How did you feel when Tyler wasn't writing all the new songs starting in 2003?

[McGerkey]

That's when I first realized the band was doomed.

[Darcey]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a122/darcey30/Smilies/fishslap.gif

Oh my....

[designerfox]

LMAO

I mean... I was heartbroken. I just didn't know if I could listen to them anymore. But I hung on! and I still love them!

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

IMHO his contribution to "Why Say Anything Nice" is the best part of the song.

[tvfan721]

IMHO his contribution to "Why Say Anything Nice" is the best part of the song.

I agree 100%!

Tyler is actually a good singer too. His singing on "Four Seconds" is better than any of Kevin's singing.

[ProudMommy77]

...Tyler is actually a good singer too. ...

In complete agreement!!! I love Allergies.

His ad-lib song at the Kitchener concert was great, as well!

[AnotherHeartbreak]

In complete agreement!!! I love Allergies.

His ad-lib song at the Kitchener concert was great, as well!
I agree as well. I think he should sing more.

[Shardith]

Hasn't Tyler been singing on "Alcohol" when it's performed?

[Kawltie]

I really want to know how you all felt when Kevin switched from having the Hugo doll on his keyboards to that crazy-ass mask. I think that's when it all changed. :p

[becky11]

I want to know when Stewart is going to take his rightful position at front and center.

[kpphoto]

Tyler sings alot more live now than the last time I saw them. I think it's great. I love his part on "Ordinary"

[McGerkey]

Hasn't Tyler been singing on "Alcohol" when it's performed?

I need to hear this.

[garyrulez]

Tyler's work hasn't been the same since he left John and went solo. His early stuff- probably because of John's collaborative input- was heartful, sincere, and truly meaningful. Since they split up, most of his stuff has just been trite pop- especially that awful crap he wrote with his wife.

The one exception, Live and Let Die, was good enough that G'nR was able to produce a far superior cover.

And normally, I don't like to brin personal appearances into the discussion, but dude, Tyler: what happened to your face??? You don't look younger, you just looked constantly surprised. Sad.

[Suebee42]

I really want to know how you all felt when Kevin switched from having the Hugo doll on his keyboards to that crazy-ass mask. I think that's when it all changed. :p

Dude, totally. :eek:

[Appleblossom28]

I think Ty is awesome. Coming from someone who couldn't stand him for the first 5 years of this bands life. I realized he's not so bad afterall.

[Den of Antiquity]

Sometimes my drummer Gian looks eerily like Tyler. Both are bald and kind of avocado-shaped. And both are equally quirky and hilarious at times.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Den-of-Antiquity/264749420439?v=photos&ref=ts#!/photo.php?pid=10745838&id=264749420439

[Belyha]

I say more Tyler singing and more Ed drumming. Like a Barenaked Freaky Friday!:D And just more more more period.;)

[Liam]

I agree 100%!

Tyler is actually a good singer too. His singing on "Four Seconds" is better than any of Kevin's singing.

Harsh words..!

[tvfan721]

Harsh words..!

You can't deny that Tyler actually has talent as a singer. When he sang Alcohol, he actually sang in tune and his voice was pretty strong.

[Appleblossom28]

Okay Ty sounded like a drunkin' bar singer during that song but it worked:/

[Liam]

You can't deny that Tyler actually has talent as a singer. When he sang Alcohol, he actually sang in tune and his voice was pretty strong.
I'm not denying that Tyler is a good singer, I think he is too. I just thought they were harsh words re: Kevin. I like him as a singer.

[tvfan721]

I don't think it's harsh, it's reality. Kevin can't sing in tune and he doesn't have charisma on stage to be a lead singer. Tyler can sing in tune and he has the charisma that's necessary. Tyler's personality "fits" BNL alot more.

[sandimas]

He drums, he sings, he BBQ's....he's becoming the multi-headed Hydra of Rock!

[Liam]

I don't think it's harsh, it's reality. Kevin can't sing in tune and he doesn't have charisma on stage to be a lead singer.
It's not 'reality', it's OPINION, and I believe that he IS a good singer. Have you ever seen a Thin Buckle show? I think that demonstrates that he can be a pretty good front-man, too.

[Liam]

Tyler's personality "fits" BNL alot more.
Also; what the hell is this meant to mean? "Fits" BNL? As in, implying that Kevin doesn't fit in the band? I know what you're saying about Tyler but it is possible to do so in a way that doesn't knock Kevin at the same time.

[mistee84]

I don't think it's harsh, it's reality. Kevin can't sing in tune and he doesn't have charisma on stage to be a lead singer. Tyler can sing in tune and he has the charisma that's necessary. Tyler's personality "fits" BNL alot more.

The magic behind Kevin's voice is that it's so different. Maybe once you hear some of the Thin Buckle stuff, or actually get off your high horse and listen to BNL stuff properly you'll be able to understand. Listen to the difference and the creativity behind the music and the lyrics, and then get back to me once you understand.

[jenh76]

I don't think it's harsh, it's reality. Kevin can't sing in tune and he doesn't have charisma on stage to be a lead singer. Tyler can sing in tune and he has the charisma that's necessary. Tyler's personality "fits" BNL alot more.

If Kevin couldn't sing in tune then any harmony he is a part of would sound off. That simply does not happen. And I'm not saying that off notes don't sometimes occur. They ALL occasionally flub up, they're human.

[RockShrimp]

I know what you're saying about Tyler but it is possible to do so in a way that doesn't knock Kevin at the same time.


Replace "Tyler" with "BNL" and "Kevin" with "Steven" and welcome to my thoughts about the entire last year. I wish you better luck than I had with convincing people of it.

[Shardith]

I don't think it's harsh, it's reality. Kevin can't sing in tune and he doesn't have charisma on stage to be a lead singer. Tyler can sing in tune and he has the charisma that's necessary. Tyler's personality "fits" BNL alot more.

Well, if the "fit" of the current lineup isn't doing it for you, I wonder why you're still following the band. If they're not making you happy anymore, why bother?

[Liam]

Replace "Tyler" with "BNL" and "Kevin" with "Steven" and welcome to my thoughts about the entire last year. I wish you better luck than I had with convincing people of it.
I thought that too. Thanks for the good luck. "Head" and "brick wall" comes to mind though.

[tvfan721]

The magic behind Kevin's voice is that it's so different. Maybe once you hear some of the Thin Buckle stuff, or actually get off your high horse and listen to BNL stuff properly you'll be able to understand. Listen to the difference and the creativity behind the music and the lyrics, and then get back to me once you understand.

I've heard Thin Buckle and I've listened to every BNL song quite often. I don't appreciate you saying that I don't "get" BNL. I simply don't like Kevin's singing or his songwriting. What is so hard to understand about that? The fact that my own personal opinion is bothering you personally is a shame. Why can't we all have our own personal opinions? The world would be quite boring if we all thought the same way.

I think Steve's music is magicial.
I think Ed's music is quite good.
Jim's music is getting alot better and I'm starting to like his singing more.
Tyler's singing is pretty cool too.
But I simply do NOT like Kevin's music. He's a great musician but I don't like his music. Get over it.

[Shardith]

I don't think it's harsh, it's reality. Kevin can't sing in tune and he doesn't have charisma on stage to be a lead singer.

The fact that my own personal opinion is bothering you personally is a shame. Why can't we all have our own personal opinions?

What you first said was reality has now become your opinion, and you're upset that you don't have the right to your opinion? Please try to work on making it clear that you're stating your opinion in the first place, and steer clear of phrases like "I don't think it's harsh, it's reality"! I think this extra care in communication will be beneficial to everyone on the board.

[pbennett66]

Just gotta throw in my two sense. I was at the Spokane and had VIP tickets, during the meet and greet, meeting the band for the first time, Kevin was much nicer. Tyler seemed like he wasn't having a good time at all. While Kevin even drew me a picture on my vinyl record I brought.

[Appleblossom28]

Just gotta throw in my two sense. I was at the Spokane and had VIP tickets, during the meet and greet, meeting the band for the first time, Kevin was much nicer. Tyler seemed like he wasn't having a good time at all. While Kevin even drew me a picture on my vinyl record I brought.

When I bumped into Ty at this food market I always shopped at He seemed in a rush but I took my chance to say Hi. The first time I saw him walking around my naborhood he looked annoyed at that point I didn't say hi but I was think geez he looks pissed lol

[mistee84]

When I met Ty he called me sweetie. He was completely lovely to me. Mind you, I did end up talking about hockey with him though!

[Amicustoall]

I have watched Ty quite a bit (in a non-creepy stalkerish kind of way) over the years and I think he is a lot like me. Often has a look that is taken as being pissed off or angry!

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

Ed is usually in a hurry, talking into his cell phone. I sort of imagine he's talking to Time and Temperature.

[Appleblossom28]

When I met Ty he called me sweetie. He was completely lovely to me. Mind you, I did end up talking about hockey with him though!

When I ran into him at the food store he was poilte. He stopped and didn't ingore me. But seeing him walking down the street he looked annoyed lol so at that point I didn't stop him.

[garyrulez]

Ty communicated with me exactly once- he was very cool. Then, Ed, Jim, and Kev played a song just for my daughter at a small show, which was also very cool.

Never personally spoke to Steve, but I will say this: having been on all 3 cruises, I saw him talking to fans a ton, and he was extremely cordial. Full disclosure, this was mostly on the first two, but whenever I saw him, he was really being nice.

[WayToSkateKate]

I don't know if anyone is following this thread anymore, but here are my thoughts:

Kev's singing is beautiful. When he sings one of the songs he wrote, I can't imagine anyone else singing it. Yes, his voice is different from most "professional" singer's voices. But why anyone would make that fact the hill they want to die on mystifies me. Music is diversity in action. Feel the love.

Ty is the nicest guy in the world. He always stops to talk to me and recommends a great place to eat. At one concert he seemed truly distressed that I might get trampled in the rush to the stage when the gates opened. He told me to tell the gate that he said to let me in early. I'll probably always be his fiercest defender. :D

[squirtle]

I agree 100%!

Tyler is actually a good singer too. His singing on "Four Seconds" is better than any of Kevin's singing.

Lawlalwalawlalwlalwlawl This reminds me of how Kevin said his voice "sounds like Kermit the Frog". Didn't believe him, listened to one of his records, said out loud "No he sounds
like Big Bird, he meant BIG BIRD" LRN2 JIM HENSON MUPPETS

[barenakedfi]

I adore Kev's voice, and his songwriting.... He's a very talented musician. I also disagree about his stage presence. He contributes a great deal to the improv and adlibs, and has a sharp sense of humour. We were in front of him at a gig last week and he engages a lot with the crowd. He's also very generous with his time & attention when he meets fans (he's the one member of the band who asks people if they have requests, and he honoured mine on the following show, giving us a smile as it began).

I've now seen Ty do Alcohol 3 times, once up close! He is very good at it, and can sing well... It's a laugh, and glad I've seen it, but once in a blue moon would be enough and I'm happy to return to a more traditional treatment.

[TheHYPO]

I adore Kev's voice, and his songwriting.... He's a very talented musician. I also disagree about his stage presence. He contributes a great deal to the improv and adlibs, and has a sharp sense of humour. We were in front of him at a gig last week and he engages a lot with the crowd. He's also very generous with his time & attention when he meets fans (he's the one member of the band who asks people if they have requests, and he honoured mine on the following show, giving us a smile as it began).

I've now seen Ty do Alcohol 3 times, once up close! He is very good at it, and can sing well... It's a laugh, and glad I've seen it, but once in a blue moon would be enough and I'm happy to return to a more traditional treatment.

I should just note, without commenting on your personal experience, that I'm pretty sure every member of the band has asked numerous fans whether they have any requests. I think, perhaps, it's something that just pops out of Kevin's mouth a bit more than the others, but I've seen, or have heard from others of every other band member asking it.

[Jen7667]

I always get Ty when he is in a bad mood. Not once has he ever been nice to me. I mean not necessarily mean but not nice either. He always seems kinda bored and annoyed and I have been following them for awhile. Steven when I first met him he was kinda rude but the next time he was super cool. Kevin always seems shy but he isn't rude and Ed and Jim are the sweetest guys ever. Anywho back to the thread.

[cjthedj53]

I always get Ty when he is in a bad mood. Not once has he ever been nice to me. I mean not necessarily mean but not nice either. He always seems kinda bored and annoyed and I have been following them for awhile. Steven when I first met him he was kinda rude but the next time he was super cool. Kevin always seems shy but he isn't rude and Ed and Jim are the sweetest guys ever. Anywho back to the thread.

I've only ever talked to Steven and it's been online, but I've noticed he's incredibly sarcastic on Twitter. I'd like to think it's mostly his sense of humor shining through, but I can't help but think he's gotten a little bitter with his fans lately...

Looking forward to meeting the other guys next month!

[barenakedfi]

I should just note, without commenting on your personal experience, that I'm pretty sure every member of the band has asked numerous fans whether they have any requests. I think, perhaps, it's something that just pops out of Kevin's mouth a bit more than the others, but I've seen, or have heard from others of every other band member asking it.

Sorry, I wasn't meaning the others never do it, just that I often read of people meeting Kev and him asking them this.. backed up by my own experience of being asked only by him. It was only to us I heard him actually say he would try to honour the request, as he knew we were going to more shows.

The girl next to me asked for "Pinch Me"... which was a nap anyway!! Where else would they pick up their underwear?

[tvfan721]

I've only ever talked to Steven and it's been online, but I've noticed he's incredibly sarcastic on Twitter. I'd like to think it's mostly his sense of humor shining through, but I can't help but think he's gotten a little bitter with his fans lately...



You can't blame Steve at all. A majority of the BNL fanbase has turned on Steve judging from what I've seen here and on other message boards.

[Appleblossom28]

I always get Ty when he is in a bad mood. Not once has he ever been nice to me. I mean not necessarily mean but not nice either. He always seems kinda bored and annoyed and I have been following them for awhile. Steven when I first met him he was kinda rude but the next time he was super cool. Kevin always seems shy but he isn't rude and Ed and Jim are the sweetest guys ever. Anywho back to the thread.

The first time I met Ed was in 1998. That first time for some reason or another he was very quiet, But not rude at all. Ty my only encounter of him was that one time eventhough he was nice he seemed rushed though maybe he was in a hurry to finish is food shopping;)

[Neil]

I've only ever talked to Steven and it's been online, but I've noticed he's incredibly sarcastic on Twitter. I'd like to think it's mostly his sense of humor shining through, but I can't help but think he's gotten a little bitter with his fans lately...

There was a weird incident this week where a guy got all upset that Steve had called him a liar onstage and then tweeted Tyler about it.

I *think* what happened was this: the guy had tweeted Steve to say his brother was flying to see Steve's show in London, and then onstage Steve read the twitter out, asking if the brother had a request, and the brother didn't respond. So Steve jokingly called the tweeter a liar -- he actually tweeted him back in the middle of a show -- and the guy took offence and went whining to Tyler about it. But then instead of explaining or apologizing Steve made a flip comment to Tyler -- "you can have that dude in the custody battle."

It was just awkward.

[Liam]

There was a weird incident this week where a guy got all upset that Steve had called him a liar onstage and then tweeted Tyler about it.

I *think* what happened was this: the guy had tweeted Steve to say his brother was flying to see Steve's show in London, and then onstage Steve read the twitter out, asking if the brother had a request, and the brother didn't respond. So Steve jokingly called the tweeter a liar -- he actually tweeted him back in the middle of a show -- and the guy took offence and went whining to Tyler about it. But then instead of explaining or apologizing Steve made a flip comment to Tyler -- "you can have that dude in the custody battle."

It was just awkward.
For god's sake. Actually, that's only half the story.

The guy (lets call him P) tweeted Steven a few times telling him that his brother (lets call him N) was flying from Glasgow to London ON to see the show whilst he was on vacation. Steve had asked around for the guy (N) at the show as he wanted to play a request for him (quite a nice gesture). The guy hadn't bothered to turn up - and through a weird set of circumstances, I was actually able to see the person's Facebook profile - I discovered that he had gone to watch The Social Network instead. So, Steve was a little embarrassed about this non-response and decided to tweet him from the stage as a joke. It read "thanks for embarrassing me in front of all these people".

The guy's brother (P) saw this tweet the following morning and took offence to it big time - proceeding to spam multiple Facebook/Twitter/forum pages with how much of a "jerk" Steve was for saying this to him on Twitter. He wrote on Steven's Facebook page bitching about the tweet, saying "you've lost a fan here" etc. He even wrote to Tyler on Twitter saying "Guess what Steve just did... (explained the story)... what do you think?" etc etc. So - this guy got Tyler involved before Steve did. He went way over the top about it - before he even knew what the situation was - ie his brother not actually turning up to the show.

He then found out that his brother had in fact not attended the show, and hence that the only reason Steven had tweeted this at him was because he wanted to play a request for him and besides, HE WAS JOKING.

The guy (P) then, in realisation of all of this, proceeded to write a lengthy apology to Steve on Twitter and Facebook and deleted many of his whiny posts (which is a shame as they were quite the spectacle). Considering the language he had used, and things he had said to Steve, I think it was very big of Steve to accept his apology - which he swiftly did.

In all of this, I don't see how Steve is the bad guy at all. He wanted to play a request, but the guy wasn't there, so he made a joke about it. That was literally it. The rest of the drama was made by the guy's brother being a friggin' idiot.

[Liam]

Sorry about the long post but, having seen that whole drama unfold via social media, I would not be happy to see people blast Steve for that - he did nothing wrong.

[McGerkey]

he had gone to watch The Social Network instead.

Hahaha oh wow.

[Shardith]

Thanks for giving us the rest of the story, Liam.

[barenakedfi]

I spent some time trying to piece together what had gone on (having initially just seen one side of the issue from Steve in Twitter). I didn't find the additional facebook messages. However, If it's true that the brother had simply changed his mind about the show... there's another twist to the story, as the guy said to Steve in his subsequent (and accusatory)Tweets (before the apology) that the brother hadn't attended because he was seriously ill.

[Liam]

I spent some time trying to piece together what had gone on (having initially just seen one side of the issue from Steve in Twitter). I didn't find the additional facebook messages. However, If it's true that the brother had simply changed his mind about the show... there's another twist to the story, as the guy said to Steve in his subsequent (and accusatory)Tweets (before the apology) that the brother hadn't attended because he was seriously ill.
I read that too - but he wrote to his brother on Facebook asking if he attended the show. He said no, he didn't feel "up to it", so he went to the theatre instead. It's all bizarre.

[cjthedj53]

Anyone but me find it ironic that all of this drama happened on the very platform which the guy ended up spending his time researching for the evening?! :D

Wow, where the hell has THIS topic gone?

[squirtle]

I adore Kev's voice, and his songwriting.... He's a very talented musician.

Yeah? And I adore tuna. Get your damn hands off my husband and sex slave.

[barenakedfi]

Yeah? And I adore tuna. Get your damn hands off my husband and sex slave.

errr... tuna:confused:

[McGerkey]

Hahahahaha.

[kgraves6]

I think Steve's music is magicial.
I think Ed's music is quite good.
Jim's music is getting alot better and I'm starting to like his singing more.
Tyler's singing is pretty cool too.
But I simply do NOT like Kevin's music. He's a great musician but I don't like his music. Get over it.

I give any and all of them credit... I couldn't write a song if you paid me to. I can arrange it with no trouble, but I can't write songs.

My children are the greatest about this...
My youngest loves Ed.- anything he sings or writes.
My third ( middle daughter ) loves Kevin.- anything he sings or writes.
My son has actually been inspired to WANT to sing because of Jim's voice.
My oldest daughter loves all of it.

[Appleblossom28]

"Originally Posted by tvfan721

I think Steve's music is magicial.
I think Ed's music is quite good.
Jim's music is getting alot better and I'm starting to like his singing more.
Tyler's singing is pretty cool too.
But I simply do NOT like Kevin's music. He's a great musician but I don't like his music. Get over it."

I think Kev sounds like Kermit the Frog but his music I actually like. Ed has been my favorite simply because I enjoy the music that he makes and he can play the Acousitc Guitar like it's art.

[kgraves6]

I think Kev sounds like Kermit the Frog but his music I actually like. Ed has been my favorite simply because I enjoy the music that he makes and he can play the Acousitc Guitar like it's art.

For those of you who want to bash Kevin's singing, especially after all those years they joked so much about Ed's singing.....speaking as a person with professional training in voice, it's not Kevin or Ed's ability to match pitch that makes them "sound" out of tune - it's their diction. If you notice, when they sing background vocals where there are just ooohs and aaahs, they are perfectly in tune.. it's when you add the consonants and vowel combinations - dipthongs, and tripthongs ( I think that's how they're spelled) that they have problems.

And if you think Kevin sounds like Kermit the Frog, maybe that's why he loves to do "Rainbow Connection"......

[Ever Really There]

Yup.
It's not the sound of Kevin's voice that bothers me, personally, it's his phrasing - so damn boring.

[Appleblossom28]

Oh boy you try to have an opinion and it doesn't still well with other people why bother...

[kgraves6]

Everyone has an opinion. Otherwise we would all be the same and we wouldn't have people like Kevin, Jim, Ed and Tyler.

Voicing your opinion is a good thing - if you realize ( and you do ) that it's an OPINION. At least you're not one of those people who confuse their opinions and facts and lies until they don' t know one from the other.

[Shardith]

Life would be very boring if we all had the same opinions!! We would all be little robots buying the same clothes, cars, shoes, and music. :p

[Sticks]

I've been listening to quite alot of Kevin Hearn and the Thin Buckle recently and some of the tunes are really really good in my opinion. I happen to think he's quite talented.

[McGerkey]

Love Kevin's voice. It ain't the most powerful but shit's still pretty ca$h.

[designerfox]

I like Kevin's voice; it's different in a fun, quirky way. However, I am not really into a lot of his songs. Can't really explain why. They just don't do it for me, I guess. They obviously do it for some people, though, or he wouldn't have his own band ;)