@ Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, on Sat 3 Oct 2015
Isn’t it always the way? You turn up for a gig and before the evening is over, a new superhero (and his arch nemesis) have been created. Wait, that’s not entirely normal is it? Two possibilities exist. The audience have stumbled into The Twilight Zone, or it must be a Barenaked Ladies gig.
The opening songs are a blend of new and old, Get Back Up from Glitterball, followed by The Old Apartment. Energy levels are kicked up several notches by a spirited version of Brian Wilson, which draws to its close with a crescendo of guitar, drums and keyboards.
Between songs, Jim Creeggan reveals a largely unknown history of Arthur’s Seat. Apparently that was where King Arthur used to go to sit, while contemplating what a jerk Lancelot was. Pretty obvious, when you think about it. Visit Scotland, are you taking notes?
Ed Robertson speaks warmly about how the band have always felt appreciated in Scotland, having been advised at an early stage, ‘If they don’t like you, they’ll let you know.’ Here, he is among friends.
Falling for the First Time has the audience clapping and singing along enthusiastically, while onstage Robertson and Creeggan are jumping on the spot.
Overall, it’s hard to tell who is having more fun, the audience or the band. Both sides would probably accept a score draw. Robertson mentions the movie Sunshine on Leith and before you know it, the band launches into an impromptu cover version of Oh Jean, by The Proclaimers.
As is now customary at Barenaked Ladies gigs, a particular lyric in Pinch Me results in (mercifully clean) underwear being thrown on stage. Kevin Hearn sportingly wears a pair of the donated underpants, superhero style (i.e. over his trousers). This leads to post song banter where the most implausible of superheroes, Underwear Man is created, as is his deadly foe, Skid Mark. Seldom has collective flabber been quite so gasted. Don’t hold your breath (or perhaps, in a sense, one should?) for the movie.
Donated undergarments aside, in no way is this gig pants.
The concert ends with a musical downhill slalom, gaining energy with every turn, as Big Bang Theory Theme, One Week and If I Had $1,000,000 are played, concluding in a medley of mini-cover versions (Uptown Funk, Take Me to Church and Bohemian Rhapsody are among the offerings).
For the encore, Tyler Stewart assumes lead vocals while Robertson replaces him on drums. The finale is a cover of Led Zeppelin’s Rock and Roll, while Stewart shakes his booty and jumps into the air. Who could ask for more?