As we previously announced, Canadian alt rockers Barenaked Ladies are joining forces with alt/punk act Violent Femmes and former Men at Work frontman turned folky singer-songwriter Colin Hay for what might just be one of the strangest bills of the summer tonight, July 13 at the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater (formerly Fontanel). Three acts with three decidedly different fanbases, we’re not exactly sure where the “Last Summer on Earth Tour” finds its overlap, especially in regards to the Violent Femmes (our top pick of the trio), but, regardless, we’re intrigued. Tickets are still available here. Read on for details!
BARENAKED LADIES
Formed over 25 years ago in Ontario, Canada, Barenaked Ladies found moderate success in their home country with their earliest releases, especially their ’92 debut, Gordon, but it was 1998’s Stunt, propelled by inescapable global hit “One Week,” that really made them a household name stateside and, subsequently, around the globe. The band entered the ’00s strong with Maroon, before cooling off a bit, returning to independent status, and continuing to churn out new releases at a dependable clip. Known for their genre-bending sound, incorporating elements of alternative, hip hop, pop and more, lighthearted themes, sense of humor, and versatility, the group perhaps don’t get as much credit as they deserve for their songwriting chops, but one listen to their discography proves they have a ton to offer beyond just the radio hits. Though absent founding member Steven Page, following drug related legal troubles a few years back, Barenaked Ladies are still a live force to be reckoned with and their shows, and diehard fans will tell you, are an endlessly fun time.
VIOLENT FEMMES
Save for a few short breaks, Milwaukee punk-tinged alt rock trio the Violent Femmes have been pretty consistently active since their formation 35 years ago- at least as far as live shows on concerned. On the recording front, we haven’t seen new music from the seminal group since 2000 (save for a 2008 Gnarls Barkley cover and a few compilations), but, earlier this year, the Femmes finally treated us to a brand new 4-song EP, Happy New Year. This marks their first release with new drummer Brian Viglione, who joined in 2013 after the departure of longtime member Victor DeLorenzo, and, hopefully, is indicative of a full-length to come. One of the most successful alternative acts of the ’80s, the Femmes have endured and adapted over the years, achieving something of a cult status for their unparalleled live show and under-appreciated influence on the alternative and punk scenes.
COLIN HAY
The lead singer of successful Australian new wave rock group Men at Work, who achieved a considerable amount of fame in the ’80s thanks to their smash single “Down Under,” Scottish-born Colin Hay has gravitated towards a more mellow, folky, acoustic-driven sound for his prolific solo output, having released a dozen albums under his own name over the last 25 years. Hay found a resurgence in attention in the mid-’00s thanks to an unlikely fan: Zach Braff, who used the singer’s music in prominent spots in film and television, and even invited Colin himself to appear on Scrubs on several occasions. If you missed his sold out shows at City Winery earlier this year, tonight would be a great opportunity to see Colin Hay is a pretty wonderful and different setting.
Barenaked Ladies, Violent Femmes, and Colin Hay will perform tonight, July 13 at the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater. The show is all ages, begins at 7 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.), and tickets are available for $52.50-85.50.
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