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Barenaked Ladies, the multi-platinum band that has sold more than 14 million albums and earned numerous awards and nominations, will kick off EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 on Monday, July 24, with the always-anticipated opening-night concert. Presented by Ford Motor Company, it’s free to all attendees that day and starts after the afternoon air show.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, the 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention, is July 24 to 30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.
“The high energy and infectious songs from Barenaked Ladies make the group a great choice to start off the week at the ‘world’s greatest aviation celebration,'” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice-president of communities and member programs who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The fact that the band has a close connection to flying makes it a great choice to play in front of aviation enthusiasts from all over the globe.”
Barenaked Ladies co-founder and lead singer Ed Robertson is an avid pilot, rated in both land and seaplanes. Although the band plays multitudes of concerts each year, coming to AirVenture is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the four-man Canadian group.
“This means I’ll finally be able to make it to the show!” said Robertson, who began his interest in flying when his uncle took Ed and his brother for a flight on a Cessna 185 on floats. “I’m always working during AirVenture, so I’m looking forward to taking it all in.”
Among the band’s biggest hits are “One Week,” which reached No. 1 in the U.S. Billboard chart, as well as instantly recognizable hits such as “If I Had $1,000,000” and “Pinch Me.” The group has received numerous Billboard Music Awards, Grammy nominations and Juno Awards (Canada’s equivalent of the Grammys). One of the band’s most recognized songs is the theme song from the top-rated comedy “The Big Bang Theory.”
“Ford is proud to be a partner with EAA and we try to bring memorable experiences to the visitors at AirVenture,” said Edsel B. Ford II, member of the Ford Motor Company board of directors. “Since 2006, Ford has been proud to bring top-notch entertainment to AirVenture and provide fun for everyone who joins us at Oshkosh. We’re very much looking forward to the great hits of Barenaked Ladies on opening night!”
Other highlighted features planned for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 include the Year of the Bomber, honouring the 75th anniversary of the 8th Air Force and the Doolittle Raid; the 90th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s solo trans-Atlantic flight; 80th anniversary of the Piper J-3 Cub; and the 25th anniversary of EAA’s Young Eagles program.
More information on those events will be announced as it is finalized.
