Sadly, it seems the "golden age" of popular online music service Last.fm is over -- following the switch from free radio to paid in select countries and banning of third party mobile apps due to agreements between companies, the original founders have stepped down and handed their project completely over to CBS, with whom they've been running the site under for two years, having started in 2002.

Of course, it's not all bad, as one of the creators, Felix Miller informs us, upon writing they feel "the time is right to begin the process of handing over the reins":

It’s been a privilege working with the incredible team here in our London office, and we’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved together. Last.fm’s users have more than doubled in the last 12 months (we are now at an all-time high of 37.3M monthly unique visitors), and we’re confident the site will continue to go from strength to strength. Being a part of CBS, and the recently formed CBSi music group, continues to open up many opportunities for Last.fm. Recent product releases such as the new visual radio, and the Last.fm on XBox announcement, are an indication of how much more Last.fm will achieve.

A huge “Thank You!” has to be said to all of you in front of your computers. With your contribution, enthusiasm and scrobbles you have helped to make Last.fm into what it is today: the best place for music online. Big up yourself for that, as we say here in East London.

That’s all folks, we are going to miss you!

Felix, RJ and Martin