Christian rock group, NEEDTOBREATHE, announced yesterday that their founding member and longtime guitarist/backing vocalist Bo Rinehart has decided to step away from active collaboration.

The band made the announcement on Twitter on April 21. "Bo's visual and musical artistry has always stood out for being brave, accomplished, and well respected by anyone who has been fortunate enough to experience it," the statement says.

The band says that they "care deeply about Bo. His active involvement in this band doesn't change that."

Bo and his brother Bear formed the band and released their first album in 2001. "We thought long and hard about whether or not we would continue as a band. It was hard to envision what a road ahead might look like without Bo, and we know that it will inevitably feel different." Despite that, the band has decided to continue, saying they realize the band is just a piece of something bigger.

The band, which over the years has written hits such as "Lay 'Em Down," "Walking on Water," and "Forever On Your Side" did not elaborate on Bo's reasons why saying only that they were going to let Bo speak for himself in his own time.

"When Bo is ready, we will be here to support him and trust that you will too," the band says.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of many future shows. And like other bands that call Nashville home, are still reeling from a devastating tornado that ripped through the city only last month.