"If we're going to keep touring like this, we need some kind of new story, a new life, something," the band's frontman Black Francis (born Charles Thompson) told the New York Times when asked why the band is adding new music to their influential discography. Pixies have been on a roll since reforming in 2004, playing 324 shows to the tune of $65 million in ticket sales.

"I hate to say it, but I'm not going to let one snafu get in the way," guitarist Joey Santiago said in regards to the departure of Deal, with Kim Shattuck of the Muffs taking her place on tour. "It's time to put on the guitar. It's time to shine. No one is going to take that away from me."