Did the Newsboys break up? This is a burning question on the minds of countless fans of the legendary Christian rock band. For decades, the Newsboys have been instrumental in shaping the Christian music landscape, earning countless accolades along the way. But as with any musical group, rumors abound about the possibility of a split.
While the Newsboys have faced their fair share of challenges over the years, including lineup changes and label disputes, they have consistently delivered inspiring and uplifting music that speaks to the hearts of listeners around the world. However, the recent silence from the band has caused some to wonder if their success has ultimately led to their downfall. Is it possible that the Newsboys have finally reached a breaking point?
Only time will tell what the future holds for the Newsboys. But one thing is certain – their music has impacted countless lives and will continue to do so for generations to come. Whether they remain a cohesive unit or go their separate ways, the legacy of the Newsboys is assured, and their message of hope and faith will continue to reverberate across the world.
What happened to the original members of Newsboys?
The Newsboys were formed in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. The band, initially called The News, was composed of George Perdikis, John James, Sean Taylor, and Peter Furler. These four founding members created a unique sound that would shape the Christian music industry for years to come.
- George Perdikis left the band in 1990 to pursue a career outside of music.
- John James departed in 1997 to form his own band.
- Initially, Peter Furler stepped down as the lead vocalist in 2009 but remained active in the band as a drummer and producer.
Despite the departure of these original members, the band continued to thrive and evolve. In fact, in 2019, the Newsboys celebrated their 35th anniversary with a successful tour. The current members of the band include Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jody Davis, and Jeff Frankenstein.
The Newsboys have had a significant impact on the Christian music industry and their legacy lives on. Fans old and new continue to enjoy their music and the band is still going strong today.
The impact of Newsboys’ music on the Christian rock genre
The Newsboys, a Christian rock band that originated in Australia in the 1980s, had a significant impact on the Christian rock genre with their unique and infectious sound. Their music was not only loved by Christians but also by the mainstream audience, which helped to spread the gospel message through their songs.
- The Newsboys’ music broke the stereotype that Christian rock was dull and unentertaining. With their energetic and upbeat sound, the Newsboys drew in a new audience that would not have been exposed to Christian music otherwise. They brought excitement and a fresh perspective to the Christian rock genre.
- Their music also had an impact on Christian radio. The Newsboys’ songs were played more frequently on secular radio stations than any other Christian rock band, which led to Christian radio stations increasing their airtime for Christian rock music.
- The Newsboys’ music had a significant impact on the worship movement within the Christian community. Along with other Christian rock bands of that era, their music inspired a new generation of worshippers to experience God in a new way through music.
The Newsboys’ music charted new territory for Christian rock, paving the way for future Christian rock bands to gain mainstream success. Their music was a catalyst for the growth of the Christian rock genre, and their impact can still be felt today.
The Influence of Specific Newsboys Albums on Christian Rock
The Newsboys released several albums that became significant in the Christian rock world. Their fourth album, “Not Ashamed,” released in 1992, solidified the band’s sound and widened their reach. It was the first album that the Newsboys produced that had more of a rock sound, and it was well received by the Christian rock community. It produced the hit song, “I Cannot Get You Out of My System,” which became a Christian radio staple.
Their 1994 album, “Going Public,” was another significant milestone for Christian rock. It was produced by Steve Taylor, who had made a name for himself in Christian rock. The album fused the Newsboys’ rock sound with electronica and was a smash hit. The album produced several popular songs, including “Shine,” “Take Me to Your Leader,” and “Entertaining Angels.” It was certified Gold for sales of over 500,000 copies and won a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year.
The Newsboys released their ninth album in 1999, “Love Liberty Disco.” Many critics were skeptical of the disco sound, but it became the band’s most massive success. The album combined disco, pop, and rock, and its lead single, “Love Liberty Disco,” topped the Christian charts for six weeks. The album won a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and was certified Gold.
| Album | Year | Awards Won |
|---|---|---|
| Not Ashamed | 1992 | Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year |
| Going Public | 1994 | Certified Gold, Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year |
| Lovely Liberty Disco | 1999 | Certified Gold, Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year |
The impact of these albums shows the variety of music style the Newsboys incorporated into their music over the years. They were not afraid to experiment with new sounds and delivered a fresh perspective to the Christian music scene. They will always be remembered as pioneers of Christian rock whose music has touched millions of people around the world.
The Role of Peter Furler in Newsboys
When discussing the reasons for Newsboys’ breakup, it is impossible not to touch on the role of Peter Furler. Furler was one of the founding members of the band and served as its lead vocalist for over two decades. During his time with Newsboys, Furler played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound and identity.
- Music and Lyrics: Furler was the primary songwriter for Newsboys, penning many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Shine,” “Entertaining Angels,” and “He Reigns.” His catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics were instrumental in making Newsboys a household name in Christian music.
- Live Shows: Furler was also known for his dynamic stage presence and charisma, which helped to make Newsboys’ live shows a must-see for fans. His boundless energy and passion were contagious, and he often interacted with the crowd in fun and unpredictable ways.
- Band Leadership: As one of the founding members of Newsboys, Furler played a significant role in the management and direction of the band. In addition to his creative contributions, he also helped to guide the group through various challenges and changes over the years.
Despite his many contributions to the band, Furler also played a part in the decision to break up. In 2009, he announced that he would be stepping down as lead vocalist to focus on other aspects of his life and career. While he remained involved with the band as a songwriter and producer, his departure was a significant blow to Newsboys’ legacy and fanbase.
Looking back, it is clear that Peter Furler played an integral role in the success and eventual breakup of Newsboys. His talent and leadership helped to shape the band’s identity and sound, and his departure marked the end of an era for Christian music fans worldwide.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Played a significant role in the band’s success and identity. | His departure marked the end of the band’s original lineup and legacy. |
| Primary songwriter for many of Newsboys’ biggest hits. | His departure contributed to the band’s eventual breakup. |
| Dynamic stage presence and leadership in live performances. |
Overall, it is clear that Peter Furler was an essential member of Newsboys and played a critical role in the band’s rise to fame. His talent, leadership, and creative contributions helped to shape the group’s identity and sound, making them a beloved fixture in Christian music history.
The Newsboys reunion with former lead singer, Peter Furler
The Newsboys have had an illustrious career spanning several decades, but their reunion with former lead singer, Peter Furler, was a turning point for the band. Furler had been with the Newsboys for 22 years, leading them to massive success with hits like “Shine” and “God’s Not Dead.”
- The reunion tour began in 2018 and received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and Furler’s vocals added a level of nostalgia to their live shows.
- The tour also marked the first time Furler had performed with the Newsboys in almost a decade. He left the band in 2009 to pursue a solo career but remained involved in the music industry.
- The reunion tour featured hits from both Furler’s years with the Newsboys and their more recent albums with Michael Tait as lead singer. The setlist appealed to both old-school fans and newer listeners.
But the reunion wasn’t just a one-time tour. The band has continued to work with Furler on new music, including their 2019 album “United.” According to Furler, their goal was to create an album that was “about coming together.”
The Newsboys with Peter Furler reunion has breathed new life into the band, and their collaborative efforts have been nothing short of outstanding. The fans and band members alike have welcomed Furler back, and their future together looks bright.
| Year | Album Title |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Going Public |
| 1996 | Take Me to Your Leader |
| 1998 | Step Up to the Microphone |
| 2002 | Thrive |
| 2006 | Go |
| 2009 | In the Hands of God |
| 2019 | United |
As a fan, it’s exciting to see what the future holds for the Newsboys with Peter Furler back in the mix. They’ve already achieved so much together, but there’s no doubt that they have many more great moments to come.
The involvement of Michael Tait in Newsboys
Michael Tait played a significant role in the history of Newsboys. Before joining the band, he was already popular in the Christian music scene as a member of DC Talk, a Grammy-winning band that pioneered the Christian rap/rock genre. When Newsboys’ lead singer Peter Furler decided to step down from his position in 2009, the band was on the hunt for a new frontman. Michael Tait’s name eventually came up, and after a few auditions, he officially became Newsboys’ new lead vocalist in March 2009.
- The transition from Furler to Tait:
- The impact of Tait:
- The criticism:
The transition from Furler to Tait was not an easy one, but it was necessary for the band’s survival. Furler had been with Newsboys for over two decades and was the face of the band. Fans were apprehensive about the idea of a new lead vocalist, but Tait’s reputation as a talented musician and performer helped to ease their concerns. The band’s first album with Tait, “Born Again,” was released in 2010 and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Tait’s position in the band and proving that he was the right fit for Newsboys.
Tait’s addition to Newsboys brought a new level of energy and creativity to the band. His vocal range and stage presence were unmatched, and he quickly became a fan favorite. The band’s sound evolved to include more rock and pop influences, and their live performances became more dynamic and engaging. Tait’s involvement in songwriting also helped to expand the band’s repertoire, and his contributions to their later albums were vital in keeping the band relevant in the ever-changing music industry.
Despite Tait’s popularity, his involvement in Newsboys was not without criticism. Some fans felt that the band’s sound had strayed too far from their roots as a worship band, and that Tait’s influence had compromised their message. Others accused Tait of taking over the band and turning it into a vehicle for his own career. However, the majority of Newsboys’ fan base remained loyal and appreciative of Tait’s contributions to the band.
In conclusion, Michael Tait’s involvement in Newsboys marked a significant chapter in the band’s history. His addition brought new life to the band, and his impact on their sound and stage presence was undeniable. Though his involvement was met with some criticism, Tait helped to keep the band relevant and successful in the years following his addition.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tait brought new energy and creativity to the band. | Tait’s involvement was met with some criticism. |
| His vocal range and stage presence were unmatched. | Some fans felt that the band’s sound had strayed too far from their roots as a worship band. |
| His involvement in songwriting helped to expand the band’s repertoire. | Others accused Tait of taking over the band and turning it into a vehicle for his own career. |
Overall, Tait’s involvement in Newsboys was a positive influence on the band and helped them to stay relevant in the constantly evolving music industry.
The Success of Newsboys after the Departure of Peter Furler
Many fans of the Newsboys were concerned when founding member and lead vocalist, Peter Furler, left the band in 2009. However, the band continued on and found remarkable success with their new lead singer, Michael Tait.
- One of the band’s biggest hits with Tait as lead singer was “Born Again,” which spent several weeks at the top of the Christian music charts and became a crossover hit.
- The Newsboys also released several successful albums with Tait as lead singer, including “God’s Not Dead” and “Love Riot.”
- Their 2013 album, “Restart,” debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the band’s highest-charting album to date.
Many fans have praised Tait’s strong vocals and energetic stage presence, which have helped the band continue to connect with audiences around the world. The Newsboys have also continued to tour extensively, playing sold-out shows in both the United States and internationally.
Overall, while the departure of Peter Furler was a significant change for the Newsboys, the band has proved that they can adapt and continue to make great music with Michael Tait as their lead singer.
| Album Title | Release Year | Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| God’s Not Dead | 2011 | #13 (Billboard 200) |
| Love Riot | 2016 | #80 (Billboard 200) |
| Restart | 2013 | #38 (Billboard 200) |
With their continued success, it’s clear that the Newsboys are as popular as ever, and fans can look forward to more great music from this venerable Christian rock band for years to come.
The Future of Newsboys and Their Music
After the news of the band’s breakup in 2009, many fans were left wondering what the future held for Newsboys and their music. However, the band has persevered through lineup changes and continued to produce new music. Here are some of the things we can expect from the future of Newsboys and their music:
- More Tours: Newsboys has always been known for their energetic and engaging live shows. The band has continued to tour extensively, and fans can expect even more tours in the future.
- Crossover Collaborations: Newsboys has collaborated with many artists over the years, including TobyMac and Peter Furler. In the future, we can expect even more crossover collaborations as the band expands their reach.
- Evolution of Sound: Newsboys has always been known for their pop-rock sound, but they have experimented with different genres over the years. We can expect the band to continue to evolve their sound and incorporate new influences into their music.
Despite lineup changes, Newsboys has continued to produce new music and maintain their place in the Christian music industry. Their latest album, United, was released in 2019 and features collaborations with other artists in the genre.
In addition, the band has been recognized for their contributions to Christian music. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing their place in music history.
Newsboys Discography
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Read All About It | 1988 |
| Hell Is for Wimps | 1990 |
| Boys Will Be Boyz | 1991 |
| Not Ashamed | 1992 |
| Going Public | 1994 |
| Take Me to Your Leader | 1996 |
| Step Up to the Microphone | 1998 |
| Love Liberty Disco | 1999 |
| Thrive | 2002 |
| Adoration: The Worship Album | 2003 |
| Devotion | 2004 |
| GO | 2006 |
| The Greatest Hits | 2007 |
| In the Hands of God | 2009 |
| Born Again | 2010 |
| God’s Not Dead | 2011 |
| Restart | 2013 |
| Hallelujah for the Cross | 2014 |
| Love Riot | 2016 |
| United | 2019 |
Newsboys has had a long and successful career in the Christian music industry, and the future looks bright for the band and their music.
Did the Newsboys Break Up? FAQs
1. When did the Newsboys start?
The Newsboys started in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia, in 1985.
2. Did the Newsboys have a popular song?
Yes, one of their most popular songs is “God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion)”.
3. Who were the original members of the Newsboys?
The original members were George Perdikis, John James, and Peter Furler.
4. When did Peter Furler leave the Newsboys?
Peter Furler left the Newsboys in 2009 to focus on his solo career.
5. Did the Newsboys break up?
No, the Newsboys did not officially break up. They continue to tour and make music.
6. Who is currently in the Newsboys?
The current members of the Newsboys are Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jody Davis, and Jeff Frankenstein.
7. Are the Newsboys still making music?
Yes, the Newsboys are still making music. Their most recent album, “United”, was released in 2019.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading our FAQs about the Newsboys and whether they broke up. Despite a change in members over the years, the Newsboys remain a popular Christian rock band and continue to make music and tour. Be sure to follow their updates and see them live the next time they come to your city!