English Christian rock and worship band Delirious has announced that the group will stop touring and recording at the end of 2009.

Delirious, which has produced 14 albums, is comprised of singer Martin Smith, Stuart Garrard, Jon Thatcher, Tim Jupp and Paul Evans.

“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 (his wife,) Anna, and his children,” band members said on their Web site. Compassionart is a U.K.-based charity founded by Smith.

“We have of course honored this request and made a decision together that now is the time to end this chapter of our lives,” the group added. “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. … 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.”

Delirious is best-known for the band's 1994 song “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.” Former drummer Stew Smith left the band at the end of April.

• Prev
• Next