Newsboys
From Imw
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Albums Live, Compilation, and EP Albums |
Newsboys are a Christian pop/rock band. The band was formed in Australia in 1985 and has been one of the most popular and best selling Christian music artists of the past decade.
Contents |
History
Formation-1992
Newsboys' original core members, bassist Sean Taylor, vocalist John James, and drummer Peter Furler, formed the band in Mooloolaba, Australia in 1985 along with Furler's guitarist school mate, George Perdikis. The band's original name was The News, but once in the US they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with another US based band. The band came to the United States in late 1987 after getting signed with Refuge Communications, and released the album Read All About It in 1988. After signing with Star Song Communications, they released two more albums from 1990 to 1991: Hell Is For Wimps, and Boys Will Be Boyz. None of the three albums garnered much attention, and the band's lineup changed with every release.
1992-2000
It wasn't until their 1992 album, Not Ashamed, that the band became notable on the Christian music scene. The title track of the album became a huge hit on Christian radio and elevated the band's profile considerably. Notably, Steve Taylor, a quirky singer well-known within the Christian music community, began a partnership with the band, producing the band's record and writing most of the lyrics for their songs; Furler remained the band's primary songwriter.
In 1994, amidst continued lineup changes, the band released Going Public, their fifth album and first smash success. The record proved to be a watershed for the group, winning a Dove Award for "Rock album of the Year" in 1995 [1]. It also produced #1 hits such as "Spirit Thing", "Let It Rain", and, most notably, "Shine". "Shine" quickly became an enormous hit and one of the most recognizable songs in Christian music, also taking the 1995 Dove for "Rock Recorded Song of the Year". In 2006, CCM Magazine listed "Shine" in the top ten in its ranking of the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian music. Going Public turned Newsboys into one of the top acts in Christian music.
The eagerly-anticipated follow-up, Take Me To Your Leader (1996), did not disappoint fans, either. Generally showcasing a bigger rock sound than in past projects, the album produced more #1 hits: "God Is Not A Secret", "Reality", "Breakfast", and the title track. This album also snagged the groups third Dove, this time for "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year". [2] The album solidified the band's place in the Christian music industry; however, their position seemed to move onto shaky ground when lead singer John James left the band in 1997. The band pressed on, though; Furler switched from drums to vocals and Duncan Phillips, who had previously played keyboards and percussion for the band, became the new drummer. From 1998 to 2003, the band's lineup of Furler, bassist Phil Joel, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, and Phillips stayed constant. At concerts and festivals such as Spirit West Coast, the band often plays "Breakfast" as the final song, and often drag out the song. It is customary for fans to purchase boxes of Captain Crunch and throw the cereal onto the stage due to the line "And Captain Crunch is waving farewell". The band has been known to switch seats between each other while the other band members have a Captain Crunch fight.
When newsboys released its first post-James record, Step Up to the Microphone (1998), it quickly became clear that the band's popularity was still intact; the album sold well and produced, among other hits, the ubiquitous hit "Entertaining Angels", whose video won the 1999 Dove for "Short Form Music Video of the Year". [3] During the resulting "Step Up To The Microphone" tour, the band featured the drums on a rotating platform that could tilt downward up to 90 degrees. In fact, there were two sets of drums and Peter Furler (the original drummer) and Duncan Phillips would wear seat belts, so they wouldn't fall out, and have a rotating drum-off. This feature is still used on their tours and has grown to be quite popular.
The band returned in 1999 with the oddly-titled Love Liberty Disco, the band's only album to majorly deviate from their pop-rock sound. Featuring 60's era-inspired pop and, yes, disco, the album delivered radio single hits such as "Beautiful Sound", "Good Stuff", and "Love Liberty Disco".
2000-present
In 2000, newsboys helped start and headlined the annual, traveling CCM festival Festival Con Dios with Audio Adrenaline and The O.C. Supertones. The festival was known for featuring popular Christian bands and for its motorcross stunts.
Also in 2000, newsboys released a greatest hits compilation, Shine: The Hits, which also included four new songs, two of which ("Joy" and "Who") went to #1. The band did not release any all new material until the spring of 2002 when they released Thrive. Featuring a return to pop-rock, the album also showcased one of the band's biggest hits: "It Is You".
The success of the worshipful "It Is You" perhaps paved the way for newsboys' first praise and worship album in 2003: Adoration: The Worship Album. The album soon became the band's best-selling to date, based on the strength of singles "He Reigns" and "You Are My King (Amazing Love)". Late in 2003, guitarist Jody Davis left the band to care for his sick daughter, Bethany; he was replaced by Bryan Olesen.
The band returned in 2004 with another worship album: Devotion, led by the single, "Presence (My Heart's Desire)". The album was not nearly as successful as its predecessor, one reason arguably being the modest impact the singles had on Christian radio. In 2006, Bryan Olesen left the band to focus on his own band, Casting Pearls. Paul Colman, a respected Australian singer-songwriter and long time personal friend of Peter Furler, replaced him as guitarist.
Although the band is currently based in Nashville, its lineup remains predominantly Australian. Of the current lineup of Furler, Frankenstein, Phillips, and Colman, only Frankenstein (Michigan) hails from outside Australia.
The band's latest radio hits came in 2006 with a live version of "I Am Free" (originally writen by Jon Egan of The Desperation Band), and "Wherever We Go". On October 31, 2006, newsboys have released their newest pop/rock record entitled GO, as well as an iTunes GO EP, including the songs "Wherever We Go", "GO", and "I Am Free". The album was the band's first under their new Inpop Records label, and received strong reviews, praising the group's return to its original rock sound. "GO" featured upcoming Christian artiste David Eri as a co-writer.
Newsboys music is featured in the Christian video game Dance Praise. "Woo Hoo" from Step Up To The Microphone is included with the game. "You Are My King" and "It Is You" can be added to the song list via the Dance Praise Expansion Pack Volume 1: Modern Worship. "Devotion" can be added to the game via the Dance Praise Expansion Pack Volume 3: Rock & Pop Hits.
On December 31, 2006, Phil Joel announced he was leaving the band to devote more time to family and personal goals, including his solo project, deliberatePeople. (http://www.newsboys.com/news/123006.php).
Members
- Peter Furler - lead vocals, backing vocals, guitar, drums (1986 - present)
- Jeff Frankenstein - keyboards, bass, backing vocals (1994 - present)
- Duncan Phillips - drums, percussion (1993 - present)
- Paul Colman - guitar, backing vocals, (2006 - present)
Former members
Lead Vocals
- John James (1985–1997)
Guitar
- George Perdikis (1985–1987) — Left the band before their first album, but co-wrote most of the songs on it.
- Phil Yates (1987–1989)
- Jonathan Geange (1990–1991, 1992) — Returned to the band briefly after Vernon Bishop left, before Jody Davis joined.
- Vernon Bishop (1991–1992)
- Jody Davis (1993–2003) — Left the band to spend more time with his family, and to care for his sick daughter.
- Bryan Olesen (2003–2006) — Was only a temporary replacement until the Newsboys could find a full-time lead guitarist not tied up with another project.
Bass Guitar
- Sean Taylor (1985–1992)
- Kevin Mills (1993–1995) — Left the band to join White Heart. Died in a motorbike accident on December 3, 2000.
- Phil Joel (1995–2006) — Left the band to dedicate more time to his family and personal goals.
Keyboards
- Corey Pryor (1991–1993)
Major Tours
- GO Tour (2007) (with Kutless and Stellar Kart)
- Harvest Crusade (2006) (with Salvador)
- Winter Jam Tour (2006)
- Spirit West Coast (2006)
- Parachute Music Festival (2004)
- Adoration Tour (2004) (with Jeremy Camp and Rebecca St. James)
- Festival Con Dios (2003)
- Thrive-It's All In The Word Tour (2002)
- Festival Con Dios (2001)
- Dome Tour (2000) (with Kevin Max)
- Step Up To The Microphone Tour (1999)
- Counter The Culture Tour (1997)
- Take Me To Your Leader Tour (1996-97) (with Plankeye and Third Day)
- Going Public Tour (1995)
- Not Ashamed Tour (1994) (W/Code of Ethics and Tony Vincent)
- Heaven In The Real World Tour (1994)
Singles
- From Read All About It
- "I Got Your Number" (1988)
- From Hell Is for Wimps
- "All I Can See" (1990)
- "In The End" (1990)
- "Ten Thousand Miles" (1990)
- "Simple Man" (1991)
- From Boys Will Be Boyz
- "One Heart" (1991)
- "Kingdom Man" (1991)
- "Stay With Me" (1991)
- "Israel" (1991)
- "You and Me" (1991)
- From Not Ashamed
- "I'm Not Ashamed" (1992)
- "Where You Belong/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" (1993)
- "Upon This Rock" (1993)
- "I Cannot Get You Out of My System" (1993)
- "Strong Love" (1993)
- "Dear Shame" (1993)
- From Going Public
- "Be Still" (1994)
- "Shine" (1994)
- "Let It Rain" (1995)
- "Spirit Thing" (1995)
- "Real Good Thing" (1995)
- "Truth and Consequences" (1995)
- "Going Public"
- From Take Me to Your Leader
- "Reality" (1995)
- "Take Me To Your Leader" (1996)
- "Let It Go" (1996)
- "Breakfast" (1997)
- "Breathe (Benediction)" (1997)
- "It's All Who You Know" (1997)
- "God Is Not a Secret"
- "Cup O' Tea"
- From Step Up to the Microphone
- "Entertaining Angels" (1998)
- "Believe" (1998)
- "Step Up To The Microphone" (1998)
- "Woo Hoo" (1998)
- "Hallelujah"
- "Truth Be Known - Everybody Gets a Shot" (video only)
- From Entertaining Angels EP
- "Shine 2000 (remix)" (1998)
- "Not Ashamed (remix)" (1998)
- From Love Liberty Disco
- "Love Liberty Disco" (1999)
- "Beautiful Sound" (2000)
- "I Surrender All / Good Stuff" (2000) (released as a double A-side single, with the former geared towards AC radio, and the latter towards the CHR/Rock format, which ended up as the bigger hit)
- From Shine: The Hits
- "Joy" (2000)
- "Mega-Mix" (2001)
- "Who?" (2001)
- "God Is Not a Secret" (ft. TobyMac)
- "Praises"
- From Thrive
- "It Is You" (2002)
- "Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye)" (2002)
- "John Woo" (2002)
- "The Fad of The Land" (2002)
- "Giving It Over" (2002)
- From Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie Soundtrack
- "In The Belly of The Whale" (ft. Steve Taylor) (2002)
- From Adoration: The Worship Album
- "He Reigns" (2003)
- "You Are My King (Amazing Love)" (2003)
- "In Christ Alone" (2003)
- "Adoration" (2003) (possibly not a radio single, but received enough airplay to make it on the charts during the Christmas season)
- From Devotion
- "Presence (My Heart's Desire)" (2004)
- "Devotion" (2004)
- From GO
- "I Am Free" (Live) (2006)
- "Wherever We Go" (2006)
- "Something Beautiful" (2007)
Albums
| Year | Album | Label | Billboard 200 Peak | Top Contemporary Christian/ Top Christian Peak | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Read All About It | Refuge/Star Song | |||
| 1990 | Hell Is For Wimps | Star Song]] | |||
| 1991 | Boys Will Be Boyz | Star Song | |||
| 1992 | Not Ashamed | Star Song | #11 | ||
| 1994 | Going Public | Star Song | #2 | Gold | |
| 1996 | Take Me to Your Leader | Star Song, Virgin Records | #35 | #1 | Gold |
| 1998 | Step Up to the Microphone | Star Song, Virgin Records | #61 | #1 | Gold |
| 1999 | Love Liberty Disco | Sparrow Records | #80 | #5 | |
| 2000 | Shine: The Hits | Sparrow Records | #122 | #5 | Gold |
| 2002 | Thrive | Sparrow Records | #38 | #3 | |
| Newsboys Remixed | Sparrow Records | #21 | |||
| 2003 | Adoration: The Worship Album | Sparrow Records | #33 | #1 | Gold |
| 2004 | Devotion | Sparrow Records/EMI CMG | #56 | #5 | |
| 2005 | He Reigns: The Worship Collection | Sparrow Records/EMI CMG | #35 | ||
| 2006 | GO | Inpop Records | #51 | #4 | |
| GO - Special Edition (with DVD) | Inpop Records |
Extended Plays
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Entertaining Angels | Star Song |
| 2003 | 8 Great Hits | Sparrow Records/EMI CMG |
| 2006 | Go EP | Inpop Records/EMI CMG |
DVDs and Videos
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Boys Will Be Boyz (NTSC/VHS) | Star Song |
| 1993 | Not Ashamed (NTSC/VHS) | Star Song |
| 1996 | Down Under the Big Top (NTSC/VHS) | Star Song |
| 1999 | Live One Night In Pennsylvania (NTSC/VHS) | Sparrow Records |
| 2000 | Shine: The Hits Live-One Night In Pennsylvania (DVD) | Sparrow Records |
| 2002 | Thrive: From The Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame (DVD) | Sparrow Records |
Music Videos
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1990 | "Simple Man" |
| 1991 | "One Heart" (shot at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, OK) |
| "Kingdom Man" | |
| 1992 | "I Cannot Get You Out of My System" |
| 1993 | "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Where You Belong)" |
| "Dear Shame" | |
| 1994 | "Shine" |
| 1996 | "Take Me To Your Leader" |
| 1998 | "Entertaining Angels" |
| 1999 | "Love, Liberty, Disco" |
| 2000 | "If the Truth Be Known (Everybody Gets a Shot)" |
| 2002 | "Million Pieces" |
| "In the Belly of the Whale" (for the Veggie Tales movie Jonah) | |
| 2003 | "He Reigns" |
Awards & Nominations
Grammy Awards
- 1992 Nomination for Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album
- Not Ashamed
- 1994 Nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album
- Going Public
- 1996 Nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album
- Take Me to Your Leader
- 2003 Nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
- Adoration: The Worship Album
Dove Awards
- 1994 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
- "I Cannot Get You Out of My System"
- 1995 Award for Rock Album of the Year
- Going Public
- 1995 Award for Rock Recorded Song of the Year
- "Shine"
- 1995 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
- "Shine"
- 1995 Nomination for Group of the Year
- Newsboys
- 1996 Nomination for Song of the Year
- "Shine"
- 1997 Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
- Take Me to Your Leader
- 1997 Nomination for Rock Album of the Year
- Take Me to Your Leader
- 1997 Nomination for Rock Recorded Song of the Year
- "God Is Not a Secret"
- 1997 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
- "Take Me to Your Leader"
- 1999 Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year
- "Entertaining Angels"
- 1999 Nomination for Song of the Year
- "Entertaining Angels"
- 1999 Nomination for Rock Album of the Year
- Step Up to the Microphone
- 1999 Nomination for Group of the Year
- Newsboys
- 2000 Nomination for Long Form Music Video of the Year
- One Night in Pennsylvania
- 2001 Award for Special Event Album of the Year
- City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise (Various Artists, including Peter Furler's "Unified")
- 2001 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
- "Love Liberty Disco"
- 2003 Nomination for Long Form Music Video of the Year
- Thrive: Live from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- 2004 Nomination for Group of the Year
- Newsboys
- 2004 Nomination for Praise & Worship Album of the Year
- Adoration: The Worship Album
- 2004 Nomination for Song of the Year
- "He Reigns"
- 2004 Nomination for Worship Song of the Year
- "He Reigns"
- 2005 Nomination for Praise & Worship Album of the Year
- Devotion
Billboard Music Video Awards
- 1999 Award for Best CCM Video
- "Entertaining Angels"
Intl. Angel Awards
- 1995 Award for Video
- "Shine"
- 1999 Award for Video
- "Entertaining Angels"
Nashville Music Awards
- 1999 Award for Favorite CCM Album
- Step Up to the Microphone
- 2000 Nomination for Contemporary Christian Album of the Year
- Love Liberty Disco
SESAC Awards
- 2000 Award for Christian Songwriter of the Year
- Peter Furler
