Word began circulating earlier this week that Stryper have officially parted ways with original bassist Tim Gaines, which had been rumoured for some time. The band has now issued an official statement confirming the split:

"Dear fans and friends,

We wish Timothy Gaines nothing but the best, and we will always remember the history and the good times that we all shared together. We have done our best to remain courteous and professional despite the barrage of disrespectful comments, posts and tweets that have been made public time and time again by Tim and Brandee on what seems to be a daily basis.

The accusations that have been made that our decision to terminate Tim is based on his divorce couldn't be further from the truth. We have all struggled with separation and divorce in our relationships over the years, and it has never affected anyone's position within the band.

The band decided to take a hiatus in order to give Tim time and space to work through his personal issues. However, based on Tim and Brandee's intentional, erratic and hostile behavior, which has damaged Stryper and threatened to undermine the band's ability to go forward professionally, we were left with no other choice but to part ways. Tim and Brandee have left their scars and have hurt us in more ways than you can imagine.

We were also forced to retain legal representation based on a public post/threat that Tim made about suing the band in 2016.

Tim is our brother, and we love him but this has become a toxic relationship at this point and due to that, we cannot continue on with our mission and stay true to who we are and what we represent with Tim in the band.

We're excited about the future and we will be making an official announcement very soon about our new album, tour and bassist.

We love our fans and we appreciate your support and patience as we work through these changes. The best is yet to come!"

In November 2016, Stryper frontman Michael Sweet alluded to a possible parting of ways with Gaines during an interview with WSOU (found below) when asked if the band would continue without him.

Sweet: "That remains to be seen, but it's very possible, and I'd probably go as far as to say even probable. But we don't really know quite yet. It's something that very well could happen, absolutely. It is important for the original members to stay together. But, sadly, sometimes things happen that keep that from happening. People make decisions and choices, and, unfortunately, it does affect other people many times, and then you have to re-evaluate things. But that is the ideal situation, for it to be the original line-up. But, you know, sometimes things get in the way of that, and that's sad. But, again, thinking about it more and sleeping on it more, I think about how, you know, if we were to disband or dissolve or stop, it really wouldn't be fair to the fans, it wouldn't be fair to the other guys, and it's important to keep that in mind as well."

Gaines remarried on May 17th, which should be a happy occasion, but his wife Brandee Renee Gaines has been the victim of haters on social media. On June 1st he addressed the issue via Facebook, taking his "fans" to task:

"Given all of the hype, hatred, and half truths being spewed around social media the last few days, I would like to join in prayer for our friends, loved ones, and enemies alike. My wife has been falsely accused of being 'the devil', a 'whore', a 'home wrecker', a 'bitch', a 'dog', and even a carrier of 'herpes...?' The accusations have come from the 'Christian' community. But in reality, my wife, wrongfully attacked, wants to pray for her enemies. She is a good woman. She doesn't deserve the hatred coming from the Stryper fanbase. I love my wife so much, and it kills me to see some of these so called 'fans' and 'Christians' spew their vile filth. So like my wife, rather than get angry, we will let this pass and pray for our enemies."