***Original Post: 3/9/09: 8:53 AM ***
***UPDATED 3/9/09 6:00 PM ***
I told this morning that I got a tip early today from my friend, Mark Weber, host of the ChristianMusicDaily.com, who said he heard that Peter Furler was leaving the Newsboys and that former dcTalk member Michael Tait was taking over as lead vocalist.
At a show in Texas last night it was announced that Michael Tait was taking over as lead vocalist of the Newsboys, and we've all been waiting for confirmation.
Well, it came this afternoon.
WOW. THAT'S at total shocker!
According to the press release, Furler will focus his energies on songwriting and producing future Newsboys projects.
Wes Campbell, Newsboys manager explains, "While the decision to replace Peter on the road was a painstaking one, when the idea of dc Talk vocalist Michael Tait was presented it was a no-brainer to all of us. No one can replace Peter, but we know Michael will bring a new attitude, energy and vocal style that will thrill our audience. To be able to continue a world class show and still have Peter behind the scenes guiding the career and making of newsboys music is a huge opportunity for all of us. It's amazing that after many years of touring with dc Talk in the 1990s that in 2009 our paths would cross once again. It's an exciting time for all of us."
There wasn't anything more specific about why Peter Furler either needed or requested to be replaced on the road, although he is quoted in the release as saying, "I'm looking forward to focusing on the band's studio career and spending time in my own bed after many years in a tour bus and hundreds of thousands of miles on the road." So from what it sounds like, technically, Furler's not leaving the band, just handing over the frontman reins to Tait?
The band has recently finished recording its new studio album, In The Hands Of God, which features Peter as lead vocalist on the entire album. Street date for this record is May 5th. The release also says taht in the coming days Peter release a personal statement on the band's website in more detail.
So what do you think of the news? Is Michael Tait a good replacement? Is the Newsboys still the Newsboys without Peter Furler front and center on stage, even if he's still at the helm behind the scenes?
And head over to this post for a Christian Music Poll: Should The Newsboys Change Their Name?
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I love Newboys and there music. I just found out that Peter is leaving or now gone. He is a very good singer and has very good style. But as sad as I am to know he won't be singing he as a human being has a right to rest and take care of his marriage. I am proud of his decision in a way because his putting his wife first in doing this. But I will be very sad to know he won't be singing.
This is so very sad. Peter is such a motivational speaker and puts on a marvelous show. I was so inspired the first time I went to see him in concert. I dont want to hear anyone else singing his songs. I watched Mike Tait singing the Newsboys songs last night. It was very disappointing. No where close. Not the same energy or effect. I will no longer be paying to see them in concert. Peters voice is awesome.
No one can replace a person like Peter, the first time i went to one of his concerts i was amazed, it was one of the best ones i ever been to. I will miss Peter but Micheal is a good singer and person, he is the right one for the job. Can't wait for another album, Peter will give the crowd something worth lisening to.
and Mike is doing his best, i'm sure he was nervous at his first conert, he will get better in time.
Peter has and will always be an amazing worship leader and songwriter. I will personally miss his touch, presence and Aussey style. I was at both concerts in Houston in 2008, and the recent concert last week. Michael is amazing but dosen't seem to have the spiritual touch Peter did. Of course, I'm a little partial since he's married to the daughter of another one of my favorite bands of years past...Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart! Hope for a reunion concert! I'll go anywhere, anytime to see the Newsboys with Peter back one more time.
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