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Q: How did the improv/rap start the first time you did it live? And how long does it normally take you to come up with them? They're always great, and specific to wherever you're playing. I've seen you in Philly and I live in North Carolina and have seen you play in several cities. Even just days apart, there's always a new flavor to the show thanks in part to those wonderful improv raps.
-Chris from Raleigh, N.C.
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| Steven Page |
Steven Page: They are truly improvs - we never cook them up before we go onstage. Everything comes off the top of our heads. That's what keeps it fresh for ourselves and each other. Originally they had a lot less swearing in them, though.
Q: Pessimistic intellectuals (me?) are saying that artistic ordinariness is making a huge comeback these days, and absurdist brilliance such as yours isn't marketable to the masses. Do you guys think this is true? How have you guys managed to buck the trend and still see so much success?
-Eric from Salt Lake City
Steven Page: I think there are lots of people out there who think that we too are purveyors of artistic ordinariness. We fool them into thinking that, which lets us keep one foot in the mainstream and the other in the mire.
Q: If the world ended today what would be one accomplishment you'd be proud of?
-Rachael from East Liverpool, Ohio
Steven Page: Being a part of my wonderful family, and selling out Madison Square Garden.
Q: Is there any notable difference between your U.S. and Canadian fans? And what's your favorite U.S. city?
-Diane from Buffalo, N.Y.
 Steven Page: For some odd reason, Canadians like to sit down during concerts. It takes a lot of work and goading to get them to dance.
Q: My boyfriend doesn't like your music too much. But he's really into Frank Zappa. I want him to like you guys. What should I do?
-Vicky from Chicago
Steven Page: Break up with him.
Q: If you had to be a Backstreet Boy, which one would you be?
-Aliza from Rochester, N.Y.
Steven Page: Poor, tormented AJ. He's the millennial Donnie Wahlberg.
Q: Who is responsible for the awesome (and hilarious) choreography in your infamous medley routines at the end of your shows?
-Cheeka from Boston
Steven Page: Ed Robertson, choreographer to the stars.
Ed Robertson: OK ... I'll take the blame for our old-school dance moves. They weren't old school when we started doing them, but we've been a little busy over the last 12 years. There never seems to be enough time to learn any new moves. I get the urge quite often, but it's usually just the urge to add other old-school moves. The last time I thought about adding moves was when we watched Purple Rain on the bus a few weeks ago ... Yikes, somebody call Sisqo!
Q: Obviously we all have "off days." Can you tell us about a live performance where you had difficulty holding the show together? What went wrong and how did you cope?
-Merk from Eagen, Minn.
Steven Page: When stuff goes wrong (pants rip, jokes fall flat, wrong notes, tech problems), it's incentive for us to up the ante, and often it's those shows that turn out the best.
Q: Would you rather have your fans throw underwear or Kraft Dinner at you?
-Susan from Buffalo, N.Y.
Steven Page: Underwear, please.
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