Barenaked Ladies, one of Canada’s favorite and most known bands, is breaking up.  Kind of.  In a statement on their web page, the band says that they are parting ways with lead singer Steven Page.  The split is said to be a mutual agreement between Page and the other members of the band.

Page was arrested last July in the United States for drug possession after he was found with cocaine.  The charges were dropped to a misdemeanor in October.  The initial arrest made headlines world wide as the band was known for living a clean cut life.  The arrest also coincided with the release of the band’s first children’s recording. Not exacxlty the kind of publicity they needed at the time.

Page says in his statement that “These guys are my brothers. We’ve grown up together over the past twenty years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future.”

Page is said to be embarking on a solo career while the rest of the band will continue to tour and record as the Barenaked Ladies.