Barenaked Ladies Frontman Busted for Cocaine Possession

Posted on Jul 16th 2008 4:00PM by Denise Sheppard
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There are many musicians for whom a drug charge would barely raise an eyebrow, but Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page's clean-cut ways hardly fit the profile of a badass blow boy. While the Barenakeds' recent children's record, 'Snacktime,' continues to be all the rage in the under-10 set, Fayetteville, N.Y. police have reported that the 38-year-old Page has been charged with possession of a controlled substance after police – following up on an empty, open-doored car in the street -- saw something suspicious through an apartment window around 2 a.m. Friday morning in Fayetteville, N.Y. In an official statement from the Manlius, N.Y., Police Department, "officers observed a man and woman seated at a kitchen table inside apartment 1 with an unknown white capsule in front of them. During subsequent investigation, officers found the two to be in possession of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine."

A further search through the home uncovered cannabis and more cocaine; the Ontario-born Page, however, was not hit with a marijuana charge, proving once again that Canadians don't smoke American pot. Two female companions at the residence were also charged. Page's manager Terry McBride has released a statement that he "cannot comment because the matter is before the courts, but we are confident that our client/Steven will be completely exonerated. Until that time it's business as usual for Barenaked Ladies."

The band's Web site has just been updated with a post titled 'A note to the fans ...' that reads, "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." Page was released after paying a $10,000 bail and at this point remains booked with the Barenaked Ladies to perform a series of kids' concert dates with Disney Music's Block Party tour in late August. Court date is set for July 17th in Village of Fayetteville Justice Court.