"I've got depraved chimps dressed up in women's underwear"
Of all the bands ever in the history of rock 'n' roll, Barenaked Ladies are the best. Barenaked Ladies began as a duo with Steven Page and Ed Robertson in the rock and roll capital of Canada Scarborough, Ontario. In 1988, Scarborough, Ontario was the centre of the Universe, the same year Mike Myers was cast as on Saturday Night Live bringing his bizarre characters to late night television. Barenaked Ladies quickly established a cult fan base in the Canadian music scene that expanded into a national phenomenon. By combining warm melodies with catchy lyrics they have attracted millions of gullible fans. Their musical precision is breathtaking, and lyrics profound with a touch of genius. Everyone loves Barenaked Ladies, but what about the band. These are the Barenaked Ladies.
The Man. The Legend.
The Nerd. Can we ever really know Steven Page? The answer, Yes. Steven Page is the
lead singer/guitarist of Barenaked Ladies. He is considered by fans the John Lennon of
Barenaked Ladies, except ten times a bigger than God. His songs are insightful,
beautiful, breathtaking and sometimes pessimistic. His phenomenal voice sends shivers down
spines with sparking a variety of emotions. Steven Page
is also considered sexy by many isolated, very
isolated cultures. He is also very politically active, supporting the
NDP party as well as sitting on the board of Canadian literature. Steve lives in Toronto with his wife Carolyn and their
three children Isaac, Benjamin and Jonah.
Quote: "I have to set an example for the young people. And that is, be a fat guy with bad hair."
Photo courtesy of Tech Photograph
Ed
Robertson knew Steven Page since grade school, together they created Barenaked
Ladies when they were band geeks at the Scarborough music camp. This is where Barenaked
Ladies were born and the world has never been the same. Ed had become
known as the
king of acoustic hip-hop. He is a huge influence in everyone's life. Ed is the
fun member of Barenaked Ladies, his masterpieces such as "One Week" and
"Another Postcard" have brought Barenaked Ladies to the radio instilled
youth. Ed sings many of the main vocals with Steve and plays the guitar and
electric bass. This year Ed has dazzled audiences with a string of cinematic
triumphs,
including this summer's blockbuster Charlie's
Angels: Full Throttle(2003). He also touched the Toronto Film Festival inappropriately
with the Canadian film, Love,
Sex and Eating the Bones(2003). Ed is happily married to Natalie and lives
in Toronto with his three children Hanna, Lyle, and Arden.
Quote: "We're in a band called Barenaked Ladies, you might remember us from when you used to beat us up in high school."
Photo courtesy of As Blue As His Eyes BBS
Jim
Creeggan's
double bass is the backbone of Barenaked Ladies. Also known as "Carrot Top"
he is one the world's great bass players. Jim joined Barenaked Ladies with his brother Andy back in 1989, when they toured with the stage name
Boy
Georges' Boys. Jim began music at a very young age singing with his brother at
family gatherings. He is a brilliant bass player that can play all night long. It's actually quite a wistful
experience to witness.
Jim's bass gives Barenaked Ladies a dimension absent in most rock bands. In
addition to the band, Jim has a side project
with his brother Andy, aptly titled Brothers Creeggan. Listen to "Lila",
it is a very beautiful song.
*Note: Steve and Ed convinced Jim to drop out of music college to go on the road with Barenaked Ladies and pursue national fame.
Quote: "I'm not a vegetarian. I just look like one"
Photo courtesy of Rock Publication
If Steve is the
John Lennon of Barenaked Ladies, it is fair to say Kevin is the Yoko Ono. Kevin
Hearn is a multi-talented musician who joined Barenaked Ladies in 1995 after
the departure of Andy Creeggan. His quirky musical imprints can be seen in the
bands most recent albums. Kevin is an eclectic musician, you can hear him
play keyboards, piano, organs, sampler, clavinet, accordion, acoustic and
electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, glockenspiel, vibraphone, synthesizer, and
saw. He also normally backs the lead vocals for the band. In 2000, Kevin recorded "Hidden
Sun" as a bonus track for the Maroon album, a touching, warm song
he wrote about his battle with leukemia. Kevin also has a solo band called Kevin
Hearn and Thin Buckle which hits the road when Barenaked Ladies are
on vacation. Their next album Nightlight is expected to be in record
stores January 2004.
Quote: "I'd like the vegetarian sub. Can I get some bacon on that?"
Photo courtesy of stayingalive.net
Tyler Stewart is the
slack-ass drummer of Barenaked Ladies and is the mature one in the group as
you can see here. In 1990, Tyler saw Barenaked Ladies perform at a Buskers
Festival and immediately got naked. Steve, Ed, Jim and Andy were sickened, but
allowed him to join the band anyway. In the off time from Barenaked Ladies, Tyler enjoys eating
spinach and brownies and watching any kind of pornography possible.
Quote: "There's nothing wrong with a good spanking to put things in perspective. I'm surprised at how many people enjoy spanking. I'm not one for receiving pain."
Photo courtesy of Maybe You Should Drive
* Notable Mention: "In the Car" and "Too Little, Too Late" "It's All been Done"... I love all their songs!
The
latest and greatest album from Barenaked Ladies "Everything to Everyone" was
released October 21st 2003. Get it today! Listen for the catchy tracks "Maybe Katie"
"Testing 1,2,3" and "Upside Down". It has everything a fan
could ask for. This could
quite possibly be their best album yet, but don't take my word for it... I can't
stand the band!
An idiots Guide to Barenaked Ladies
A site devoted to the black cords worn by Steven Page
The Creeggan Brothers Official Site
Catch the Ladies online doing some serious bloging
If you are a pathetic, sad, sick individual proudly click here!
