the ladies turn a page

From APP

Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies on Wednesday announced the departure of lead singer, guitarist and co-founder Stephen Page, who was charged last year with cocaine possession.

"By mutual agreement, Steven Page will be parting company with the remaining members of Barenaked Ladies" in order to pursue solo music projects and a theatrical career, the group said on its website.

The rest of the band will continue to record and tour together, and plan to start recording a new album in April 2009, followed by a tour in the fall.

Page, 38, was arrested in July 2008 at an upstate New York apartment and charged with drug possession. The charges were later reduced to a misdemeanor.

"These guys are my brothers," Page said in a statement. "We've grown up together over the past twenty years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future."

The band formed in 1988 in a Toronto suburb, and are best known for their hit singles "The Old Apartment," "Pinch Me," "If I Had A Million Dollars," "Brian Wilson" and the 1999 Grammy-nominated "One Week," as well as for their light-hearted, comedic live performances.