Newsboys (sometimes stylized as newsboys) are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia, by Peter Furler and George Perdikis. They have released 16 studio albums, 6 of which have been certified gold. Currently, the band consists of lead vocalist Michael Tait formerly of DC Talk, keyboardist and bassist Jeff Frankenstein, guitarist Jody Davis, and drummer and percussionist Duncan Phillips. The band was formed in Mooloolaba, Queensland in 1985 by two young men: Peter Furler and his school mate George Perdikis. Two other teens were added soon after: Furler's best friend, John James, and bassist Sean Taylor. The band's original name was The News, but once in the US they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with the US-based band Huey Lewis and the News. The band came to the United States in late 1987 after getting signed with Refuge Communications and released the album Read All About It in 1988 in the United States. After signing with Star Song Communications, they released two more albums in 1990 and 1991: Hell Is for Wimps and Boys Will Be Boyz, with its first self-titled video. None of the band's first three albums garnered much attention, and the band's line-up changed with every release. It wasn't until their 1992 album, Not Ashamed (containing a cover of the DeGarmo & Key song "Boycott Hell"), that the band gained notice in the Christian music scene with its second self-titled video that followed a year later. Steve Taylor, a singer-songwriter and producer, began a partnership with the band, producing the band's record and writing most of the lyrics for their songs. Furler remained the band's primary songwriter and beginning with this album began sharing lead vocal duties with James and continued to do so until James' departure. In 1994, amidst continued line-up changes (which included the addition of mainstays Jody Davis and Duncan Phillips), the band released Going Public, their fifth album and first real success. The record proved to be a watershed for the group, winning a 1995 Dove Award for "Rock Album of the Year". It also produced four No. 1 hits: "Spirit Thing", "Real Good Thing", "Truth and Consequences", and, most notably, "Shine". "Shine" won the 1995 Dove for "Rock Recorded Song of the Year". In 2006, CCM Magazine listed "Shine" in the top ten in its ranking of the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian music.
The 1996 follow-up album Take Me to Your Leader was recorded with an expanded line up with new additions Phil Joel and Jeff Frankenstein. The album produced three more pop No. 1 hits: "Reality", "Let It Go", and the title track, two rock No. 1 hits: "Cup O' Tea" and "Breathe", as well as fan favourite and concert staple "Breakfast". This album also won the group's third Dove, this time for "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year". This album spawned the Newsboys first movie Down Under the Big Top (1996), which was based on the song "Reality". In late 1997, James announced he would be leaving the band, to start a preaching ministry. In 2007, he revealed the actual reason was due to a drug and alcohol addiction. With his departure, Furler moved from drums to vocals and auditions were held for the now-vacant drum position. Eventually, Duncan Phillips, who had previously played keyboards and percussion for the band moved over to the drum kit. From 1998 to 2003, the band's line-up of Furler, bassist Phil Joel, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, and Phillips stayed constant. The first post-James record, Step Up to the Microphone, sold well and produced four No. 1 hits: "Entertaining Angels", "WooHoo", "Believe", and the title track. It also spawned the Newsboys' live video, "Live One Night In Pennsylvania" a year later. "Entertaining Angels" won the 1999 Dove for "Short Form Music Video of the Year". The band returned in 1999 with Love Liberty Disco, the band's only album to significantly deviate from their pop rock sound. Instead, this particular album featured more of a disco sound. Still, it produced several hits, including the No. 1 hits "Beautiful Sound" and "Good Stuff", as well as the title track. The LLD tour was significantly more popular than the album. This tour featured an inflatable arena, called the Air Dome. In 1999 Furler co-founded Inpop Records with Wes Campbell, as an independent contemporary Christian music record label.
In 2000, Newsboys headlined the annual, travelling CCM concert, Festival Con Dios, with Audio Adrenaline and The O.C. Supertones. That same year, Newsboys released a greatest hits compilation, Shine: The Hits, which did not include any songs from the Love Liberty Disco album but included four new songs, two of which ("Joy" and "Who?") went to No. 1. After this album, the band did not release any new material until the 2002 release of Thrive, a record that produced two No. 1 singles: "Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye)" and the praise and worship-driven "It Is You", which proved to be the biggest hit of their career up to that point also with its video, "Thrive: From The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.". Also in 2002, The Newsboys recorded the track "In the Belly of a Whale" for the end credits of the 2002 movie Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. After the success of "It Is You", the Newsboys then followed with two praise and worship albums: Adoration: The Worship Album in 2003 and Devotion in 2004. Late in 2003, Davis departed and was replaced by Bryan Olesen on guitar. In 2005, The Newsboys co-authored a book of devotions with Jim Laffoon entitled Our Daily Blog which was published by Inspiro and released on 1 November.They also recorded their Creation 2005 set for a live DVD to be released with their upcoming album.[citation needed] In 2006, Oleson left the band to focus on his own band Casting Pearls and was replaced by Paul Colman, formerly of Paul Colman Trio. More radio hits came in 2006 with a live version of "I Am Free" (originally written by Jon Egan of the Desperation Band), and "Wherever We Go". On 31 October 2006, The Newsboys released a pop/rock record entitled GO. GO featured David Eri as a co-writer and the songs "Something Beautiful" and "In Wonder" were big hits on Christian Radio. That December, Joel announced that he would leave the band to pursue his own projects and albums. On 8 May 2007 the band released GO Remixed which was made up of new versions of the songs from GO and featured remixes by Tedd T., Jeff Frankenstein, Max Hsu of Superchick and Lee Bridges.
On 20 November 2007 the Newsboys released their second greatest hits compilation, The Greatest Hits. The eighteen-song CD also features two new songs "I Fought the La..." and "Stay Strong". This album was followed by Newsboys Live: Houston We Are GO, a CD/DVD combo recording package of a show from the GO Tour, which was released on 30 September 2008. Also in 2008, the band, with Steve Taylor providing vocals, recorded the song "Yo Ho Hero" for The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie. On 5 January 2009, Colman announced he would be leaving The Newsboys to return to his solo projects. At the same time it was announced that Davis would return to the band, after a 5-year hiatus. “I am thrilled to be returning to the band and back with my bandmates, who are some of my best friends,” says Davis, “this is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement.” In 2009, it was announced that Furler, having toured with The Newsboys since the band's inception, had decided to step back into a support role and would continue as the band's primary songwriter and producer. Because of this, a replacement lead vocalist was required so the band could continue touring. On 9 March 2009, it was announced that Michael Tait, formerly of dc Talk, would be the new lead singer. "Michael Tait will be touring with the band as lead singer with Peter making special appearances throughout the year. Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional career toward future Newsboys recordings." On 17 March, Tait performed his first full concert as lead singer in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The Newsboys released the studio album In the Hands of God on 5 May (on Inpop Records) with Max Hsu (Superchick and to by Mac) producing the album. Long-time collaborator Steve Taylor co-wrote all the songs and sang on one song. During their concert of 11 September in Orlando, Furler announced that this would be his final guest appearance with the band.
The Newsboys' first studio album featuring lead singer Michael Tait, Born Again, was released on 13 July 2010 and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, their highest debut position, and sold over 45,000 copies in its first week. On 12 October 2010 they released the Christmas album, Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday featuring The Christmas Song by Tait. In 2011, the song "City to City" from GO Remixed was featured in the trailer for the Disney Pixar movie, Cars 2. God's Not Dead was released 15 November 2011. Their newest live album, title Live in Concert: God's Not Dead, came out on 22 October 2012. In the same year they released their single "The League of Incredible Vegetables" for the VeggieTales video of the same name. The band released their 16th studio album Restart on 10 September 2013. The "Restart Tour" ran from 20 September to 27 October 2013. The band is also a part of the Winter Jam Tour 2013 from November 2013 through March 2014. The band has filmed a sequence for the film God's Not Dead, released in 2014. The band then embarked on the "We Believe Tour". They performed at the BigChurchDayOut 2014. On 15 July 2002, the band released their first book, Shine: Make Them Wonder What You've Got. This book stresses the need for Christians to be unafraid to show their faith, and includes a glow in the dark cover and journalling space. In April 2003, this book was re-released in a Spanish version. The band co-authored a book with Pastor Jim Lafoon, named Our Daily Blog: Devotions by Pastor Jim Lafoon. This book, released in 2005, contains daily devotions written by Lafoon, with reflections by the band.
Current members
Duncan Phillips (1993–present) Drums, percussion, formerly keyboards
Jody Davis (1992–2003, 2009–present) Lead guitar, backing vocals
Jeff Frankenstein (1994–present) Keyboards, synth bass, backing vocals
Michael Tait (2009–present) Lead vocals
Former members
Lead vocals
John James (1986–1997)
Peter Furler (1985–2009)
Drums
Peter Furler (1985–1997) Switched to lead vocals exclusively.
Guitar
George Perdikis (1985–1987,1989–1990) Left the band before their first album, but co-wrote most of the songs on it.
Phil Yates (1987–1989)
Jonathan Geange (1990–1991, 1992) Returned to the band briefly after Vernon Bishop left, before Jody Davis joined.
Vernon Bishop (1991–1992)
Jody Davis (1992-2003, 2009–present)
Randy Williams (2003) Filled-in for Jody Davis on several shows, before Bryan Olesen joined
Bryan Olesen (2003–2006) Left to front his original band VOTA on a full-time basis.
Paul Colman (2006–2009) Left to work on his solo career and Paul Colman Trio.
Bass guitar
Sean Taylor (1986–1992) Left to pursue a career in education.
Kevin Mills (1992–1994) Left the band to manage White Heart. Died in a motorbike accident on 3 December 2000.
Phil Joel (1994–2006) Left band to pursue "personal interests", a solo career, and ministry opportunities.
Keyboards
Corey Pryor (1988, 1990–1993) Left to play with his wife in a band called SoZo.
We believe
In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only one salvation
We believe, we believe
In this broken generation
When all is dark, You help us see
There is only one foundation
We believe, we believe
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He's coming' back again, we believe
So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, we believe!
We believe in God the Father!
We believe in Jesus Christ!
We believe in the Holy Spirit!
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's coming' back again!
Let the lost be found and the dead be raised!
In the here and now, let love invade!
Let the church live love our God will save
We believe, we believe!
And the gates of hell will not prevail!
For the power of God, has torn the veil!
Now we know Your love will never fail!
We believe, we believe!
We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's comin' back,
He's comin' back again!
He's comin' back again!
We believe!
We believe
God’s not dead
Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold
To seek a revolution somehow
Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold
To bring a revolution somehow
Now I'm lost in Your freedom
In this world I'll overcome
My God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
Roaring, He's roaring, He's roaring like a lion
Let hope arise and make the darkness hide
My faith is dead I need resurrection somehow
Now I'm lost in Your freedom
In this world I'll overcome
My God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
Roaring, He's roaring, He's roaring like a lion
He's roaring, He's roaring
Let heaven roar and fire fall
Come shake the ground
With the sound of revival
Let heaven roar and fire fall
Come shake the ground
With the sound of revival
Let heaven roar (Let heaven roar) and fire fall
Come shake the ground
With the sound of revival
(My God's not dead)
(He's surely alive)
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion
He's roaring, He's roaring, He's roaring like a lion
He's roaring, He's roaring, He's roaring like a lion (Roaring like a lion
That's How You Change The World
That's how you change the world
That's how you change the world
All my life I had big dreams
To do big things and make a change
And all the while, I just passed by
The simple needs right here next to me
'Cause there's a breaking heart
That's fallin' apart
And tear filled eyes lookin' back at me
God, won't you help me to see
It's the prayer in an empty room
Little things we do when nobody's around
A hand reaching out to a heart in doubt
It's the smallest spark that can light the dark
That's how you change the world
Oh oh oh oh (Change the world)
That's how you change the world
Oh oh oh oh (Change the world)
A million little drops of rain
Can be enough to cause a tidal wave
A flood of Your love
That no one can contain
'Cause there's an empty soul
That wants to be known
Around me now, that I can lead to You
Revealing love that won't refuse
It's the kind words
A simple smile
More than showin' up
Going the extra mile
It's giving everything
When you've got nothin' left
Sharin' a little hope
With a single breath
That's how you change the world
That's how you change the world
It's the prayer in an empty room
A hand reaching out to a heart in doubt
Something beautiful
I wanna start it over
I wanna start again
I want a new beginning
One without an end
I feel it inside
Calling out to me
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful, yeah, yeah
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful
I've heard it in the silence
Seen it on a face
I've felt it in a long hour
Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true
It's calling out to me
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful, yeah, yeah
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful
It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful, yeah, yeah
When we laugh so hard, we cry
Oh, the love between you and I
Something beautiful
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful, yeah, yeah
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful
It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard, we cry
Yes, the love between you and I
Something beautiful
Something beautiful
King is coming
Make a way for
Make a way for
Make a way for the King
The King is coming
Empty hearts are filling up
Wicked ways are coming undone
Every eye is looking out for You
City lights are burning out
Freedom's song is ringing loud
Dead men waking up to the sound of You
And all our hearts can sing
All our hearts can sing is
Make a way for
Make a way for
Make a way for the King
The King is coming
Make a way for
Make a way for
Make a way for the King
The King is coming
The King is coming
Split the sky with your glory
Bring to life an awakening
Burn away everything that's not for You
Hear our voices crying out
We wont stop til heaven's come down
We wont stop til every knee bows to You
And all our hearts will sing is
Make a way for
Make a way for
Make a way for the King
The King is coming
Open up the doors
Open up the doors
Open up the doors
Our King is coming
Open up the doors
Open up the doors
Lift your eyes to see
Our King is coming.
In the hand of God
We have raised our hopes and our cities high
We have followed fragile dreams
But only one could take the measure of our goals
And we've stumbled over the trials of life
And we've wrestled the unseen
And only One can calm the storm inside our souls
In the hands of God we will fall
Rest for the restless and the weary, hope for the sinner
In the hands of God we stand tall
Hands that are mighty to deliver givin' us freedom
When our strength gave way to the weight of guilt
'Til we strain for every breath
Only One could lift our shame and make us well
And when all is finished and we face the fearsome power of death
Only One has overcome the gates of hell
In the hands of God we will fall
Rest for the restless and the weary, hope for the sinner
In the hands of God we stand tall
Hands that are mighty to deliver givin' us freedom
You're amazing, You're amazing, You are
You're amazing, You're amazing, You are
And we praise You, Lord for what Your hands have done
You're amazing, You're amazing, You are
In the hands of God we will fall
Rest for the restless and the weary, hope for the sinner
In the hands of God we stand tall
Hands that are mighty to deliver givin' us freedom
You're amazing, You're amazing, You are
You're amazing, You're amazing, You are
And we praise You, Lord for what Your hands have done
You're amazing, You're amazing, You are.
Hallelujah for the cross
Newsboys live at Winterjam
No comments:
Post a Comment