  Singer-guitarist Steven Page. (File photo)
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Singer-guitarist Steven Page has left The Barenaked Ladies "by mutual agreement" to pursue solo projects.
The Toronto band and Page together made the announcement last night on BNL's website.
"It's the start of a new chapter for all of us," wrote bandmate Ed Robertson.
Page was charged with drug possession in upstate New York last July, only weeks after the band released a children's album.
In October, Page agreed to a deal with prosecutors that would result in the felony drug charge being dropped if he stayed out of trouble for six months, which time will elapse come late April.
Contacted last night by Sun Media, drummer Tyler Stewart said he couldn't comment much further on the split at this time.
"The band is happy to be moving forward and can't wait to get into the studio to record new material," Stewart wrote in an e-mail to Sun Media.
"That's all I can really say."
The remaining members of the band say they will continue recording and touring together as The Barenaked Ladies.
Page, 38, was not available to be interviewed last night, but on the band's website he wrote:
"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."
According to the band's website, 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 Barenaked Ladies had a rocky 2008.
Not only was Page arrested, but in late August Robertson crashed his float plane in a wooded area north of Bancroft, Ont., and luckily walked away unhurt along with three passengers.
This year, the Ladies appeared to be on a mini-comeback, with a recent Juno Award nomination for their children's album, Snacktime, just in time to celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band.
The Barenaked Ladies have made 11 albums since 1992.
They have had four Top 5 singles in Canada, and two Top 20 singles in the U.S., where One Week reached No. 1 in 1998 and Pinch Me hit No. 15 in 2000.
The band was named group of the year at the Juno Awards in 1993, 1995 and 2001, and twice won the Juno for best pop album (Stunt in 1995, Maroon in 2001).
-- with files from Darryl Sterdan
