|PIC1|Guitarist Bryan Olesen recently departed legendary Christian band Newsboys to focus on his other band Casting Pearls full-time, where he takes the role as the front man.

“These past few years have been an amazing gift in having been able to learn from, perform, and work with newsboys. I have cherished every second and every show, but I am ultimately excited about what is in-store for Casting Pearls.” said Olesen.

Oleson explained that it has been “increasingly difficult” for him to split his time between both bands and his family, and said that both he and Newsboys front man and founder Peter Furler felt that Oleson’s departure from the Newsboys, “would be the best path for both bands.”

“I see unique talents in Bryan that I rarely see in the music world,” Furler commented, “and I feel we would be doing an injustice to Casting Pearls’ and Newsboys’ ministries to hold Bryan in Newsboys.”

According to the Casting Pearls’ website, both bands are, “mutually excited about the opportunities to come and to continue being able to perform and work together in the future.”

|QUOTE|Following the departure of Olesen, the band has recently found am amazingly talented guitarist to take his place. Newsboys is pleased to confirm that Grammy nominated and Dove Award-winning solo artist Paul Colman will be joining them as their newest guitarist.

Colman says, "Over the last five years, I have done about 100 shows all over the world alongside Newsboys. Peter [Furler] and I actually go a long way back. My dad is a famous singer and I saw Peter play drums for him at a huge outdoor event in Australia when we were both teenagers. We've been mates for a long time and it truly feels like I'm joining a bunch of friends that I have a lot of history with. I am thrilled to be a part of the Newsboys."

Furler adds, "Paul is a great guitarist, singer and songwriter. Hanging out with him is always a pleasure, having him in the band is priceless."

Colman will start touring with the boys on the WinterJam tour in the US.