Tait Joins Newsboys
By Kevin Peterson
Updated 16 Hour(s) 58 Minute(s) ago
After 22 years and more than 2000 shows, newsboys frontman Peter Furler will no longer lead the band in concert. Michael Tait will be touring with the band as lead singer with Furler making special appearances throughout the year. He will also continue writing and producing for future newsboys' projects.
Tait has been on the road with the band over the past few weeks working alongside Furler, preparing for the upcoming transition. Furler says, "newsboys to me has always been a mission, and I entrust Mike, Jeff, Jody and Duncan to continue all that is in store for us as a band. 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."
Newsboys manager Wes Campbell 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."
"For years, dc Talk and newsboys have been family and thus shared the same loyal and adoring fans, says Tait. "When I received the initial call from newsboys to consider joining the band as lead singer, I was speechless! I immediately sought wise counsel and flooded the heavens with endless prayers for insight and vision, and I soon received a clear and definite peace. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to perform my first show as newsboys’ frontman to an audience of 12,000 people. Now I know this is exactly where I belong in this new and wonderful moment in my life’s history."
The band recently finished recording its new studio album, "In The Hands of God," which features Furler as lead vocalist on the entire album. Street date for the record is May 5.