The Barenaked Ladies just announced on their website that singer-guitarist-co-founder Steven Page is leaving the band to pursue solo projects (including a career in theater), though the remaining four members of the Toronto-based group will continue recording and touring without him. Which, of course, immediately raises the question, "The Barenaked Ladies still tour and record?" Apparently so. I’ll refrain from any fish-in-a-barrel snark (especially because Page has had a bit of a rough year), and instead politely point out that in addition to their Grammy-nominated monster hit "One Week" (a song you totally know, that at some point likely made you consider running into a brick wall to get out of your head), BnL are responsible for the greatest collection of Hanukkah songs of all time, albeit nestled in between a bunch of Christmas songs on their 2004 record Barenaked for the Holidays. And yes, that superlative does take into consideration both Kenny Ellis’ Hanukkah Swings AND Oy to the World. So that’s saying something.
Anyone saddened by this news? Will this mean the end of Barenaked Ladies? Other than Adam Sandler and his "Hanukkah Song," who holds a candle (get it: Hanukkah? Candle!) to BnL’s musical tribute to the festival of lights?
I consider myself a BnL fan so I’m mildly bummed, but they’ve kinda been losing steam in recent years. They should probably just call it quits.
What? When did this happen?
Steven Page leaving is huge news (for BNL fans like myself). It will be interesting to see how they function without him and how long he’ll be gone. He’s been taking a weird turn lately though.
Mike Bruno who? Seriously, I put Barenaked Ladies into Google and up comes this dope whom I’ve never heard of. Talk about a tree falling in the woods.
He’s the chubby one right?
The writer has obviously never listened to the fine work of The LeeVees… http://www.theleevees.com/ Adam from Guster and Dave from The Zambonis make for the best Hanukkah band ever!
Red.. I have to say it, if you’re not incredibly bummed, you’re not a diehard BNL fan. And as someone who has seen several shows in the past two years, they certainly haven’t lost any steam.
Today is a sad day.
Dudes! You just got spamed by ‘Megan;!
The last album was great. It’s really too bad it had to come to this.
Um – yes, they still record and tour. They might not be selling multimillions, but they still pack arenas for their concerts. I’m bummed – I’ve seen them live 4 times now – always a great show! I’m not surprised, given the events of the past year for Page. His contributions to the band seem to be diminishing on each successive album. I didn’t care for his solo stuff much either. Hopefully he’ll return.
“By mutual agreement” usually means they can’t deal with his behavioral problems anymore.
This is somewhat big news here in Canada. That’s cute that you went the snarky route though. It’s not like Canadians read your magazine or have Internet access anyway.
BNL have been my favourite band since Gordon came out when I was 6 years old. It was a family car trip staple, and I have had them in my life like my mother had the Beatles; always dependable, always intersting and always GOOD. For Steve to leave is really sad news, his voice is so very unique that it will change the sound of the group..hopefully the boys keep playing, I know I’ll follow them..
Don’t forget, they also contributed the theme song for The Big Bang Theory. Too bad but not surprising given his drug arrest.
Obviously, the writer isn’t a fan and that’s ok. Page will be missed. I’ve seen BnL in concert 5 times and they put on an awesome show. The quality of albums have regressed over the years, but they are all very talented. Boo hoo.
Mike, your not a fan. Its obvious. But don’t be a dick. Thanks!