WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Winnipeg-based punk rock band The Bloodshots have released their latest single, “Scream!,” alongside a new music video as they embark on an extensive Canadian tour running through December 12, 2026.
The group’s Screamin’ Across Canada tour includes performances across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. Several October concerts will feature The Bloodshots alongside Australian rock band The Lazys during their Too Tough To Die Tour.
The new release marks another development for the independent Canadian rock group, which has built a national following through live performances, music awards and collaborations with established touring acts.
The Bloodshots Turn Live Performance Riff Into New Single ‘Scream!’
The band’s latest track originated from a guitar riff frequently played by frontman CJ Loane while preparing for performances.
According to the group, the riff gradually developed into a complete song after other members began contributing musical arrangements.
“‘Scream!’ came from a warmup riff that front man CJ Loane would always fiddle with in an ADHD kind of way every time his guitar got plugged in,” the band says. “Since he does have ADHD, it became habit for him and the other band members started crafting the song from that one riff. When we started playing it, the audiences fed off of it and started acting accordingly with the synchronized fist pumping.”
The positive audience response encouraged the musicians to record the track and release it commercially.
Recording Focuses on Raw Rock Energy
The Bloodshots recorded “Scream!” at a studio located near Highway 1 in Manitoba, aiming to preserve the intensity of their live performances.
Rhythm guitarist Keith Skazyk contributed bass arrangements during recording, while drummer Ben Hodges added vocal elements. Loane provided lead vocals and guitar.
The band produced the single independently, with Loane credited as its songwriter.
The accompanying music video reflects the group’s performance-oriented approach, emphasizing the energy associated with its punk and alternative rock influences.
Cross-Canada Tour Includes Major Western and Ontario Markets
The Screamin’ Across Canada tour began its October schedule with an October 9 performance in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
The group is scheduled to perform in Thunder Bay on October 10 and Winnipeg on October 11 before travelling west for concerts in Regina, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary.
British Columbia Concerts Scheduled Throughout October
The British Columbia portion includes stops in Cranbrook, Kamloops, Chilliwack, Victoria, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Vancouver and Kelowna.
The Vancouver performance is scheduled for October 27 at The Roxy Cabaret.
Additional November appearances include Prince George, Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Weyburn and Brandon.
The tour returns to Ontario later in November, with performances scheduled in Hamilton, Peterborough, Deseronto and Kingston.
December dates include Ottawa, Toronto, Oshawa, London and Windsor before the tour concludes in Kenora, Ontario, on December 12.
Indigenous Frontman Leads Award-Winning Canadian Rock Group
Loane, an Indigenous musician from Manitoba’s Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation, leads The Bloodshots on vocals and lead guitar.
The lineup also includes Skazyk on rhythm guitar and vocals, Ian Powell on bass and Hodges on drums.
The band describes its musical style as Nu Grunge Punk ‘n Roll, combining influences associated with Nirvana, Green Day, The Offspring and Rise Against.
The Bloodshots have previously performed alongside established rock acts including The Headstones, Danko Jones, Buckcherry, Steel Panther, Econoline Crush and Slash.
Their performance history also includes an appearance at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles.
Previous Singles Earn Industry Recognition
The group’s single “No Way Out” received Best Rock Video honours at both the Indigenous Superstar Awards and Native American Music Awards.
The Bloodshots have also received a Best Rock Band nomination at the Indigenous Music Awards.
Three earlier singles, “Empty,” “Every Time I Die” and “Gettin’ Around,” reached No. 1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown.
“Every Time I Die” earned the band a SOCAN award, while another SOCAN award is expected for the chart performance of “Gettin’ Around.”
New Music and Touring Support The Bloodshots’ 2026 Momentum
With “Scream!” and “Gettin’ Around” being promoted to radio, The Bloodshots are combining new recordings with an extensive national touring schedule.
The latest release and accompanying video provide additional material for the band’s concerts as it continues expanding its presence within Canada’s independent rock music sector.
The Screamin’ Across Canada tour is scheduled to conclude December 12 in Kenora, marking the end of a multi-province concert run spanning more than two months.
Discover more from Wire Service Canada
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.