Tony Cummings reports on the decision of FOR TODAY to retire

For Today

The hard-core band from Sioux City, Iowa, For Today, have announced that 2016 will be their final year. The band, whose current lineup consists of Ryan Leitru (vocals, lead guitar), Brandon Leitru (bass), Mattie Montgomery (unclean vocals), Jim Hughes (bass) and David Puckett (drums) will finish in 2016 and may well play a UK concert. After two albums on Facedown, 2008's 'Ekklesia' and 2009's'Portraits', the band have enjoyed four consecutive hit albums, 2010's 'Breaker' (number 54 on Billboard's Hot 200), 2012's 'Immortal' (number 15), 'Fight The Silence' (number 32) and 2015's 'Wake' (number 67).

Read a band statement on Facebook, "After over 11 years as a band, six full length albums and one EP, we have decided to make 2016 the last year of For Today. When we started this band in 2005, we never imagined that our music would make it out of Sioux City, Iowa, let alone take us all around the world multiple times. Our lives have been hugely impacted by the time we've spent making music and touring. We met our wives, had kids and moved to different states because of For Today. It's been an incredible experience, but we feel like now is the time to close this chapter of our lives and move on. There's no behind the scenes drama happening or disagreements between band members. We're all still best friends and will continue to be long after the band is over."

The farewell tour dates include South America and Europe shows as well as many stops in the United States. For Today's news came the day after lead singer Mattie Montgomery announced on his own Facebook page that he is launching a new merchandise business. "Whether it's a band, a sports team, a business, or a church, we have the equipment and expertise necessary to help design, manufacture and distribute any merchandise you might need, as well as people that can help build the reach and recognition of your brand through online marketing and digital advertisement. This is a whole new adventure for me, and I am SO excited to share it with you!"

Mattie further elaborated on the band's decision in another Facebook post. "Many people are asking me 'Why?' And it's very simple: God said so. We've said throughout our career that this was not about chasing a spotlight, or even writing or performing music, but about honouring the Father's perfect plan for our lives. A couple months ago, he began to stir in my heart and make it clear that For Today had accomplished what we were sent to accomplish. And, for us to continue on now would be to tell God that OUR plan is better than his. . . We want to thank everybody who has made this possible, especially the fans who have kept us going for so many years."