Barenaked Ladies Version 2 returns to Edmonton
It was tough there for a while, but Barenaked Ladies have proven themselves a worthy creative force without their former lead singer Steven Page (who left in 2009 in the wake of a cocaine scandal) – and survived all the jokes about them being the Canadian Van Halen minus either David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar.
Loss leader
Playing at the Jubilee Auditorium Tuesday, Nov. 3, the band returns to Edmonton as part of a Canadian tour behind their upcoming album, Silverball. With Alan Doyle from Great Big Sea opening, tickets are $39 to $88 (plus service charges) and go on sale this Friday. The pre-sale starts Thursday. Each online ticket purchase comes with a free (digital) copy of the new record, released June 2. Free! Ponder the value of the almighty “album” – once the driving force of the music industry – since relegated to an add-on perk to where the real money is being made. In the live show. As it should be? Debate this another time.
As for the Ladies’ uncanny ability to adapt to what is basically a new line-up, these Canadians fare far better than similar classic rock bands that limp from casino to casino featuring band members of questionable origin. Ed Robertson has more or less stepped into the frontman’s spotlight, backed up by formidable musicians whose latent talents have been shining through, especially the quirky “new” keyboardist Kevin Hearn (there since 1995). Drummer Tyler Stewart has also stepped up to fill the tragic clown shoes of their former wacky lead singer.
Both Page and his old band still enjoy thriving careers, and are still worth seeing live. Or hearing on record, for what it’s worth.
If you just can’t wait till November in Edmonton, and if you have money and a valid passport, BNL is playing shows across the US this summer on the Last Summer on Earth 2015 tour – with the Violent Femmes!
