Barenaked Ladies Parting Ways With Steven Page

Following a drug bust, founding member is leaving the band

By Breanne L. Heldman Feb 25, 2009 4:22 PMTags
Steven Page, Barenaked LadiesCanwest News Service

Steven Page may have avoided jail time, but the Barenaked Ladies singer couldn't escape putting his clothes back on.

Following his drug bust and commitment to rehab, Page has parted ways with the band he started with Ed Robertson in 1988.

"By mutual agreement, Steven Page will be parting company with the remaining members of Barenaked Ladies," a message on the band's official website says. "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 enters the studio in April 2009, and hits the road in the fall…The band also wish Steven well in all of his endeavors."

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

The 38-year-old singer and guitarist was pinched in upstate New York in July 2008 for felony criminal possession of a controlled substance, which turned out to be cocaine.

In October, the Canadian crooner dodged up to five and a half years in the slammer if he sought treatment and stayed clean for six months.

The prolific five-man group—known for such hits as "One Week" and "Pinch Me" as well as popular children's recordings—recently returned from their fifth annual "Ships & Dip" concert cruise. They now plan to continue as a quartet.

"It's the start of a new chapter for all of us," Robertson says on the site. "Here's to the future!"