Tony Terusa announced this week his decision to no longer be a member of The O.C. Supertones as of October 2003. (Chris Beaty, formerly of Seven Day Jesus, will fill in for him.) In a statement on the band's website (www.supertones.com), Terusa, the band's longtime bass player, says:

...This decision did not come to me suddenly, nor was it an easy decision. I have been a part of this ministry for over 10 years now and through this time I have poured my heart and soul into the band. So leaving is definitely a sad occasion and yet a very joyous occasion also.

My decision was not based on any band friction or bad blood among any of the guys... I am moving on simply because I am called to sow into my life at home. The Lord has big plans for me here at home with my family, my church, friends, work and different ministries. It has been a long time since I have really been able dig deep within these avenues and soon I will be given the ability to do this.