Lighthouse Family announce split and cancelled performances: 'It’s been an incredible adventure'

Virgin Radio

8 Jun 2022, 12:41

After 28 years together, the Lighthouse Family have decided to part ways. 

Keyboardist Paul Tucker announced the sad news on Facebook, and explained that vocalist Tunde Baiyewu is leaving to concentrate on his solo career. 

The duo, who released huge hits such as Lifted and Ocean Drive, last put out new music together in 2019, and were due to perform at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival near Newcastle. 

In the social media post, Paul confirmed the band would no longer attend the festival, and they wouldn't be performing together. 

In the lengthy statement, Paul wrote: “I’m so sad to let you know that after almost thirty years we have reached the end of our Lighthouse Family journey. Having set off from our little basement studio in Newcastle in 1993 it’s been an incredible adventure beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you all for all your love and support through the years, we could not have done it without you.

“I’m so sorry that this means that our headline show at Mouth Of The Tyne Festival on 9th July is now cancelled. I have tried everything with our agents and promoters over the last few weeks to make this work but we just couldn’t get it over the line.

“Tunde now wants to focus on his solo career and I wish him all the best. I would like to say sorry to the promoters and to all of you who have tickets for this show and have waited through the last two years. 

Having started in Newcastle back in 1993, Paul added that he was excited for the hometown gig, and to play near to the lighthouses that inspired their name. 

The musician finished the statement saying: “ I am as disappointed as you are. It breaks my heart to let you down.”

Mouth of the Tyne festival organisers are now looking for a replacement act to take over the Lighthouse Family’s slot, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Keane and Newton Faulkner already headlining the July festival. 

In their near 30-year career, the Lighthouse Family released four albums, all of which landed in the UK top 10.