Marti Pellow announces he is leaving Wet Wet Wet
He's been in the band for 30 years
Lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, Marti Pellow, has left fans shocked after he has announced he will be leaving the band after 30 years.
In a statement Marti said has decided to leave the band to concentrate on his solo career - songwriting, acting and of course singing.
Wet Wet Wet have just finished three hugely successful concerts, including a finale at Edinburgh Castle to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary, but there was no indication they would be Marti's last performances with the band.
Commenting on his departure the 52-year-old singer said, "I will be spending more time on my solo work - performing concerts, acting and my own songwriting - as an artist I feel a lot more settled in this world. I have had a great time and loved my career with Wet Wet Wet and to me they will always be the best band in the world."
He goes on to say, "When I started in Wet Wet Wet I gave it 100% of my heart and soul and that’s what it demands and that is also what the fans demand - and if I can’t do that because my focus is elsewhere, then this is not fair on the fans or the rest of the guys in the band."
Over three decades Wet Wet Wet have enjoyed countless hits including their 1994 cover of 'Love Is All Around' which was used on the soundtrack of Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Their first number one was in 1988 with 'With a Little Help from My Friends' which was followed by subsequent numbers 1s, 'Goodnight Girl' and 'Love Is All Around'.
Marti is currently working on a new stage musical with his long-term music collaborator and producer Grant Mitchell.