Gig of the Week

Barenaked Ladies, Fake Nudes Tour, York Barbican, April 21

SCARBOROUGH band Barenaked Ladies play York Barbican this weekend. Scarborough, Canada, that is.

After 14 million album sales, multiple Juno awards and Grammy nominations, the Toronto rock combo are promoting their 15th studio album, Fake Nudes, released last November on UMC.

The 14 tracks include lead single Lookin’ Up, written by frontman Ed Robertson with Better Than Ezra's Kevin Griffin and Sam Hollander, who has co-written with Weezer and Train.

"I'm incredibly proud of this collection of songs," says Robertson. "This is a record where all band members shine. It's incredible to feel so excited about something 29 years into our career. I'm excited to get out and play these songs live."

Fake Nudes was recorded by the long-standing partnership of Ed Robertson, guitar and vocals; Jim Creeggan, bass and vocals; Kevin Hearn, keyboards, guitar and vocals, and Tyler Stewart, drums and vocals. Gavin Brown was the producer once more, having overseen the band’s last few projects, 2013's Grinning Streak, 2015's Silverball and 2017's Ladies And Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies And The Persuasions. Hearn and Creeggan have contributed to the songwriting too.

York Barbican is one of eight dates on Barenaked Ladies' April tour; doors open at 7pm and English surrealist comedian, songwriter and singer Boothby Graffoe will be the support act. Tickets are on sale at £33.59 and £44.79 on 0844 854 2757 or at yorkbarbican.co.uk