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Barenaked ladies were the first band I ever discovered on my own that I loved. As a kid I was always really into 1960s/70s/80s bands that my parents listened to; guys like Styx, the Beatles, Don McLean and similar artists. They were great, and I still love them today but the ladies were the first band that really felt like they were my own. I listened to them because I loved them, not because my parents did. I'm really disappointed to hear that Stephen's left Barenaked ladies. They've been my favorite band since I was a kid and Stephen's beautiful voice and songwriting skill were a big factor in that.

The other members were great too, but I really can't imagine what their old songs are going to sound like now when they're played live. I can't imagine anyone other than Stephen singing "Call and Answer" or "What A Good Boy." Ed is amazing too, but many of those songs were written by Steve and come right out of his soul. It's just not going to be the same with anyone else singing them. I kinda wish BNL did what Joy Division did after Ian Curtis committed suicide; start up a new band with the other members. Because if they're still calling themselves Barenaked ladies without Stephen, it's going to sound like there's a huge hole in the band.

Oh well, they've been together twenty years and I can still enjoy their old albums. I'm sure Stephen's solo career will be great too and the remaining ladies will do some cool albums of their own. Page will probably come back eventually as well; most bands who've been together that long reunite eventually. But still, it'll be surreal to listen to a new Barenaked ladies album without any of Page's vocals, composing or lyrics.