Christian worship band “Tenth Avenue North” has announced it will be splitting up following one final “farewell” tour.
In a handwritten letter posted to Instagram, frontman Mike Donehey said it was time to draw things to a close following two decades of relentless touring.
“20 years ago, Tenth Avenue North was nothing but three friends goofing around in a PBA dorm room. We never dreamt it would take us around the globe, not in a million years,” Donehey wrote. “But here we are, two decades, shaking our heads, grateful, in all. We’re grateful for all the stories, all the tears, for all the memories we’ve made. Did I mention the music?”
The group has sold over 1.5 million albums and released some 15 original music projects.
“It’s been a glorious, hard fought, and oftentimes breath-taking journey,” Donehey wrote. “We feel like we’ve seen it all. The fights, the victories, the forgiveness period, the mercy … truckloads of mercy.”
“Now,” he added, “it seems a season is coming to a close.”
“One by one, band members have been moving on. We don’t consider this a sign of unhealth, quite the opposite. After 20 years, we’re dreaming new dreams. It’s time to encourage one another to go, go and do all that is in our hearts to do.”
Donehey added that the group would be embarking on their “Final Farewell Tour” which will, as the name suggests, will be their “last tour as Tenth Avenue North.”
“We don’t exactly know what the future holds,” Donehey added, “but we believe this, when the way isn’t clear before us, we do well to pay attention to what doors are being closed behind us.”
He concluded: “Leaning into this guidance, we are going to lean forward into the unknown. We love you all. It has been an incredible journey. May the God who gave us the grace to continue, give us the grace to end well. Here’s the one last tour together. Hope to see you out there.”
Many artists from the Christian music industry responded to the news with comments on the post.
“Love you and the band Mike. So thankful for who you guys are and what you brought to the world!!” wrote singer-songwriter Phil Wickham.
Natalie Grant added chipped in that the group’s song “Worn,” will “forever be one of my very favorite songs.”
“Well done, friends,” she said.