(Oshawa, ON) – Many times the direct support doesn’t get the same love as the main act. This time around, it was far from the truth. Alan Doyle had the audience in the palm of his hands. The former front man of Great Big Sea commanded the audience attention and adoration the moment he stepped on stage. Doyle, with his distinctive vocal intonations, had the natural East Coast friendly presence. He performed hits from Great Big Sea as well as solo songs. Humble in nature, he did a meet and greet after his set, much to the delight of his fans.
The Barenaked Ladies have been around for approximately 25 years. In the beginning they faced controversy based on their name. Political powers that be felt that their name objectified women. I recall the intense media scrutiny they received based on their choice of name. Their songs represented a fun, lighthearted comical atmosphere, yet then-mayor June Rowlands felt they represented a bad influence.
Although slightly different than the original line up, The Barenaked Ladies played an array of their hit songs from their discography dating back the last 25 years. Songs such as If I had a Million Dollars, Pinch Me, Bring Wilson and the Big Bang Theory theme song to name a few. They also included a selection from their recently released album SilverBall as well as a few cover songs.
Lead vocalist Ed Robertson had a personality that had the audience in stitches. Comical in nature, he was easily able to get the audience laughing between songs.
When they performed the song Brian Wilson, the crowd rose to their feet. Jim Creeggan provided an in your face bass lick at the end of the song.
Drummer Tyler Stewart recounted a story of how fan threw socks onto the stage. Back in 1982 the audience would throw Kraft Dinner boxes on stage due to the reference from the song, If I Had A Million Dollars. Tyler suggested instead of Kraft Dinner, socks would be much better. With that comment a flood of socks made their way to the stage. An experience that had the band laughing.
The Barenaked Ladies performed a cover of Bruce Cockburn’s song Lovers in a Dangerous Time, inviting Alan Doyle back to the stage to perform the song. The crowd went nuts, jumping to their feet in excitement.
The last song before their encore was a hilarious rap medley of unexpected songs: I’m Not The Only One / Shake It Off / Uptown Funk / Four Five Seconds / Take Me To Church / Bohemian Rhapsody / Let It Go. Yes, if you were wondering about Let it go, it is indeed the Frozen theme song.
The songs performed for their encore where Drawing and a cover of Led Zeppelin’s Rock and Roll. Drummer Tyler Stewart lead these songs vocally while singer Ed Robertson took over on the drums. Steward did a wicked running man and busted the moves, while I was surprised by Roberson’s drumming abilities.
Overall a fun night had by all those in attendance.
For more info on The Barenaked Ladies please visit: (WEBSITE) (FACEBOOK) (TWITTER)
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