The amicable split follows 20 years of hit music during which, the band displayed its own brand of fun, and ability to make fans smile. Page together with Ed Robertson were considered by many to be the co-leaders.
Group Origins
Professionally they began playing smaller gigs 20 years ago. They began their rise to fame when former Toronto Mayor June Rowlands banned them from performing at a Canada Day party, and partly due to frequent appearances on CityTv’s Speakers Corners.
The group’s mix of pop-rock music together with whimsical lyrics made them a cult hit among Canadian fans. When finally they became famous in the USA, their American fans appreciated them just as much, and they became well known for their somewhat goofy stage shows. Over the last 20 years, the hits have included “If I Had A Million Dollars,” “One Week” and “Call And Answer.” No matter what the group did, they always had fun.
Page's Departure
According to Page, he and fellow band members had been talking about his departure and finally came to a decision around a week and a half ago. The rest of the group wanted to make another album while Page felt unable to make the commitment.
The decision follows a chaotic year for Page, which included a well-documented arrest for cocaine and marijuana possession in New York State. The case ended with the judge with judge deciding on a 6-month probationary period. His brush with the law wasn’t enough to force Page to leave the band.
He commented to theNational Post: “At that point I really needed the guys more than ever I think.”
As for what comes next, Page is going to focus on solo projects including composing music for a Stratford show: Bartholomew Fair, as well as his own albums. He also has ambition to write a musical.
In the same National Post article he saw the positive side of his new direction: “As I keep saying to fans: Just think, you get a two-for-one now. You get their records, and my records."
Fan Reaction
Earlier this month Barenaked Ladies hosted their third annual Ships & Dip- a weeklong Caribbean cruise with their fans and other musicians, where the group performed three shows. Some fans thought this could be the last time the band performed together.
According to a February 25th National Post, one fan who attended the cruise named Barenaked Flipper posted on the web: “Someone mentioned when they took the bow at the end of show number three they wondered if it was the last time we’d ever see the band together, and the same thought crossed my mind.”
A second fan who attended wrote: “I had a vibe that when they took their bow at the end… that this was the last time we’d see the band together. I’m sad that I was right.”
The four remaining band members: Ed Robertson, Andy Creegan, Kevin Hearn, and Tyler Stewart are scheduled to begin working on a new album in April.
