Retro Insider - "Newsboys"

The old and the new Newsboys.
Newsboys was formed in Mooloolaba, Australia, by core members John James and Peter Furler in 1985. Their original name was “The News” but had to change it upon arriving in the USA because of a name conflict with another band. Originally signed with Refuge Communications in 1987, they released their debut record Read all About It in 1988. They then signed with Starsong and released Hell is for Wimps and Boyz will be Boyz in 1990 and 1991 respectively. These albums did not do well and members were always changing.
In 1992, Not Ashamed, thanks to the title track and songwriter Steve Taylor’s lyrics put to Furler’s songwriting put the boys on the map. In 1994, the album Going Public put them into superstardom. The album was the best of the year and single “Shine” went #1. In 1996, this formula continued with Take Me to Your Leader. Songs "God is not a Secret", "Breakfast", "Take Me To Your Leader" and "Reality" all went #1.
In 1997, Vocalist John James left the band. Furler took over vocals, and Duncan Phillips began drumming. This set up their most consistant members lineup ever: Furler (vocals), Phil Joel (bass), Jody Davis (guitar), Jeff Frankenstein (Keys), Phillips (drums).
In 1998, the band released Step up to the Microphone. The band still proved popular, giving us Entertaining Angels. In 1999, they tried something completely different with Love, Liberty, Disco. It was generally well received, and gave the world “Beautiful Sound”. In 2000, they released Shine: The Hits, and the long-form music video, One Night in Pennsylvania, a live recording of the Step Up to the Microphone tour, including popular footage of the spinning drumkit.
In 2002, Thrive was released, producing the popular song “It is You”. In 2003, the band released their first worship effort, Adoration with their extremely popular recording, “He Reigns”. Later in 2003, Davis left for personal reasons and was replaced by Brian Olesen. Quickly bouncing back, the second worship album Devotion was released in 2004, but it was not as popular as Adoration. Olesen left at this time and was replaced by Paul Coleman.
Continuing with the band "upset", Joel left in 2006, but the band continued to play as a foursome. They have recently released Go and in 2008 released Houston, We are Go. In 2009, Newsboys shocked the Christian music world with a press release stating Peter Furler would resign as frontman, but maintain his involvement with the band. To act as his replacement, former dc Talk member Michael Tait has currently joined the band. Nevertheless, despite the constant shuffle of members, the Newsboys have enjoyed a memorable career that has caused them to become Christian music superstars, and have proven that they make music that will stand the test of time.
For more information check out their website at www.newsboys.com