Marti Pellow left Wet Wet Wet primarily to focus on his solo career and personal well-being. After more than three decades with the band, including its reformation in 2004, he decided in 2017 to concentrate on his work as a solo singer, songwriter, and actor. He mentioned wanting to give 100% to his projects and felt that if his focus was divided, it would be unfair to the fans and the rest of the band members. Earlier, he had also left the band in 1999 to overcome a severe heroin addiction and to regain his health. His departure in 2017 marked his final decision to dedicate more time to his solo and theatrical work after celebrating the band's 30th anniversary with sell- out concerts.