Zoog Disney Chat Transcript

June 14th 1999.

Zoogerator:

Let's welcome Steven Page from Barenaked Ladies!!!!!

BNLadies — Steven:

Good Evening and Good Afternoon, to wherever you are! Let's all close our eyes and imagine a world without time zones, where it's 7 PM!

sunnydeluxe:

Who is your favorite group/artist to tour with?

BNLadies — Steven:

We always have a great time with Cowboy Mouth, a really great fun live band from New Orleans, it makes a great double bill, and always fun to tour with.

lizzylovey2k62395:

What things do you hate about being in the spotlight? if any...

BNLadies — Steven:

Sometimes I would rather not be recognized, when I'm in a hurry, grocery shopping, and everyone knows what I put in my cart... Mostly junk! I also hate sitting on an airplane at midnight, and getting asked for an autograph, trying not to be grumpy! And you try to hide it, because you don't want to read about it in a tabloid.

SaveFerris23:

What's it like to have tons of people, including me, absolutely adore you??????

BNLadies — Steven:

It's exhilarating, it's very exciting to know people you've never met will make a connection with you. And it's freaky to know people out there have a glimpse into your soul, without being able to glimpse into theirs.

ptwkek:

I was wondering if u would marry me?

BNLadies — Steven:

I am already taken, so we will have to find a place where polygamy is legal.

SaveFerris2:

How come you guys don't play Be My Yoko Ono in concert anymore???

BNLadies — Steven:

We actually do, just haven't played in the US much, mostly in Canada and Europe, where it was a hit. Some songs take a backseat for a while.

lankyleah:

How long have you guys been together?

BNLadies — Steven:

Ed and I started the group in October 98, and we've been a 5-piece for 9 years.

peaches205:

When do you plan to come to Houston??

BNLadies — Steven:

Hang on a second, and I'll check the schedule! Well, it will be this summer for sure... August 14th at the Woodlands! Our US tour goes from July 25 to September 5.

peaches205:

I loved your last CD, when are you going to release a new album???

BNLadies — Steven:

It will probably not be until 2001, which is too long for us, just like it is for our fans; however, we still have a lot of touring for this record, and then we will write the new songs.

Ashley:

Do you like what you do for a living????

BNLadies — Steven:

I know a lot of people who do what I do hate it, they miss free time and the relaxation, but I love my job, I miss my family and friends, and feel like I am away too much, but the joy of going onstage for 2 hours and singing is so rewarding. I can't imagine a better job!

steve87980:

When will you be in Kentucky.

BNLadies — Steven:

We have played Kentucky, but not in a couple years... the closest we'll be is Cincinnati or Nashville.

rjstrole:

My question is: What are your favorite kind of pizza toppings?

BNLadies — Steven:

I like pizza with mushrooms, it must have mushrooms, and good cheese, it must have that. But if you want to throw in something fancy like grilled eggplant, I would be happy, and props to the lowly onion!

Animorphs:

When did you decide that you wanted to form a musical band?

BNLadies — Steven:

I don't think I ever really decided till I was in it... Probably after I saw a band like KISS or something, I tried to write songs at age 14, and would fantasize about it. It wasn't till I was in BNL that I realized hey, people like this!

Zoogerator:

How did you come up with that name?

BNLadies — Steven:

Ed and I were at a Bob Dylan concert, and we were in the last row of the stadium. We were bored, and pretended we were rock critics. One of the names we made up, was Barenaked Ladies, and we thought of that name at age 8, it was a name that we would say. So it was fun, and we ended up using that!

BriKH:

What advice would you give kids who want to be singers?

BNLadies — Steven:

Sing as much as you can, in whatever forum you can. In high school I sang in choirs, in church, in musicals. Not because I wanted a career, but because I enjoyed doing it. Take your time and enjoy your childhood, it can be pretty all-consuming sometimes.

Mimi:

Steven what do you do when you are on road or not in the studio?

BNLadies — Steven:

Sleep in! I have a family, two kids, I like to spend time with them. We are lucky to bring them with us, and do the fun stuff. I like to read a lot and cook a lot!

Sheep007:

Hey guys, remember that song BoxSet on Gordon, now that u guys have 6 CDs that's not coming true is it?

BNLadies — Steven:

I wrote that song as a way to call my own bluff if we got successful... so now that we are, I can say, "I told you so!" Hopefully, they won't use "One Week" in an add for bathroom cleanser!

TOUGH_GUY_:

What's the new song called?

BNLadies — Steven:

Our latest single is called "Call & Answer."

Zoogerator:

What inspired that song?

BNLadies — Steven:

It's a song about forgiving people, and finding forgiveness in yourself, no matter how angry you are at somebody else.

SaveFerris2:

So do you guys plan ahead of time what you do at concerts or do you just let it flow?

BNLadies — Steven:

We always plan out the order of songs we play, but we do a lot of improvising, and talking off the cuff onstage. That is never planned beforehand.

hipJustin:

Do you ever get crazy people after you?

BNLadies — Steven:

Occasionally crazy people, but not in the same sense other artists I have read about getting stalked. Occasionally some fans who seem to know us better than they do. If someone seems a little freaky, someone will intercept. We have some very enthusiastic fans who do things that are much more "gung ho" than other fans, but we aren't really freaked out by it.

Babydoll_4_You:

What is your favorite thing in America?

BNLadies — Steven:

Waffle House! The chain, Waffle House. It's only in the South.

iluvzoogdisney:

What's the wierdest gift a fan has given you?

BNLadies — Steven:

A fan recently made quilts for all of us, and I think it took each one of us a week to realize our face was right in the middle of it! At first I thought it was Native American Artwork, and my kid was laying on it, and I realized it was me singing on it! I couldn't imagine putting that much into a gift, it was amazing.

bsbbuffygal:

Hey guys, do you ever get teased about the name of your group?

BNLadies — Steven:

Yes, but I think most bands get silly names given to them, but because we already have a silly name, I feel more sorry for the guys in 'N SYNC!

BNLHUNNY0:

I LOVE THE WAFFLE HOUSE!

BNLadies — Steven:

Waffle House is delicious, 24 hours a day!

BNLrulz4ever:

Are you excited about coming to Cleveland to the Gund in September?

BNLadies — Steven:

Yeah, we played there last tour, and it was one of the biggest shows on the fall tour, so it will be great to go back, we always have a fun time in Cleveland, the heart of what we call the "Barenaked Belt"!

hipJustin:

Did u guys go to college? If you did, what college and what did you take?

BNLadies — Steven:

All of us went, except for Kevin, but most dropped out. Tyler has a degree in Radio and TV. I went to York University in Toronto, and only need a few more credits to graduate with my degree. there is a legend that Philip Glass went to York University, but I don't believe it.

Chiquita510:

How old are you guys?

BNLadies — Steven:

We range from age 28 to 31.

Animorphs8:

Hey, do any of you have a girlfriend?

BNLadies — Steven:

Three of us are married. The other two, I can't say, because I never know!

susiezoog:

I can't wait to see you when you guys come here in concert!! Who would you like to see in concert?

BNLadies — Steven:

I would love to see Peter Gabriel, I've never seen him before, I would love to see Bob Dylan/Paul Simon tour this summer! And I bet a Ricky Martin show would be excellent, too!

JenBNL:

There've been many rumors about your New Year's Eve concert 2000----where is it being held?? (DC!!!!)

BNLadies — Steven:

I can't comment, because I don't know if it is official yet, and it will be relatively close to our hometown of Toronto, but not in Toronto.

cEcBnL84:

Hey Ladies! I had to write a paper w/ the topic "What Real Courage Is" and I chose to write about Kevin. How is he feeling?

BNLadies — Steven:

Kevin, for those who don't know, is our keyboard player who is battling leukemia for the past year. He is cancer free, and has a new immune system. He is back on the road, and doing amazingly well. His musical contribution is fantastic, and our fans will see him on our summer tour. Kevin will be 30 in July.

TuxedoMask23:

Why were you guys on "Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place"?

BNLadies — Steven:

We were asked at one point to write the theme song, but we didn't have time... so they asked us to be on, and we obliged. It was a great time!

Tanzinite:

What was your inspiration for 'Old Apartment'?

BNLadies — Steven:

It was inspired by the fact I moved from an apartment to a much nicer place, the old apartment had my old mail, and I couldn't go back in and see the old place... it's about seeing the place and wanting your old memories.

Zoogerator:

Does every song you sing have some story attached to it?

BNLadies — Steven:

I think I always imagine a story, even if there isn't one. Quite often the voice isn't mine, but the voice of the character. I imagine what made them sing this song.

rock0girl:

My dad thinks you guys are real naked ladies. How do you react to things people say like that?

BNLadies — Steven:

I think hearing the name people think that, but if you take a look you will see 5 hairy guys! I think many parents are relieved!

Fran228:

Hey guys I love your music, what is your favorite song to preform?

BNLadies — Steven:

I think it changes a lot... but it's always fun to play different songs. It's great to hear the audience sing along.

hope71:

What's the best and worse thing about touring?

BNLadies — Steven:

The best thing is playing shows, the worst thing is the boredom between shows. You spend a lot of time entertaining yourself, going for bike rides or reading. It's just a means of going onstage (promoting yourself), but I can't say anything about all the free stuff we get!

asilbnl:

When will fans be able to see the BNL documentary?

BNLadies — Steven:

I think we are looking at releasing it in some cities, Barenaked hotbeds across the country, in some movie theatres across the country, and on home video by Christmastime.

daddygirl6:

Have you guys always wanted to be singers?

BNLadies — Steven:

I've always wanted to be a singer, but didn't think I would be. I thought I would be an English teacher, or professor.

delzoog:

Do you like chatting with us on Zoog Disney?

BNLadies — Steven:

Yes, of course! Do you like chatting with me? ::::laughs::::

nsyncgirl1981:

Did you guys have a musical inspiration when you were growing up?

BNLadies — Steven:

I think we all had different musical inspirations, but one of the groups is the Scottish group "The Proclaimers" 2 guys with an acoustic guitar and a real high energy. It made folk music exciting!

bnlfan100:

Is it true that someone really threw a jar of apple sauce during If I had $1000000 in NY

BNLadies — Steven:

I think they threw it during the song "A" which has the line "A is for Apple Sauce", which wasn't the smartest thing I've ever seen! Please don't throw things when you come to a Barenaked Ladies show!!!

zoogercindy0:

When is another music video coming out???

BNLadies — Steven:

Well, our newest one is "Call & Answer" and is playing now, so please call in and request! The bigger this one gets, the bigger chance we have of making the new video!!

PercussionGod:

What's up y'all? I have a quick question...what advice do you have for a starting rock-alternative band? (we are semi-pro, but we want a record contract)

BNLadies — Steven:

First of all is to play live as much as you can. You can build up the value to the record company before you get a deal. People want to see good music when they go out. Play at community centers, talent nights, local nightclubs. Rather than packing up the van for LA, pack up and play all over, in Lexington, or places with small bars, you can build up an audience!

Arcadia17:

How did you get to sing Grinning Grimming Ghosts on the Disney CD?

BNLadies — Steven:

They approached us, when they compiled the record. I remember going to the Haunted Mansion in 1975, and I thought the song had a wacky, old time Disney vibe, so we had the most fun recording that.

Lily_TO:

HEY LADIES! (a la Beastie Boys)...A little bird told me about 3 weeks ago that the Brothers Creeggan were just in studio to record a third album. Any truth to this and any more details?

BNLadies — Steven:

That is true, I've heard some of the stuff. It is the most poppy of what they've done, so I am really looking forward to the finished product!

BSBgirl4evar:

How do you guys feel about your fans, and that you can't go anywhere without being asked for an autograph?

BNLadies — Steven:

Oh I don't mind it! I think it's the greatest to have people want to say hi or want to meet or see you. It's a really nice thing, and the reason they want autographs is that they are excited to see you!

pepper2005:

What do you think of Phil Collins?

BNLadies — Steven:

As a pre-teen, I was a huge fan of Genesis, and he is one of the best drummers in rock music. I remember Genesis had a song in 1981: "No Reply at All", and I had to get on my bike and get the single. I am looking forward to hearing him in the new Disney movie Tarzan!

BNL181:

Do you encourage or discourage taking pictures at the concerts?

BNLadies — Steven:

I say go ahead and take them! They may try to stop you, but I don't mind. Sometimes the flashes can be distracting. But it doesn't bother me.

Arcadia17:

What songs can we expect to see in the BNL rap this summer?

BNLadies — Steven:

Right now, we are using Cher's "Believe", Brittany Spears, but by the time we tour, we may add some new spice to it!

PercussionGod:

What made you do the Uncle Elwyn thing on Rock Spectacle?

BNLadies — Steven:

That's just an example of improvised songs we do, it certainly is not a song we wrote in advance, but it made us laugh!

JenBNL:

Happy Birthday in a week and a day, Steven!!

BNLadies — Steven:

Thank you very much, Jen!!

IdiotSavant4u:

How has fame affected you and your families?

BNLadies — Steven:

Fame hasn't been as intrusive as people think. We are lucky to lead normal lives. We are away from home a lot, but so far privacy has been pretty good.

Arcadia17:

Did you have any inspirational teachers while in school?

BNLadies — Steven:

Absolutely. I had several. One named Mr. Downey wrote musicals for the school, and adapted songs from popular musicals. He was an actor, singer, and French teacher. He gave both Ed and myself our start on stage!

Fran228:

What is a typical day for you guys?

BNLadies — Steven:

It depends if I am at home or on tour... a typical day is to sleep on the bus, driving from one gig to next. Wake up at venue at 9 am, and shower at venue. Picked up at venue by radio station, and have lunch with contest winners. Do radio interviews, back to venue. Eat dinner, do sound check and then do concert. Before and afterwards we do a meet-and-greet with fans, then at 1 am, back on the bus to drive to the next venue!

bnlfan100:

Steve, I think you are the best dancer in the world and need to be on Broadway. Who taught you or did you teach yourself

BNLadies — Steven:

I had no formal dance training, if I did, my back and knees wouldn't hurt so much. But I taught myself, and the stage isn't the place for inhibitions! I would love to be on Broadway someday!

SaveFerris2:

What's it like to hear yourself on the radio???

BNLadies — Steven:

It alternates between exciting and embarrassing... The first time I heard my record on the radio, we rolled down the windows of my dad's van, and screamed! It's nice to hear other people enjoying our music!

NSyncrulesall:

Do you guys ever get to see the places that you tour in?

BNLadies — Steven:

Not often enough. I think one of the strengths of our live show is learning about each town when we get there, but quite often our days are pretty full. So we try to cram in some sightseeing. Sometimes we have a free day on the road. I will always have the energy to do a show, even if I feel like falling asleep, after a full day. You just have to make sure you stay healthy, and don't get too tired.

paleli:

I just wanted to know if you guys ever wondered what you will be doing 10 years from now?

BNLadies — Steven:

In 10 years we all hope to still be together making music, but we all would like to branch out and make our own records. We have an environment that allows us to do that, and still stay excited about making music with Barenaked Ladies.

Zoogerator:

Well... Steven Page from Barenaked Ladies... this has been AWESOME! Thanks so much for joining us! Any last words to your fans online?

BNLadies — Steven:

Thanks everybody for visiting and chatting today. Hopefully we'll see you all this summer on the tour.