Delirious? to cease recording and touring at end of 2009

BRITAIN'S most popular Christian band, Delirious?, have announced their intention of calling it a day at the end of 2009. Read a statement, "After 14 albums, thousands of shows in front of millions of people and many extraordinary memories, we have decided that at the end of 2009 we will take a break from recording and playing as a band. Our decision was triggered by a request from Martin to be released from the band to pursue new projects including his work with CompassionArt and the desire to be at home more with Anna and his children. We have of course honoured this request and made a decision together that now is the time to end this chapter of our lives. We will continue to play and be excited about our current tours and bookings but will not be adding many more over the coming 17 months."

The statement continued, "We are all so deeply grateful to our incredible fans who have sung the songs and allowed Delirious? the privilege of providing the soundtrack to many lives over the years. From the school hall in Littlehampton to the stadiums of the world we have many stories to tell our children's children. Delirious? also would not be what it is without our amazing wives and families and our gratitude to them is immense. We will now move forward to the next part of our lives where new challenges unfold and greater stories will be written. We want to make it absolutely clear that although this decision has been extremely painful and difficult, we are still great friends and our respect for each other is unquestionable. We love playing in this band together and know that even though 2009 will bring an end to this current journey, there will be more adventures together in years to come."