Sad news. A posting on the band's official website confirms that THE BETA BAND are to split following an autumnal UK farewell tour. The group, critically acclaimed but commercially ignored, cites just that reason for their breakup: "Sadly, eight years of hard work and critical acclaim but little return in terms of commercial success inevitably takes its toll and a group decision was made to finally lay the band to rest."

The band are still following through with plans to release a retrospective DVD in 2005, while Beta frontman Steve Mason has already announced plans for a solo career, as well as the continuation of his King Biscuit Time side project.