Vancouver band to tour over 16 countries in 38 days, including stops in Syria, Iraq, and Mongolia
Vancouver’s own Big City Germs, a punk trio with a penchant for techno, is embarking on a unique journey this year, taking their noisy, raucous music to some unconventional venues around the globe. The band has been making waves since its inception in 2022, initially gaining traction at LanaLou’s, a popular spot for indie music in the local scene. From there, they’ve been on the move, touring relentlessly and building a dedicated fan base.
Following two successful cross-Canada tours, including a memorable stop at the iconic Westminster Hotel in Dawson City, the band took on the challenge of a 21-city European tour in just 25 days back in 2024. Now, not content with past achievements, the trio, consisting of lead singer and guitarist Kevin McCauley, guitarist and vocalist Ivan Flores, and drummer Kristoff Meier, are gearing up for their most ambitious tour yet – the “38 Dates Later” world tour.
This new adventure will see Big City Germs performing at various venues across the globe, from Tokyo to Turkey, with numerous stops in between. The tour itinerary includes some less-traveled destinations such as Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, Mongolia, Nepal, and Syria. According to the band, there is a growing demand globally for their high-energy tunes, with hits like “Do It” resonating with audiences around the world.
“We wanted to do another international tour, and Japan seemed like the logical next step with its vibrant music scene and extensive network of live venues,” explained McCauley. “But we wanted to push the boundaries further and explore off-the-beaten-path locations. Taiwan quickly followed Japan, and things escalated from there.”
Having previously lived in Shanghai and performed at prominent venues like the Venetian Macau casino, McCauley’s connections in the region were instrumental in securing concert opportunities in China. Despite Canadians now enjoying visa-free travel to China, the band still had to navigate the process of obtaining permits from local authorities for their shows in the country, a task that involved providing translations of their song lyrics.
With their upcoming world tour, Big City Germs is not only showcasing their music on a global stage but also immersing themselves in diverse cultures and connecting with fans from different parts of the world. This journey promises to be a remarkable experience for the band, offering new insights, challenges, and opportunities for growth as musicians and individuals.