Alan Cross is a pillars of Canada’s music journalism landscape. As a broadcaster, writer, and author, he’s shaped how fans experience rock and alternative history through radio and digital media. Best known for hosting The Ongoing History of New Music, The Secret History of Rock, and ExploreMusic, Cross blends decades of industry insight with a passion for music storytelling. His career spans hosting, writing, and touring, making him a trusted guide for music lovers across the country.
The live experience
What reaches the room
On this artist page, you’ll find a detailed biography, discography highlights, and up-to-date information about his multi-city speaking tour. Whether you’re in Ontario, British Columbia, or the Atlantic provinces, we’ll help you secure your seats and stay informed about new appearances as dates are announced.
Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Biography: Alan Cross launched his influential broadcasting career with a focus on the evolution of rock and alternative scenes. He’s authored notable works like The Alternative Music Almanac (1995) and The Science of Song, and he maintains the popular blog A Journal of Musical Things. In 2025, Cross hit the road with a multi-city speaking tour across Canada, sharing insights from decades in radio, music history, and music journalism. His touring footprint has included stops in Grimsby, Oshawa, Burnstown, Orleans, Stratford, Delhi, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, Penticton, Nelson, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Whitby, and Halifax, with fall dates in Waterloo, Vandorf, Tillsonburg, and St. Catharines. Expect thoughtful storytelling, Q&A opportunities, and an insider’s view of how music history continues to shape today’s rock and indie scenes.
Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Follow Alan Cross on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and quick takes on new music. Connect with him on X/Twitter at @alancross.
The essentials
Quick Facts About Alan Cross
Alan Cross is a Canadian radio broadcaster and writer, best known as host of The Ongoing History of New Music, The Secret History of Rock, and ExploreMusic.
The Ongoing History of New Music is a long-running Canadian radio program (began in 1993) focused on rock/alternative history, syndicated to multiple stations across Canada.
Cross is the author of music-history books such as The Alternative Music Almanac (1995) and The Science of Song, and he maintains the blog A Journal of Musical Things.
In 2025, Cross embarked a multi-city speaking tour with dates across Ontario and other provinces, plus appearances in Vancouver and Halifax (dates listed below).
Known social media presence includes an active X/Twitter profile under @alancross, with tens of thousands of followers.
Fall 2025 dates included Waterloo (Maxwell’s), Vandorf (Harmony Hall), Tillsonburg (The Mill), and St. Catharines (Warehouse) with several shows selling out or near sell-out.
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Upcoming Tour Information
Multi-city Speaking Tour across Ontario and across Canada with appearances in Vancouver and Halifax. Each date is listed as a standalone event with location-specific details.
Recent Spring 2025 dates spanned Grimsby, Oshawa, Burnstown, Orleans, Stratford, Delhi, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, Penticton, Nelson, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Whitby; Halifax dates added in April 2025.
Fall 2025 shows include Waterloo (Maxwell’s), Vandorf (Harmony Hall), Tillsonburg (The Mill), and St. Catharines (Warehouse), with several shows selling out or nearing capacity.
To secure your seats, check the event pages for each city date. We’ve got you covered with reliable ticketing and clear, no-nonsense purchase options.