|PIC1|Internationally renowned Christian band Newsboys recently announced that their bass player, Phil Joel, has left the band to devote more time to family and personal goals. He parted ways with the band 31 December 2006.

"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 12 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 mates Paul Coleman and Jeff Frankenstein taking up additional vocal and bass duties.

The boys have decided at this time not to replace Joel, 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."

The band will be featured at the Frenzy 2007, one of the largest one-day Christian music festivals in UK, which is slated for 9 June.

In addition to Newsboys, the line-up includes artists Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Starfield, Leeland, All Star United and Andy Hunter.