Following a rough and tumble 2008, lead singer Steven Page has handed in his resignation to Barenaked Ladies.
The band broke the news late Tuesday (February 24) on their website, telling fans that Page has left the band to "pursue solo projects, including theatrical opportunities" and that the rest of the Ladies will soldier on without him.
"By mutual agreement, Steven Page will be parting company with the remaining members of Barenaked Ladies," the band wrote. "Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson and Tyler Stewart will continue recording and touring together as Barenaked Ladies. Steven Page will pursue solo projects, including theatrical opportunities, while the band enter the studio in April 2009, and hit the road in the fall."
Page added: "These guys are my brothers. We've grown up together over the past 20 years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future."
Page's departure follows the singer's arrest in July for felony drug possession in New York. And while he later managed to avoid jail time, the incident drew its fair share of negative publicity both for Page and the band.
As for the future of Barenaked Ladies, Ed Robertson added: "It's the start of a new chapter for all of us. Here's to the future!"
There is no word yet if the band plan to engage in some very public and very embarrassing singing competition to find a new lead singer.
The band broke the news late Tuesday (February 24) on their website, telling fans that Page has left the band to "pursue solo projects, including theatrical opportunities" and that the rest of the Ladies will soldier on without him.
"By mutual agreement, Steven Page will be parting company with the remaining members of Barenaked Ladies," the band wrote. "Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson and Tyler Stewart will continue recording and touring together as Barenaked Ladies. Steven Page will pursue solo projects, including theatrical opportunities, while the band enter the studio in April 2009, and hit the road in the fall."
Page added: "These guys are my brothers. We've grown up together over the past 20 years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future."
Page's departure follows the singer's arrest in July for felony drug possession in New York. And while he later managed to avoid jail time, the incident drew its fair share of negative publicity both for Page and the band.
As for the future of Barenaked Ladies, Ed Robertson added: "It's the start of a new chapter for all of us. Here's to the future!"
There is no word yet if the band plan to engage in some very public and very embarrassing singing competition to find a new lead singer.
