Barenaked, Exchanging Corn In Flight

Ok, so are you intrigued? Now that we have your attention, we’ll divulge, and hopefully you’ll it’ll be worth your while clicking on this titillating title.

First things first. There’s nudity, so if you’re here for that, sorry. In fact, the title refers to a concert we attended. Legendary Canadian band, Barenaked Ladies, played at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 9th April 2024 to promote their most recent album, In Flight,… and they were totally awesome!

We arrived at the venue nice and early. It had been raining on and off all day, but as we approached the Cambridge Corn Exchange the sun came out.

After waiting around inside for a while, the doors opened and we got to our seats up in the balcony area. As you can see it was a long way from the stage, so photos using phone were not going to be great when the house light dim, hence why we’ve only included one picture further on during the gig. Besides, we were enjoying it too much to take lots of snaps.

As with most gigs, there was a support act opening the show. Edinburgh’s Callum Beattie, who, alongside his keyboardist, Gus Harrower, warmed up the audience ahead of the main act. I hadn’t heard of Callum’s work before this gig, but I can safely say I’ll be checking his albums out. Callum came across as a very genuine, engaging artist and put on a great performance, with some winning songs and rasping vocals similar to Kelly Jones (Stereophonics). I hope Callum doesn’t mind the comparison, because I think it’s as a compliment. Anyway, Callum is a rising star and one to listen out for.

Moving on smoothly to the stars headlining the show. Bring it on! The Barenaked Ladies in concert!

The fourpiece group are Ed Robertson (vocals/guitar), Jim Creeggan (bass/vocals), Kevin Hearn (keyboards/guitar/vocals) and Tyler Stewart (drums/vocals).  The thing is, whilst we’ve mentioned instruments here, the band of very much multi-instrumentalists and all very talented. For example, they can all sing. Yes, Ed, the remaining founder member (Steve Page left in 2009 to pursue a solo career), takes on the lead vocals the majority of the time with the rest of the band providing backing or counter-melodies, but the rest of the band can sing too, and we get to here that as the show progresses.

This was my third time seeing them, though the first time for about 20 years ago (when Steve Page was still a member), and it was the first time I’d seen them outside of Norwich. Of course, I’d love them to come back to Norwich (they last played there in 2018, and I unable to attend) or  indeed play any Norfolk-based corn exchanges like in Diss or King’s Lynn, but at least we got to see them in East Anglia.

As a fan of the band since their debut 1992 album, Gordon, I was worried about the possibility of seeing a band past their best. After all, I’m almost the same age (they’re in their early fifties) and I feel a bit creaky most days! But I needn’t have worried. BNL’s musical ability is undiminished, their performance polished yet natural, and with a 35 year back catalogue to rely on, the tunes were as good as ever. More importantly, here were 4 guys really enjoying touring together, and having an absolute blast. Their banter with each other and the crowd in-between tunes was great, and they often had the crowd chuckling in unison. They even threw in some nifty dance moves once or twice too.

The band were amused by the name/history of the venue, even though they have played there before; Ed teased the audience about exchanging corn, and bassist Jim joked about coming face to face with the cows* in a park in Cambridge. And a kid called, Seth? well, you had to be there, but as far as the audience were concerned, 7-year old Seth now has legendary status in BNL folklore.

*This BNL fan half-expected them to use this to spontaneously burst in to one of their songs called Little Tiny Song, which has the lyrics “Hey I’m a cow, I’m curious. Hey watch me now, I’m furious.” Opportunity missed? Maybe you should drive. 

As I mentioned earlier, the tour was to promote their album, In Flight. On the subject Barenaked Ladies were in a playful mood. Ed joked with the audience about playing the new material, saying that a good portion of fans wanted/insisted on hear the new material. Of course we know he’s pulling our leg. I’ve been to gigs before where a band will play pretty much the whole album, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll do a few hits as an encore. That approach doesn’t work for me, and probably not for most fans either, because as an audience you expect something you pretty much know all the lyrics to already. And when a band has reached their 14th studio album, there’s a good chance not every song will be catchy.

Anyway, jokes aside, BNL went for the approach of playing a handful of the new material amongst some of their hits. I’ve tried try to remember the order of songs as best as I can – more for a test of memory than anything else. There was the occasional additional notable activity, such as Kevin throwing some objects (balloons?) to Ed to strike baseball-style, that I can’t recall at what point they happened, so I won’t even guess, and just stick to the music.

They kicked off the show with The Old Apartment, a track from their 3rd album, Born on a Pirate Ship. Fun fact, the band once played this song in an episode of 90s teen drama, Beverly Hills 90210. A great way to start the show.

Okay, so, the legend that is Seth comes in here. Ed, explains to the audience that 7 year old Seth wrote a letter requesting they play a song from the new album, Too Old, because it’s the only time he’s allowed to say the “S” word when singing along to this tune (it’s one of very few BNL songs with an expletive). Throughout the show the band engaged with Seth and family, and, well, the young lad will certainly have an ego-boost and great memories for sure.

And the song itself? Well, it’s a clever take on cancel culture, and I guess the lack of resilience in this world where everyone is so triggered by social media. Have a listen.

For a band more used to seeing a sway of bodies singing along and jumping up and down in front of them, Barenaked Ladies realised the unusualness of playing to a seated audience. The next song, Gonna Walk (from their 10th album, Grinning Streak) was a great choice to get the audience joining in early on. Ed instructed the crowd to echo lines on the chorus, and we all willingly joined in.

The band enjoy doing a spot of ad-lib instrumental throughout, and Ed likes to rap. So, at this stage in the concert we’re treated to Ed rapping about the band and the venue and then they segue nicely in to a burst of Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off.  Having told them afterwards, I think the teens in our family may have wished they’d come along!

Next up was a track titled Just Wait from the latest album, In Flight. For this track, bassist Jim picks up his double bass (I love this instrument!) and takes over the lead vocals on this slow, harmonious, soulful track.

The double bass stays on for the next track, Four Seconds (from their 9th album, All in Good Time), a fast-paced rhythmic rhyme that is just pure fun.

As much as I enjoy the song, Pinch Me, a strong pop song from BNLs 5th album, Maroon, I’m also in the grip of anticipation of one clever, playful line, which I know my fellow audience are waiting for too. As Ed sings “I could hide out under there, I just made you say ‘underwear’” we all look at and giggle like knowing school kids along with those sat beside us. Of course, a large pair of undies were chucked on stage during the course of the song!

Kevin takes over lead vocals for the next song, a dreamy number about staying in a hotel called The Dream Hotel (from the latest album) that sounds like is the opposite of its name. I’ll admit it look a while to get in to this song, but it’s a subtle earworm, with the refrain monsieur et mademoiselle sticking in my brain at just from reading the title.  Kevin’s songs are not instantly catchy pop-bangers or reflections of the soul like most of BNLs stronger songs, but they are intricate, intelligent and understated easy-listening works. With its soft vocals it’s fair to say this song won’t keep you awake whilst driving, but it’s not intended to.

The next track performed is Odds Are, another from Grinning Streak, and the song is one of my personal favourites. It is mastery of the 3 minute pop song, utterly infectious with typically clever lyrics by Ed.  So, to watch this performed live was a personal highlight of the gig. The official music video is brilliant. Don’t believe me? Watch it below!

The catchy tunes continued with Lookin’ Up (from 12th album, Fake Nudes), another extremely up-beat anthemic pop tune that is just pure joyous fun. Again, another one with a funny video worth sharing.

After that hit of adrenaline pop, the change of pace is welcome. What Do We Need? is a reflective, slow song that has a U.S. country and European café vibe going on. Ed grew up listening to country, so, the influence of this genre sneaks in to a few of his songs. The song itself is about the band recognising the importance of staying grounded whilst living the dream, and also embracing the contradictions that come with doing what they do (playing live=great, but the grind of the tour is challenging).

At this stage of the show Ed announces that they’re going to do some tracks from their debut album, Gordon. All 4 members stood at the front of the stage and they run through two tracks back to back in a more intimate fashion. Hello City overflows with 80s pop culture, and Crazy, a song about, well, being a bit crazy. “The lights are on but nobody’s home, My elevator doesn’t go to the top, I’m not playing with a full deck I’ve lost my marbles.”

Keepin’ It Real (from their 10th album, Grinning Streak) gives the band the opportunity to show off some neat guitar playing, Kevin in particular. A fun fact about this song is there are some “hidden” (or perhaps quieter, less audible) verses as the song fades. Most listeners will probably think its just previous lyrics being repeated, but the keen listener will spot they’re different.

 Brian Wilson (from Gordon) was the first BNL song I heard/bought, and still my favourite track, and one that most of the collective audience knew the words to. As a Beach Boys fan, this poignant song means a lot. It’s worth listening to Brian Wilson Live at the Roxy Theatre to here Brian give his own brief rendition of this homage. anyway, here’s the original official video from, crikey, 1992.

If you love the antics of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Howard, and Raj, then you’ll already know the Big Bang Theory Theme. There’s more to the song than just the programme’s opening credits.

Jim then played a short double bass solo, which was pretty funky and demonstrated his musical skills, and also highlighted what cool instrument the double bass is. I’m old enough to remember The Stray Cats, so for the past 40 years I’ve had an affection for this instrument.

Next on the running order was One Week (4th album, Stunt). This song is the band’s most successful to-date, reaching number one in the UK and US charts.

Another track from Gordon, If I Had $1,000,000 is also another one where everyone present, and probably even quite a few non-BNL fans familiar with the song, know the lyrics. It’s the kind of song that just makes you smile when you hear it. If we factor in inflation from 1992 to 2024, perhaps the song would now be If I Had $2,4000,000!

We’re reaching the end of the show. Everyone senses it, but we all want it to continue for as long as possible. We’re loving life, the band are loving playing and we’re all having a great time. These talented guys treat us to a quick medley of songs by other artists –  Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire, Miley Cyrus’ Flowers, Harry Styles’ As it was, Aha’s Take On Me / and the pace drops as Ed belts out snippets from Climb Ev’ry Mountain and So Long, Farewell.

So, we ‘ve reached the end of the show. Time for one more song to go out on a high. Step forward drummer, Tyler Stewart, who belts out a Def Leppard cover, Rock of Ages. Talk about pouring some sugar! Tyler can deliver an awesome rock vocal, kind of a cross between Jack Black and AC/DCs Brian Johnson.

Queue the bows and waving to the crowd, and we’re cheering, some are whistling, we’re all standing up and thunderously clapping our appreciation. The band departs the stage, but we all know the drill. We continue clapping, calls for “more!” ring out, and the Barenaked Ladies return to our continued applause and treat us to one more track as an encore. Lovin’ Life, from In Flight, is another anthemic pop melody that bubbles over with positivity, and is a perfect climatic end to a perfect evening.

We left the gig on a high, absolutely buzzing, rolling back the years to when we regularly attended concerts. Those days may seem a long time ago (they are), but we hope to have many more evenings like this.

Where to Next?

Find more music related articles on NorfolkPlaces, or check our our festive playlist, which includes quite a few Barenaked Ladies tracks.

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