ESCANABA — Rock band Theory of a Deadman will take the stage at the U.P. State Fair on Friday, August 16th.

Since its beginning in 2001, Theory has landed nine songs in the Top 10 rock charts. Among those were the Number One hits “Bad Girlfriend,” “Lowlife,” “So Happy,” and “Angel.”

Tyler Connolly, singer and guitarist for Theory of a Deadman, believes that “complacency is such a disease when you’re in a band.” Therefore, he bought himself a piano. Although Connolly did not know how to play the piano, he had heard his father play for 30 years. Once he got started, he realized it was ingrained in who he was and the music began to flow. His focus shifted from music that should be played loud to writing meaningful lyrics. In this process he formed a new kind of attachment to the songs he created for Wake Up Call. Connolly wanted to tackle things that were out of his element and although the band members were surprised at the direction the songs were heading, they jumped right in and created a successful album. Despite the different direction Theory took with their songs, “(Rx) Medicate” from Wake Up Call went platinum.

Grandstand entertainment at the U.P. State Fair is free with paid admission. A limited number of Gold Circle tickets for up close seating are available by contacting the presenting sponsor, Island Resort and Casino at 877-475-7469 or online at islandresortandcasino.com.