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It’s been 24 years since Barenaked Ladies first made waves with the album Gordon, bringing hit singles like “Brian Wilson” and “If I Had $1000000.” Or fast-forwarding a bit, it’s been 18 years since the band commonly-known as “BNL” achieved international stardom with the mega-hits “One Week” and “It’s All Been Done.” However you first found about the Ontario-based rock group, Barenaked Ladies continue to release notable songs – very notable the theme song to CBS’ The Big Bang Theory, as one example – and tour the world.
In support of BNL Rocks Red Rocks, as released on May 20, Barenaked Ladies — which is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Ed Robertson, bassist Jim Creegan, keyboardist Kevin Hearn and drummer Tyler Stewart — headline Central Park’s Summerstage on Monday, Jun. 13. Playing alongside OMD and Howard Jones, the evening promises to be full of hits. Ed spoke to Downtown about the band’s past, present and future, providing the funny yet honest Q&A that he is known for.
For more info on the Barenaked Ladies, click on over to www.barenakedladies.com or follow the band on Twitter via @barenakedladies.
What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City? Where was it?
Ed Robertson: We played a showcase at the Limelight club. A club converted from an old gothic church. It was part of the [CMJ] New Music Seminar. There was a TINY amount of “buzz” about the band. We did everything we could to generate attention at the seminar, including offering live musical wake-up calls to attendees. I remember Sean Lennon came to the gig, having heard about the band through his mom. She’d been very kind to us early on recognizing that the song was quite a sympathetic view of her role in the John Lennon story.
What was the strangest show you ever performed in New York? Perhaps a bar mitzvah or a strange corporate event?
ER: We once did a corporate party for…I think TNN was relaunching as Spike. It was at the height of our success. They had BNL, Kid Rock, Kevin Nealon — it was the strangest bill ever. We played four songs on a bar top in the back corner of the space. Pam Anderson was up front. It was surreal. I made more money that night per song than my father made annually.
Your band now has close to 30 years of music to choose from when performing live. For your upcoming show at Central Park, what should be expected? A mix of songs from throughout the years? A good amount of Silverball?
ER: It’s a great mix of songs from throughout our career. We like all of our records! I love our new stuff, so of course we like to play that, but fans will hear all the hits, and some obscurities too.
At what point in your career did you know that the band was a proper career? Was there a particular moment that told you not to have a day job anymore?
ER: I’m pretty lucky: I never really had any other job. I worked part-time for spending money from the time I was 12. Paper routes, fast food, record stores, etc etc. When we started touring seriously, I was still living at home. I had no rent to cover. There was food in the fridge, and my mom was doing my laundry! We were told right from the outset that we’d never get a record deal, and we’d never fill clubs. We were having too much fun to quit, though.
You have never done a solo project after all these years, although you did write a song with Chris Hadfield for Music Monday 2013. Is that because of limited free time?
ER: My musical ideas all get channelled in to BNL. I love my band. I don’t ever feel restricted by it. If I ever did anything else, it would be purely to play with friends. I’ve done lots of other projects, though. I’ve produced for other artists, some outside co-writing.
When the opportunity came up to write the theme to The Big Bang Theory came up, was there any hesitation on your end?
ER: Yes, there was. We had just had some bad experiences putting a ton of energy into big film and television projects that never saw the light of day. When Chuck [Lorre] and Bill [Prady] first called, I said, “Look, how many other artists have you asked to write this theme song? ‘Cause I have two weeks off in this nine-month period of constant touring, and if you’re serious about working with me on this, I’d rather not waste my time.” After a short pause, Bill Prady politely asserted, “We really like your band. We haven’t asked anybody else to write this. We want you to write our theme song.” Working with them was fantastic. Chuck is a songwriter himself, so he was able to speak to what he wanted in a very musical way. It was a great collaboration.
Has that success led to other offers to write TV themes?
ER: Strangely, no. (laughs) I suppose there have been a few requests, but nothing of the same caliber. I’m available though. Hint hint.
Barenaked Ladies had a lot of hits, has won awards, and has headlined big venues around the world. Is there anything you’re still hoping for the band to accomplish?
ER: At this point, there is no accolade that I seek. I’m perfectly-content. We’ve achieved more success than I’d ever dreamed of. Nowadays, my goal is simply to do good work. Write good songs, and do good shows. I’ve never been happier. I’m writing some of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, and we’re doing the best shows of our career. Would I like to be on the cover of Rolling Stone? Sure. Do I need to be? Do I DESERVE to be!?! Who cares…
In terms of touring, is there a place that BNL has not yet played but is still on your to-do list?
ER: There are many places we haven’t played that I’d like to play. It would be awesome to play some festival-type shows in South America or any of the literally hundreds of countries we’ve never played in! We’ve toured extensively in the U.S.A. and Canada, the U.K. and Ireland. Lots in Germany and a little around Western Europe and Scandinavia. We once went to Japan and Australia. There’s a LOT of world left. I’m certainly up for it!
When you’re not busy with Barenaked Ladies, how do you like to spend your free time?
ER: I collect pinball machines. I particularly like modern machines — from 2004 onward — and classic electromechanical machines from the late 70s. I work on the pins myself, and really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of pin repair. Plus, I just really like to play.
I also have my pilots license. I enjoy flying and working on my skills as a pilot. I’ve been focusing on my instrument proficiency lately. I did my IFR rating last year, and have been working hard at maintaining my currency despite a busy touring schedule.
Finally, Ed, any last words for the kids?
ER: Kids, stay in school. Unless you’re in a really cool band. In that case, kids…Drop out and follow your dreams.