Having a TV show use your band’s music as its theme song can be a golden ticket. For bands, it’s not just about the financial windfall of royalties—it’s also an opportunity to reach millions of ears. Who knew RJD2 before “Mad Men” made them synonymous with suave advertising drama? How many discovered Lazlo Bane’s “I’m No Superman” because of Scrubs?
For Barenaked Ladies, their career didn’t depend on The Big Bang Theory. By the time the quirky sitcom debuted, the Canadian rock band was already a household name. Still, crafting the theme song for a show that ran for 12 seasons and became a cultural phenomenon was a monumental win. The catchy three-minute track continues to earn the band hefty residual checks more than 15 years later, thanks to reruns that show no sign of stopping. According to Ed Robertson, co-founder of the band, the song has been his most lucrative endeavor yet.
But not everyone has benefited equally. The theme’s success led to an internal dispute when former bandmate Steven Page sued over royalties. Page, who left the band in 2009, claimed Robertson was collecting all the profits and alleged he was owed at least a million dollars—his 20% share. Page’s lawsuit, reported by TMZ in 2015, didn’t make headlines beyond its initial filing, and any resolution seems to have been settled privately.
A Band That Endured Fame and Strain
While the lawsuit hinted at friction, the breakup of Barenaked Ladies wasn’t an explosive affair. Page has spoken candidly about his departure, describing a band environment that had grown less joyful over time. “The band was no longer the joyous place it once was,” Page shared in 2011. “It became a place where work was just about the stress and not the end product.”
Robertson’s comments on the split have been measured. “We don’t keep in touch, but we certainly wish him the best, and there’s goodwill there,” he said in 2009. Compared to legendary band feuds—like the fiery clashes of Fleetwood Mac or The Beatles—the Barenaked Ladies’ parting seems downright amicable.
The Legacy Lives On
Despite the financial and personal issues, Barenaked Ladies’ legacy remains intertwined with The Big Bang Theory. Their theme song is iconic, representing one of the most successful sitcoms of its era. Beyond that, the band’s influence seeped into other cultural moments—like a hilarious nod in Community, where the study group passionately defends the band’s honor.
Although the original lineup no longer performs together, Barenaked Ladies’ contributions to pop culture are undeniable. They’ve earned triple-platinum status and a lasting place in fans’ hearts. Whether it’s the lingering theme of The Big Bang Theory or their broader discography, their music continues to resonate.
