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blog post TCNH: Steven Page Leaves Barenaked Ladies!

posted by Craig Norris on Feb 25, 2009

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It's Water Cooler Wednesday here on The Craig Norris Hour. The day where you control the comments! We gather around our cyber water cooler and discuss the issues of the day.

And I'm guessing that the biggest musical news of the day is that Steven Page has left The Barenaked Ladies. Wow. I remember seeing he and Ed Robertson as a duo the year before they released their famous cassette. The band says that they will continue, going into studio this spring and touring this fall.

Even though I would never call myself a "fan" of the band, I have to admit that I have always like Ed's voice better. But BNL without Steven? I don't know. Granted, 2008 was a tough year for him, but I had the sense that he was a new guy with a renewed sense of purpose. Obviously, that rejuvenation included a look at where he was and he personally decided it was time to move on. A bold, bold move; to leave an enormously successful band.

:: What's your take on it? Do you have one?

There is, of course, another issue we could talk about:

:: Our Searchlight "Best Live Music Venue" will be announced in a few hours!

And if your boss comes snoopin' around our virtual water cooler, hit this link!

posted by Craig Norris on Feb 25, 2009

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mikegibbons

#1 posted by
mikegibbons
on Feb 25, 2009

The Steven Page thing seems like maybe he was asked to leave, but they let him do so with dignity so they let him 'quit'. That was my initial reaction to it at least. It will be weird without him in the band, and it makes me wonder how long they're going to be around. Although, 20 years as a band is pretty good... I would think they'd be able to retire sooner than later.

mattyjames2001

#2 posted by
mattyjames2001
on Feb 25, 2009

It's just not the same without them both. They were actually the first band I ever liked. I had all their casettes, starting in Grade One when "if I had a million dollars" was released. It's actually kind of amazing to think I've actually grown up with the Barenaked Ladies. I even saw them play a free concert at the Moose Jaw Animal Park when I was probably 7. Anyways, "Maroon" is awesome, much better than their Christmas albums....
Here's actually a pretty glowing review of them: http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/b/barenakedladies-maroon.shtml

Anyways, I'm gonna miss Steven. Best of luck to him.

shufle

#3 posted by
shufle
on Feb 25, 2009

I have always considered the BNL as my guilty pleasure. Their music began as very silly and goofy, but over the years they have proven themselves as really good songwriters. It also helps that I was in Grade 9 when they released "Grade 9."

If I would have predicted anyone to leave it would have been Ed - he seems to be a bit more independent with the flying his plane all over the country. He's more than capable to fill Page's shoes - but who will answer his calls in "Million Dollars?"

I wish Page all the luck in the world. I don't know how successful he'll be on his own - the BNL is a fairly large typecast - but I'm highly anticipating the results. This might give him the freedom to release some fantastic stuff. Especially if he's still on the coke. Just sayin.

John Paolozzi

#4 posted by
John Paolozzi
on Feb 25, 2009

I first saw the Bare Naked Ladies in St. Catharines in 1990. They were singing a song about skinheads, to and audience that was full of them. Very funny. Very uncomfortable. I kept waiting for the chairs to start flying.

I don't care what anybody says... that first tape was good stuff.

suckamc

#5 posted by
suckamc
on Feb 25, 2009

I agree with everyone that they're a really enjoyable band, and I wonder as well about their future without Steven. It just doesn't seem like it'll be the same...

Very excited about the searchlight results. I'm excited for all the venues, and will be happy for whoever wins!

As a side note, remember we talked about Charlottetown being a small town Craig? I just ran into Nudie of Nudie and the Turks at the grocery store over lunch. :)

Martin

mikegibbons

#6 posted by
mikegibbons
on Feb 25, 2009

It says that Vish is still hosting... not Craig... you guys!
Speaking of that, why does it still say Guest Host beside Vish's name? Does he have to wait a certain period of time to get into the union or something?

tb3

#7 posted by
tb3
on Feb 25, 2009

Searchlight is being announced today. That my friends is the biggest news of the day!

Now, Craig, being that you work in the HQ, I'd be interested in your take on the Tea Makers blog that Lisa used as the topic of show on Monday.

AlexOfAnders

#8 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Feb 25, 2009

Oh Barenaked Ladies, it's been a long time. I was surprised they kept going for so long. I remember my parents really liked Gordon but it seemed like I never heard anything after that (mind you I think I was still mid grade school at the time so I didn't pay much to music). Having kinda grown up with it, Gordon at the very least always has a special place in my playlist/music collection. Is there any word on whether Steven is taking a break from music or wants to start right up on a new project?

Although, I am with tb3 that searchlight is bigger news. Just what is there to be said about it until the results come out? DAMN! I just realized I'm gonna miss it due to a huge meeting I have....no one will notice someone with headphones in a crowd over a thousand right?

Random side note: I'm really excited I'm getting my dad's old record player and amp tomorrow!

Joey Fiasco

#9 posted by
Joey Fiasco
on Feb 25, 2009

This is for the best Steven Page needs to explore Steven Page music,without distrupting Barenaked Ladies magic formula,I myself an m looking forward to grat new things from Steven Page

Silvorgold

#10 posted by
Silvorgold
on Feb 25, 2009

I saw Hawksley Workman here in Brandon last night. It was amazing. Definitely one of the best concerts I've ever seen in Brandon. People say that there's no desire for indie music in Brandon, yet why did the concert appear to be packed with people? It was a great time

Mark MacArthur

#11 posted by
Mark MacArthur
on Feb 25, 2009

Good catch. Vish and Craig look a lot alike and sometimes our computer gets confused.

All fixed now.

Craig Norris

#12 posted by
Craig Norris
on Feb 25, 2009

The Tea Maker's thing?

Hmmm...

To me, personally, it speaks to the age-old adage that you certainly cannot please everyone. I could just as easily take a classic rock station to task for playing too many oldies...simply because they bore me.

jayeano

#13 posted by
jayeano
on Feb 25, 2009

Thanks so much for the passes to last night's show at the Mod Club.

K'Naan is one of Canada's great musical acts of late. His lyrical content is phenomenal and he carries a great presence in a humble fashion with substantial personal life tales to really entertain and inform.

I was very impressed as were the folks that rolled through with me.

cheers

Jenelle

#14 posted by
Jenelle
on Feb 25, 2009

Like the first comment, I'm too thought immediatly like he was asked to leave. Maybe he hasn't cleaned himself up?Maybe the band and the label can't confidently say that his drug use has ended and there is no risk of future charges.I don't know, I'm just speculating I have no solid evidence that points to this...its just a feeling.

stevierayk

#15 posted by
stevierayk
on Feb 25, 2009

Craig,
Maybe you could leave behind this dead end
radio gig and hook up with the Ladies.
I've heard you look a lot like Stephen Page.

EveryonesVision

#16 posted by
EveryonesVision
on Feb 25, 2009

I remember meeting Steven a year ago at a music festival and song-writers circle. He was composed and playful. I would have never expected him leaving and I don't know what this means for BNL. I will say that based on what I heard I am expecting some great solo stuff from Mr. Page.

James Booth

#17 posted by
James Booth
on Feb 25, 2009

I heard rumours Craig Norris was being considered as Steven Page's replacement in the Barenaked Ladies!!!
Is that true? Have you been asked????

SChappellaz

#18 posted by
SChappellaz
on Feb 25, 2009

I'm very jealous. I wanted to go to that concert badly, but with work and it being a Tuesday I couldn't go. I'm happy the concert didn't disappoint (not that Hawksley ever does in concert).

tb3

#19 posted by
tb3
on Feb 25, 2009

I thought it was VanHagger or Dave Coverdale?

How'd Norris get moved to the front of the line?

Craig Norris

#20 posted by
Craig Norris
on Feb 25, 2009

While I have been approached by BNL, I'm still waiting to hear back from INXS.

I could easily fit into both spots.

You figure out why.

tb3

#21 posted by
tb3
on Feb 25, 2009

Cause you have a coke habit and like to do that asphyxiation self pleasure thing?

ak17

#22 posted by
ak17
on Feb 25, 2009

I finally saw the BNL in Prince George a couple of years ago. The banter between the two was great, among the best out there. I'm glad I got the chance to see them before this happened, as they really are an important part of Canada's musical landscape.

leslier

#23 posted by
leslier
on Feb 25, 2009

I'd love to see Steve Page host his very own CBC radio show. His gentle wit charmed me when he so eloquently defended his book of choice on radio one. My fingers are crossed that his arrest won't scare the CBC suits from snatching this guy up. Page would give Jian Ghomeshi a run for his money.

Elle Bee

#24 posted by
Elle Bee
on Mar 10, 2009

Have you folks ever heard of Robbie Bracken from the Vancouver band Brickhouse? I don't want to be held personally responsible for breaking them up, but Robbie would be perfect for the BNL job. His lyrical and melodic DNA is an excellent match.

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