Just before the start of his mini-tour, Cockburn will release Anything Anytime Anywhere (Singles 1979-2002). The album highlights the folk-rocker’s popular songs (he’s huge in Canada, trust us) such as “If I Had A Rocket Launcher,” “Last Night Of The World,” “My Beat,” and “Lovers In A Dangerous Time.”

Armed with his guitar and voice, Cockburn is known for his political and humanitarian activism. While his music has evolved over the course of his career, the themes he addresses – oppression, injustice, environmental concerns, human rights – have been consistent from the start.

He’s participated in each of the Landmine Free World tours, promoting landmine awareness. The most recent shows in the series took place December 2-7, with event founder Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith and Patty Griffin joining Cockburn in the campaign.

In October, Cockburn came out of his year-long sabbatical to participate in the Music Without Borders Live concert. The charity event raised money for various groups supporting the needs of victims in Afghanistan. Cockburn was chosen by the other artists – including The Tragically Hip, Alanis Morissette and Barenaked Ladies – to participate and “was quite happy to do it after he knew where the money was going,” manager Bernie Finkelstein told Pollstar.

“People are, I think, rightly concerned that we better do something to offset the militarization of everything,” Cockburn said in a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation interview following the concert.

The musician has recently been the subject of an hour-long documentary by the CBC. “My Beat: The Life And Times Of Bruce Cockburn” aired last month and explored the works and passions of the much admired performer.