Phil Joel Leaves newsboys

Longtime newsboys bass player Phil Joel is leaving the band to devote more time to family and personal goals.

He finished up with the band December 31st. "I'll always be a newsboy, it will remain a strong part of who I am", said Joel. "I've grown up with the guys and they'll always be brothers to me and the past twelve and a half years have been amazing."

"We will miss him,", said frontman Peter Furler. "We appreciate him, and wish he and his family only the best for the future." The band has just completed a successful tour of Singapore and China without Joel as a four-piece with Paul and Jeff taking up additional vocal and bass duties. The boys have decided at this time not to replace Phil, but to perform on their upcoming North American tour as a four-piece. "The four of us have known each other for many years now," says Furler. "It would feel strange for us to bring someone new in at this point."

To find out more about what Phil is doing, visit www.deliberatepeople.com. Click here to read Suite's review of Joel's "deliberatePeople" album. The newsboys kick off their 40-city North American Tour on February 15th in Jeff's home town, The Motor City, Detroit. For all the tour dates and more, visit the tour page.