BIG COUNTRY have announced they’ve split with THE ALARM frontman MIKE PETERS after three years with him at the helm.

Founding members Bruce Watson and Mark Brzezicki say they’ll continue with Jamie Watson and Derek Forbes as a four-man outfit.

The late Stuart Adamson’s band released ninth album The Journey earlier this year with Peters’ vocals, and had toured extensively with the Welshman on board.

In a brief statement entitled “Big Country Continues” they say:

“Bruce and Mark would like to thank Derek, Jamie, Mike, Tony and the estate of Stuart Adamson for the last three years. Big Country and Mike will now be parting ways. The band will continue using Stuart’s original blue print as a four-piece. We wish Mike well in the future.”

Last year Peters revealed how Adamson had suggested him for the role before his death in 2001. Ahead of the release of The Journey he said:

“There are themes of redemption and coming to terms with a life lived all though this record. The process has brought us together as a family, united and ready to stand proud for what and who we are.”

Former Simple Minds bassist Forbes joined the band in 2012 following the departure of Tony Butler and manager Ian Grant, predicting the change would end a difficult period they described as “fractious” and “confusing.”