Confirming months of rumors and speculation, CaedmonsCall.net reported on Friday that Derek Webb has formally left Caedmon's Call after ten years with the band.

Astute fans no doubt began to wonder about Webb's future with the band when word surfaced of his low level of invovlement in Caedmon's new album, Back Home (released February 4). Though he and friend Aaron Tate had been the band's primary songwriters for past albums, they were both virtually absent on Back Home. Adding fuel to the fire was Webb's recent announcement of a solo record deal with INO Records. His solo debut, She Must and Shall Go Free, releases March 25, 2003.

Update: 02/10/03 An official press release has been sent out confirming the information CaedmonsCall.net posted last week. It reads: "Derek Webb, singer/songwriter from the acclaimed Christian group Caedmon’s Call, has announced after ten years and with the support of his band mates, has left the group and chosen to focus his endeavors on the upcoming release of his first solo project, She Must and Shall Go Free."