Stunning recollection: Ex-lead singer of Barenaked Ladies shares anecdotes about sharing the stage with Brian Wilson
Fan Tribute: Barenaked Ladies' Ode to Brian Wilson
When Steven Page, lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, sang an ode to Brian Wilson, he never fathomed sharing the stage with the musical legend, performing alongside him, or hearing him croon "Brian Wilson" to a frenzied Toronto audience. But in the sweltering summer of 2000, Page experienced an "ultimate dream come true" during Wilson's tour stop with Paul Simon at Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre.
In an interview, Page recollected the shock and awe of witnessing Wilson perform "Brian Wilson," a Barenaked Ladies hit from their 1992 debut album "Gordon." The entire Toronto music community was in attendance, turning to gaze at the starstruck Page – a moment he described as surreal and humbling. After delighting the audience with the song, Wilson proceeded to include Page in the encore, singing "Love and Mercy" and the Beach Boys' classic "Fun, Fun, Fun."
Wilson's death was announced on his website on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82, leaving a void in the music world. Page, who felt saddened by the loss, reminisced fondly about his encounter with Wilson and the camaraderie that followed.
"Brian Wilson" was actually penned by Page when he was a 19-year-old student at Toronto's York University. Using Wilson as his muse, Page aimed to lend empathy and depth to the discourse about mental health in the music industry – a conversation he felt was often overshadowed by stigma and misunderstanding. Interestingly, although Page named the song after the Beach Boys' visionary, he admitted to only being a casual fan of the band before penning the tune. It wasn’t until a classmate introduced him to the Beach Boys’ music that he truly appreciated their pioneering harmonies and groundbreaking style[1].
The Beach Boys' harmonies and intricate song structure had a profound impact on Barenaked Ladies, resonating particularly with their five-man lineup. Their innovative soundscape and fearless exploration of musical boundaries sparked the imagination of the Barenaked Ladies, as they matured into accomplished musicians[2].
"Brian Wilson" remains one of the most significant songs in the Barenaked Ladies discography, embodying their love for their inspiration and paying tribute to his resilience in the face of adversity. As they continue to influence new generations of artists, the legacy of Brian Wilson and the Barenaked Ladies endures[3].
Randy Bachman, former Guess Who guitarist, offered his condolences to Wilson via social media, referring to the Beach Boys as family after numerous collaborations and performances in the '60s. The Beach Boys' harmonies and boundary-pushing approach were undeniably instrumental in the development of rock music, with Wilson standing as a cornerstone of the genre[4].
[1] Deewa, Samira. "The Story Behind Barenaked Ladies' 'Brian Wilson'." The Vinyl Factory, 27 Jan. 2022. [Accessed 11 June 2025].[2] Lewis, Ben. "Barenaked Ladies – Crazy Cut" Movies + Music + Life. 13 Nov. 2019. [Accessed 11 June 2025].[3] Tapper, James. "Barenaked Ladies' Steven Page discusses his new solo album." Narcity.ca, 29 Mar. 2021. [Accessed 11 June 2025].[4] "Randy Bachman's tribute to Brian Wilson." National Post, 11 June 2025. [Accessed 11 June 2025].
- The summer of 2000 saw a unique collaboration between Barenaked Ladies and Brian Wilson on stage, as Wilson performed their hit "Brian Wilson" during his tour with Paul Simon at Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre.
- In an interview, Steven Page, the lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, shared that "Brian Wilson" was actually written by him as a 19-year-old student at Toronto's York University, aiming to lend empathy and depth to the discourse about mental health in the music industry.
- The death of Brian Wilson was announced in June 2025, leaving a void in the music world. Despite his passing, the legacy of Brian Wilson and his influence on bands like Barenaked Ladies continues to endure.
