After more than 20 years, Steven Page is leaving the Barenaked Ladies to pursue a solo career.

Page, a lead singer and co-founder of the Canadian pop group, made the announcement on his official blog Tuesday.

The band’s website also contained a message about the departure, which was described as a “mutual agreement.”

“These guys are my brothers,” Page said on the site. “We’ve grown up together over the past 20 years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future.”

Page already has several solo projects lined up, including putting together an album, composing for a production of “Bartholomew Fair” at this summer’s Stratford Festival and releasing a studio recording he did with The Art of Time Ensemble, followed by a tour.

The remaining BNL members will continue to record and perform together, according to the band’s website. They plan to enter the studio in April before touring in the fall.

“It’s the start of a new chapter for all of us,” said BNL-er Ed Robertson.

Page made headlines last summer after he was arrested in upstate New York on felony drug possession charges. These were reduced by a judge to a misdemeanor in October, with charges to be dropped as long as he stayed out of trouble for six months.






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