As I cleared out the few random emails in my junk folder, I realized that I do not want to buy any medications with @ signs in their names, nor do I want to accept the kind British gentleman's offer to go into business with him, no matter how many times he asks. But then, what's that subject line?
Barenaked Ladies Newsletter: FIRST SHOW as a 4 Piece Band! FREE Download!
Come again? Did I miss a headline here? Now, as big of a fan as I claim to be, I have to admit to not visiting their website or blog in quite a while, and I guess I just don't have my ear to the ground on entertainment news from Canada. (The blog is in my reader, but there hasn't been any new content in a while, or the feed has gone wonky on me... again.) So, I open the email and read a note that casually mentions exactly what the subject line said-- they're playing as a four member band, and it's signed everyone but Steven Page. My next click is over to their website where it is more clearly confirmed:
A MESSAGE FROM BARENAKED LADIES
By mutual agreement, Steven Page will be parting company with the remaining members of Barenaked Ladies. Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, and Tyler Stewart will continue recording and touring together as Barenaked Ladies. Steven Page will pursue solo projects including theatrical opportunities while the band enters the studio in April 2009, and hits the road in the fall.
Oh man. Obviously this has to do with the whole big bad story of Steven Page's arrest last year... I've gone on and on and on expressing my feelings on this matter. And now it's officially over. I plan on downloading that new performance, and it's most likely that I'll still adore their music because they are all talented musicians who contribute their individual talents in creating music that is somewhat unique. But. It will definitely be missing something big with the absence of Steven Page's booming voice that always carries an immeasurable amount of passion and weight that attracts me immediately to the songs with his lead vocals. I'll miss you the most, Steven!*** As a late addition to this post, I'm adding a video of an interview Steven Page did the week the announcement was made (last month!). I haven't been able to listen to all of it yet (it's for the hard core fan at 20 or so minutes... so I'll probably be the only one who ever watches it on here!).
Way more saddened by this news than a reasonable person should be,
OK, I'm nowhere near the hyperfan that you are (but who is, really. ;) ), but that makes me sad. I sincerely hope that this will be a short-term thing and that he will be back after a little time on his own and being able to get his life back on track.
ReplyDelete=D But that's ok because it's a quirk and quirks are good things, right? (Must tell myself this.)
ReplyDeleteI like the group as well (although it's more of a "oh, I like their sound. and that song" than anything). I do'nt know very much but I know I'd be upset if something happened to my favorite singer(s).
it was on the national news here in Canada!
ReplyDeletei do like their older stuff- don't know what they've been up to lately.
back in 1997 (i think) my man was doing camera work and worked on stage at a concert in Buffalo filming the show for the Barenaked in America documentary- he got me a pass for backstage and i got to watch the show with the band's family, right in front of the stage- it was really fun. (although i was wearing a black fun fur jacket and i never completely got out the powdered cheese that was thrown by fans during "if i had 1,000,000 dollars" - Kraft dinner reference)
i never got your friend request by the way- on Facebook- try again? i have an aunt with the same name- maybe you friended her?
Wow. That's so sad. I've been having so much fun with their kids' music lately, too. I'll have to give the new bits a listen.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry....weird though....even I knew that he had left!
ReplyDelete