The History of Barenaked Ladies

Throughout the annals of history there have been many intelligent, witty, and horribly misunderstood artists. These artists are usually written off as novelty acts and not taken seriously until long after they've fulfilled their artistic urges. The five grown men of the Canadian band Barenaked Ladies are such artists. Many compare them to other "geek rock" acts such as They Might Be Giants and Elvis Costello. It's been an odd journey for the boys from Scarborough. Formed in 1988, they've been touring several countries for decades to get where they are. Where they started, however...

Like many tales of triumph, this one starts in a hospital and involves two seemingly unrelated incidents. The year was 1970. On June 22^nd of that year the world was introduced to Steven Jay Page (the "John). The following October Edward Lloyd Elwyn Robertson was born (the "Paul"). Both sets of parents (including a father, Gordon) took their new babies home to the suburban province of Scarborough, home to such legends as Mike Myers and Dan Akroyd. Things progressed as they normally do for infants and the two grew up. By the time they reached Grade 5 both were in the dreaded accelerated program at Churchill Heights Public School.

It was in these accelerated classes that Robertson found his passion. His teacher's husband was the leader of a Canadian rock act called The Madcats. When he came to speak with Ed's class, it so affected Ed that he went out and bought a guitar and electric keyboard.

Page was a seasoned performer, having taken part in choirs and plays since he was a toddler. His dad, a music buff, purchased a guitar for him when he was twelve years old.