it was just a joke, though…or was it?…..

The show must go on – and, apparently, the ring must come off.

And, as he was set to perform on an U.S. college tour, Russell Brand – who in December filed for divorce from his wife of 14 months, Katy Perry – made a video display of removing his wedding band.

“I’m going to place this somewhere very, very safe for the next week,” says the actor-comedian, 36, as he holds up his hand in front of the camera and slips off the ring sometime in November.

Making no reference to his marriage, Brand does admit on camera that he knows very little about the American college scene – and what he has learned about from fraternities he got from Animal House.

All seemed well at home that day, though, as Perry Tweeted her support: “My fowl (sic) mouthed Hubby @rustyrockets is playing a few mid-west/east-coast shows starting tonight onwards! SUPPORT!”
Brand also jokes about looking forward to finding out what goes on in sororities.

Since the divorce announcement, Perry, 27, Tweeted that fan support has made her heart happy again. She also said she’s canceling her previously scheduled appearance at this Wednesday’s People’s Choice Awards.