Guitarist Wes Borland Leaves Limp Bizkit

Oct. 12 -- The face-painted guitarist of Limp Bizkit is parting ways with the band.

Wes Borland has been with the rap-rockers since they got together in 1994. The other members are lead singer Fred Durst, bassist Sam Rivers and drummer John Otto.

The split comes as somewhat of a surprise. Borland and his outrageous stage costumes were fan favorites and an integral part of the group's performances.

According to a statement on the band's Web site, the departure is "amicable."

"Both Limp Bizkit and Borland will continue to pursue their respective musical careers," the statement says. "Both wish each other the best of luck in all future endeavors."

If there was any animosity involved in the split, fans would likely hear about it. Frontman Durst has never been one to keep his opinions to himself.

This will not be Borland's first foray outside the group. He released Duke Lion Fights the Terror!! earlier this year with a project slated as Wes Borland's Big Dumb Face.

Limp Bizkit captured the teen rock audience in the late 1990s with angst-ridden rants like "Nookie" and "Break Stuff" from Significant Other. They treated fans to a free tour last summer sponsored by the controversial online file-swapping service Napster.

The band's current release is Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water.

ABCNews Radio's Al Mancini contributed to this report.