(CP) After greater than a decade and a half on the helm of Christian rock group Newsboys, lead singer Michael Tait has introduced his choice to step down, citing prayer and a way of readability on this new season of life.
“Fifteen years in the past my life modified endlessly after I was invited to be the lead singer for Newsboys,” Tait, 58, wrote in an announcement on social media on Thursday. “The years since then have been among the most fulfilling, faith-filled and rewarding years of my life.”
Tait joined Newsboys in 2009 following the departure of long-time singer Peter Furler. With Tait on the helm, the band skilled a renaissance and launched chart-topping albums resembling Reborn and God just isn’t useless.
Identified for his or her energetic performances and faith-focused music, the group has expanded its international attain throughout Tait's tenure, serving audiences from numerous backgrounds.
“Collectively we've written and produced music that I'm deeply pleased with – from 'Born Once more' and 'We Imagine' to 'Worldwide Revival' and naturally 'God's Not Useless,'” mirrored Tait.
Initially fashioned in Australia in 1985, The Newsboys have lengthy been a staple of up to date Christian music. Over time, the band has earned quite a few accolades, together with a number of Grammy nominations and Dove Awards.
In his assertion, Tait acknowledged that his choice to go away was not a straightforward one. “Whereas it might come as a shock provided that I've been touring since faculty, I've made a monumental and trustworthy choice for me that it's time to go away Newsboys,” he mentioned. “This choice doesn’t come evenly and was a shock even to myself, however within the midst of prayer and fasting I’m clear that it’s the proper choice.”
Tait additionally shared the verse from Matthew 6:33 that guided his choice: “'However search ye first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these items shall be given unto you.'”
“I really imagine these phrases, and though I'm nervous concerning the future, I'm enthusiastic about what it means for me and Newsboy as all of us search first His kingdom and His righteousness,” he concluded.
An announcement from Newsboys on social media famous that Tait's departure won’t have an effect on their upcoming tour, which is scheduled to run till August.
“We’re grateful for the prolonged season Michael has had with the Newsboys … as he mentioned in his announcement, the reminiscences we share are deeply cherished. As he enters the following season of life, we step into the following season of the Newsboys,” band members Duncan Phillips mentioned. Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis and Adam Agee in a social media submit.
“This weekend we kick off our Worldwide Revival Nights tour as deliberate and we hope to see you at a present quickly…as we undergo this season of change, we all know that worshiping collectively is the way in which we wish to transfer ahead. We all know there shall be questions on what the longer term holds and we could have solutions in due time [to] these questions. For now, we simply need you to know that the Newsboys aren't going wherever; we go all over the place!” the group's assertion continued.
Previous to his time as lead singer of the Newsboys, Tait was a part of the rap-rock group CCM DC Speak from 1988-2001 alongside TobyMac and Kevin Smith (Max). Earlier than becoming a member of The Newsboys, Tait additionally fronted his personal band, Tait.
In a 2023 interview with The Christian Put up, Newsboys keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein mentioned he believes the Christian music group's longevity is because of their dedication to biblical reality.
“I feel our longevity is a testomony to our hearts and the place we’re as individuals, as a result of it's very uncommon in any style for a band to remain collectively for greater than 30 years,” Frankenstein mentioned.
“I feel one of many nice issues about Christian music, versus pop music, is that everyone knows deep down that music impacts individuals and has a objective and God gave us this present. Within the pop music scenario the place every thing about you.” and your profession, you may see why these issues go up in flames so rapidly as a result of they’re primarily based on both human ego or simply selfishness. On this scenario, all of us have a standard objective of realizing that music can actually change individuals as a result of we've seen it occur.”
He additionally credited Tait for the band's more moderen success, including: “We're a type of bands that's in that uncommon scenario the place we now have a black singer after which we're white guys and we've acquired individuals from Australia and other people. who work in our workplace from different nations. We're very a lot a multicultural sort of band… We've at all times been ourselves. We solely do what comes from the center.”
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