BNL lead singer Steven Page has left the group to “pursue a solo career” after getting busted with a shitload of cocaine last summer.

“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,” said Steven in a statement that did not mention the drug bust.

Do you guys think this’ll be the end of the group? Or does anyone even listen to BNL these days anyway? I mean, I always smile when “If I Had a Million Dollars” comes on the radio, but I didn’t realize they were putting out new material … except for the kids album they released last summer right before the drug bust, featuring the hit single “If I Had a Million Dollars (I’d Buy Even More Blow, Kids!)”.

Ugh. Internet connection’s on the fritz this morning. Grrr. Makes for an unhappy Beet. (And possibly for slow posting, sorry.)

But as bad as my day’s starting off, it’s still not as bad as what Steven Page is going through. The lead singer of Barenaked Ladies was arrested earlier this week on cocaine charges, which he apparently plans to fight tooth and nail. According to a statement on the band’s website:

“Many of you have probably read or heard press accounts about Steven Page’s recent arrest in New York state. Steven has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and the validity of the charges against Steven will be strongly contested … While this is happening, it’s business as usual for Barenaked Ladies. We will continue to perform and look forward to heading into the studio later this year to record a new album. We want to thank our loyal fans for their continued support during this difficult time.”

The band, which recently released a children’s album, is supposed to perform next month at a children’s charity concert organized by Walt Disney Co.