conversation, frontman Ross Jennings expressed excitement about this being the band’s first “Evening With” headlining tour in North America. He stated, “It has become increasingly challenging in recent years to narrow down our ever-growing catalog to a setlist of a mere 100 minutes. As a sign of our appreciation for the support over the years, we wanted to give our fans a little bit extra this time around.”
Full Album Performance: What to Expect
Fans can look forward to hearing the entire Fauna album live. Jennings highlighted their pride in the record, noting its positive reception as one of the standout albums of 2023. Additionally, the band plans to include a selection of songs from their entire catalog, ensuring that both new and long-time fans can enjoy a well-rounded representation of Haken’s musical journey.
Crafting the Setlist: A Delicate Balance
When it comes to curating the setlist, Jennings explained the process: “We’ve handpicked a mixture of classic Haken tracks, some fan favorites, band favorites, some we haven’t played for a while, and a couple of songs that we’ve never played before. So I think we’re all in for a bit of a rollercoaster ride.” This thoughtful approach aims to create an engaging experience that highlights the band’s evolution over the years.
The Evolution of Haken: 15 Years in the Making
Reflecting on nearly 15 years since their debut album, Jennings discussed how the band has evolved. He noted, “We’ve taken our listeners through a myriad of styles and approaches on our albums over the years, which has kept things fresh and interesting for both the band and the listener.” The collaborative songwriting process has become more pronounced, with Fauna serving as a prime example of their growth, while maintaining a focus on strong riffs and memorable choruses.
Live Performance Preferences
When asked about preferences between long epics and shorter songs during live performances, Jennings stated, “We typically aim to strike a nice balance for our audience.” The ebb and flow of the setlist is crucial, but the priority remains ensuring that each song sounds its best in a live setting.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans
After the North American tour, Haken will take a brief hiatus before embarking on their first shows in Japan, a prospect Jennings expressed excitement about.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
Fans can catch Haken on the following dates:
- 2/10 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- 2/11 – House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
- 2/13 – The Depot, Salt Lake City, UT
- 2/15 – Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO
- 2/17 – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, Fort Worth, TX
- 2/18 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston, TX
- 2/20 – Delmar Hall, St Louis, MO
- 2/21 – Bogart’s, Cincinnati, OH
- 2/22 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN
- 2/23 – The Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
- 2/24 – St. Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI
- 2/25 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
- 2/27 – Roxian Theatre, McKees Rocks, PA
- 2/28 – Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore, MD
- 2/29 – Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
- 3/1 – Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA
- 3/2 – Palladium Times Square, New York, NY
- 3/3 – The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ
- 3/5 – The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
- 3/6 – Center Stage, Atlanta, GA
Conclusion
Haken’s upcoming tour promises to be a memorable experience for fans, featuring a comprehensive showcase of their musical evolution and the entirety of their acclaimed album, Fauna. With a thoughtful setlist and a commitment to delivering high-quality performances, Haken is poised to create unforgettable evenings across North America.
FAQs
What is the concept of the “Evening With Haken” tour?
The tour will feature the band performing their latest album, Fauna, in its entirety, along with select tracks from their entire catalog.
How long will the concerts be?
The concerts are expected to last longer than the typical 100 minutes, allowing for a more extensive exploration of Haken’s music.
Will Haken be playing any songs they’ve never performed live before?
Yes, the band has included a couple of songs in the setlist that they have never played live before.
When will Haken be touring Japan?
Haken will be heading to Japan for their first shows shortly after the North American tour concludes.