Arrogant Worms’ satire is sharp and sly, but never savage
The Arrogant Worms specialize in parody, finding what’s funny or quirky about this odd country of ours.
But you never see their satirical songs described as “biting” or “vicious.”
The band has released 13 albums and made broadcast appearances on MTV, NBC, CBC, CTV, FOX, Global, MuchMusic, Bravo and The Comedy Network.
Perhaps their best-known songs are The Last Saskatchewan Pirate, Carrot Juice Is Murder, and Canada Is Really Big.
“We started out in the 1990s, when comedy was all about being edgy,” says Arrogant Worms founding member Trevor Strong.
“We didn’t really go for that. An act that’s just based on shocking language and swear words doesn’t stay funny when the shock value wears off.”
Instead, the band—a quartet at first, now a trio—sees what’s funny about Canada and Canadians, and invites us to laugh along. It’s a classic example of laughing with someone, rather than laughing at them.
Strong, along with fellow Worms Chris Patterson and Mike McCormick, will be in Elk Point on June 1. It’s part of a quick Alberta swing that will also take them to Red Deer.
“We only do about 20 concerts a year now,” Strong said.
In the early days they would do tours of about a hundred shows, which Strong said was exciting—at first. Now he and the other band members are content to have some work/life balance (“a life,” in other words).
When he’s not making concert audiences laugh, Strong works as an Adjunct Professor at Queen’s University teaching music to future primary and junior teachers, and curriculum theory in the Professional Master of Education program.
As a sideline, he runs comedy courses through his HAcademy; writes and performs as a solo act; and has published three books.
But don’t expect an Arrogant Worms concert to be remotely serious. Strong says the patter among the three players is spontaneous, easy-going, and funny; and the songs speak for themselves.
“There are some opportunities for light audience participation, just so everyone can get a little exercise,” he said. “They’re mostly optional. There’s only one song where it’s mandatory.”
With their strong musicianship and their obvious songwriting skills, might it be reasonable to expect one or two earnest, serious songs during their concert?
“No!” Strong said, laughing. “Who needs that?”
The Arrogant Worms perform Saturday June 1 at Elk Point Allied Arts and Leisure Centre, showtime is 7:30. See ad on this page for more information.
