Newsboys fans got a shock yesterday when it was officially announced that former dcTalk member Michael Tait will be taking over as lead vocalist of one of Christian music's most popular bands.
While fans seem open to giving Michael Tait a chance, more than a few of you have said that without Peter Furler, the band should change its name. So let's take a poll:
Should the Newsboys change their name now that there are no original members in the band left in the line up? (And if so, got any suggestions for a new name? dcNews?
You can read more about the news in this post: Is Peter Furler Leaving The Newsboys? Michael Tait Announced As New Lead Singer
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I just got back from the Newsboys concert here in Modesto, CA w/Michael Tait as the lead.
He did a great job but I gotta agree with "a little sad"...Peter is the voice of the Newsboys, and I am grieving, too. God be with all of the guys during this major transition. And, may God continue to be glorified through their music.
Can you image if DC Talk was still around and Toby Mac left and Peter Furler joined as lead singer/rapper? This in my point it just wouldn’t be the same and as much as I like Michael with his band TAIT is just won't work with him as the lead of the Newsboys. The move totally changes the sound that the Newsboys have been known for. Last time I heard Michael sing I couldn’t pick up is Australian accent.
There once was a band named Men at Work, and like most secular bands of the time, there was a Christian version of them calling themselves the Newsboys. Unlike the secular group, the Christian one succeeded beyond any one's initial expectations.
I believe the reason the Newsboys did succeed is because of excellent writing and high energy concerts. Peter was continual thread in the creation of these two elements. Since he will still be writing, Newsboys may have a continuance of this success.
Yes, the Newsboy's sound is gone mainly because of Peter's Aussie's accent. Yes, the energy may be a little diminished with a new lead, but you may indeed think of this group as the NewBoys (the next generation).
I just saw Newboy's at Glory in the Gardens in Williamsburg, VA. I wish we had known in advance about the change, seemed wrong that at least KLove did not announce the change since they were sponsoring the event. It was a huge disappointment for us and hundreds of people around us, we all just stared at band in wonder at what they must have been thinking, their interest was apparently and completely into being showmen instead of Glorifying the Lord through there music. Tait is definately into being the center of attention, you sure did not get that feel from Peter, nor you get it from Mac with Third Day, or Bart with Mercyme.... the others are sincere about wanting to promote Jesus and not themselves.
Tait tried way to hard to come off as a Christian "Bono" Rock-star type and it did not work for the crowd. After the show people were just shaking their heads. Tait has an awesome voice but it does not work for this band if they want to be known as the Newboy's.
I will not be promoting the Newboy's in our area until I see God as the center of their music once again. Anyone can sing it, but it comes from the heart when you mean it.
Steve, I wonder if they assume everyone knows by now. I do think the radio stations promoting the concerts should make sure to let people know.
I'll likely see them perform at Kingdom Bound; can't wait to see how the new line up is.
Joanne
host of the GS blog
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