Former Newsboys Frontman Speaks Out
Nearly three weeks after newsboys announced their recruitment of former dc Talk member Michael Tait, the Christian pop rock band's departing frontman has finally spoken out.
"It's been a busy time helping the lads with this transition, while at the same time finishing up the recording and mixing of the new CD in order to make the May 5th release date," Peter Furler explained in a statement posted on the band's website late last week.
But the newsboys co-founder assured fans that the decision to step aside was not the result of a band "bust-up or punch-out."
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"All is well," he exclaimed. "I am happy to let you know that I am not dying of some sickness or disease, nor am I in some sort of moral or spiritual crisis."
On Mar. 9, newsboys had announced suddenly that Furler would no longer front the band in concert and that Tait would be touring with the band as lead singer.
"Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional career toward future newsboys recordings," the band stated. They also said Furler would make special appearances throughout the year.
Going further into his upcoming plans, Furler said after 22 years, more than 2,000 shows, and thousands of miles traveling across land and sea, he would continue songwriting and "most important," reach people for Christ.
At the moment, however, Furler's main task is to help the band pass the baton to Tait, who Furler said he had picked "to carry on what I started as a teenager."
"newsboys is more than a band to me," he stated. "It is a group of people: men and women, husbands and wives, sons and daughters pooling together their gifts and talents, making many sacrifices, and believing that together we are all making a difference in telling the good news of the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ to our generation."
"I am happy to say that this has not changed," Furler added.
With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, more than 20 No.1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys has achieved phenomenal success in the two decades since its founding.
The band recently finished recording its new studio album, In The Hands Of God, which features Furler as lead vocalist on the entire album.
"Please enjoy the new CD, In The Hands of God," Furler told fans.
"We poured our souls into it. I sang at the top of my lungs! It is for you," he exclaimed.
The street date for the album is May 5.
