1982–1995: Formation and Canadian popularity Strange Advance was initially made up of Drew Arnott (keyboards, percussion, vocals), Darryl Kromm (lead vocals, guitars), and Paul Iverson (bass). The three met in
Vancouver and founded the group in 1980. Initially called
Metropolis, they changed their name after discovering a band in Germany using "
Metropolis". The group's first album,
Worlds Away featured the title track, "Worlds Away", which saw modest airplay in North American markets in 1983. The album was produced by
Bruce Fairbairn, known for his work with
Loverboy and
Prism, but featured a very different sound from those groups. In 1995, the Strange Advance compilation album
Worlds Away & Back featured a mix of previously released material, outtakes, remixes, demos, and three newly recorded tracks—one from 1991, and two from 1995.
2016–2018: Remastering and crowdfunding campaign On 24 June 2016,
The Distance Between was remastered and re-released on CD with two bonus tracks, an extended club mix of "Love Becomes Electric" and the previously unreleased song, "Flow My Tears". In December 2018,
Worlds Away was remastered and re-released on CD with two bonus tracks, the UK Dance Mix of "Love Games" (transferred from vinyl) and the b-side to "She Controls Me" – "Lost in Your Eyes". This marked the first time their debut has seen a CD release of any kind, despite the albums' popularity. This release is only available in the Philippines, on the Sound Philosophy label, which is a new boutique label for titles not released on CD. This version appears to be sourced from the master tapes. On 17 September 2018, Drew Arnott announced a crowdfunding campaign on Facebook to finance a summer 2019 Strange Advance reunion tour. The fundraising was successful, and the band (minus Kromm) planned to perform in 2019 for the Radical Orbits Tour. Unfortunately, due to cancellations and delays, including Covid-19, the tour was rescheduled.
2022–present: Reunion and touring In April 2022, the new line up of, Drew Arnott (lead vocals, keyboards), Sean Dillion (lead vocals, guitar), Ian Cameron (guitar, violin, backing vocals), Rob Bailey (keyboards), Ross Friesen (drums, backing vocals), and Alex Boynton (bass), played their first show at the Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Radical Orbits Tour also included dates in Ontario. In 2023, the Worlds Away 40th anniversary tour included dates in Victoria, British Columbia, several dates in Ontario and New Westminster, British Columbia. Strange Advance continues in 2024 with Peter Trotzuk on bass and backing vocals. The current tour started in Victoria, British Columbia in May and will include Canada's largest free outdoor concert, The Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, Ontario in June. More dates TBA. ==Discography==