usher enjoys solo tour

USHER ENJOYS SOLO TOUR

Author: Sandy MacDonald
Source: The Daily News
URL: www.canada.com/search/site/story.asp?id=651D56C0-06F5-4606-88A6-A4E99B216DC6
Date: October 26, 2001

When David Usher released his solo album Little Songs in 1998, he performed just one solo show for television, then went back to being the frontman for Canadian rock band Moist.

This time around, in the wake of the summer release of Morning Orbit, he’s booked himself almost 50 Canadian shows.

"I’ve never been on a solo tour before," says Usher, nursing a throbbing head from the night before. "We’ve been having just too much fun."

The dreamy singer and songwriter has put the million-selling Moist on the back burner while he focuses on his smouldering solo career. (The new live show does include a couple of Moist tunes, but it’s mostly Usher’s solo work.)

"This has pretty much taken over my life right now. And I’m very comfortable with that - I’m happy with the way the music turned out and the way the band plays live."

Usher brings his show to The Marquee tonight.

"It’s a very different thing from touring with Moist," he says, though Moistmates Kevin Young and Jeff Pearse are part of the touring band. "It’s very much like starting all over again - there’s that brand new energy where everyone’s really excited."

Moist, one of the country’s best-known rock bands, is in "indefinite hiatus, just chilling."

Meanwhile, Usher’s solo career is gathering momentum - the first single Alone In the Universe cracked rock radio’s Top 5. Black Black Heart, an intoxicating beat-heavy new single with opera samples, just went out to radio.

The album has just been released in Germany and parts of Asia, where Usher was scheduled to perform in Novemeber.

But with the edgy state of world, he’s postponed those dates until the new year.

"I’m not so worried about the travelling, but I’m responsible for a lot of people," says Usher, whose mother is from Thailand.

"When you go to Asia, you play all over the place, and things are heating up in a lot of places, including Thailand. I just want to make sure it’s cool for everyone there."

With his late fall calendar opening up, Usher says he may take the show back on the trans-Canada again - then laughs.

David Usher plays The Marquee Club tonight at 10 p.m.; tickets are $20. Arlibido opens as special guests.

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