For fans of '90s bands or groups named after uncouth women, the BMO Harris Pavilion's first summer performers will be quite a treat. The pavilion announced this morning that it will kick off its non-Big Gig summer slate of concerts with a visit from the Last Summer on Earth 2015 tour, featuring the Barenaked Ladies, Milwaukee's own Violent Femmes and Colin Hay.
The show – a 7:30 p.m. gig (gates open an hour earlier) on Saturday, June 13 – marks a return to the BMO Harris Pavilion for the Barenaked Ladies, who played the venue during Summerfest back in 2013. The Canadian pop rock band was a Top 40 staple back in the '90s with hits like "Pinch Me," "If I Had $1,000,000" and the ultimate sing-a-long challenge "One Week." For those who've forgotten the '90s, the Barenaked Ladies also sing the opening credits tune for the hit CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory."
Meanwhile, the Violent Femmes are one of the most popular bands to come out of Milwaukee, hitting it big in the '90s with the hit song "Blister in the Sun." The group previously played the Marcus Amphitheater alongside The Avett Brothers back in 2013. Shortly after, following suit with the band's bumpy history of breakups, Victor DeLorenzo announced that the Summerfest show would serve as his last with the group. The Violent Femmes now perform with original members Gordon Gano and Brian Ritchie, along with drummer Brian Viglione.
Wrapping up the trio is Colin Hay, who served as the lead vocalist of the Australian '80s band Men At Work, most famous the hit song "Down Under." Later in his career, with the help of "Scrubs" star Zach Braff, Hay's solo career gained a resurgence.
Tickets for the June show go on sale starting Saturday, Feb. 21 at noon. Lower and upper bowl reserved seats are priced at $39.50, rear standing room tickets go for $29.50 and limited gold circle reserved seats cost $75.50.