Newsboys

Seventeen years is nearly an eternity in today's music world filled with one-hit wonders. But that's how long the Newsboys have been around. The boys keep right on rocking, gaining momentum as they go.

No doubt, innovation has been key to the group's continued success, especially when it comes to live performances. Through the years the Newsboys have pioneered concert experiences which have included a drum set that inverted upside-down, an inflatable stadium and the landmark Festival Con Dios, which took the multi-artist festival and entertainment setting on the road.

Openness to change is also crucial to longevity. The Newsboys' last two records, Devotion (2004) and Adoration (2003), have marked a significant period of personal growth, especially in the life of front man Peter Furler. Confronted with the realization that his marriage was struggling, Peter underwent a refining process that resulted ultimately in a greater love for his wife and a deeper understanding of his faith in Christ.

"I do believe that there is a sanctification process that we go through in life," Peter says. "We work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It's ours, it's a gift given to us, and then one day we'll be glorified. So there's no condemnation for those who are in Christ, but there are consequences sometimes for our actions."
Peter's time of renewal gave birth to the band's more worship oriented fare. The progression of the projects seems natural to the singer.

"It's the next step, isn't it? You adore something, and then the next step is that you can become devoted to it," Peter says. "Adoration isn't quite enough, and I think devotion is moving one step further. It's a process."

The band continues its praise theme with this October's release of He Reigns (The Worship Collection). In the meantime, band members Jeff Frankenstein (keyboards) and Duncan Phillips (drums) have been active in providing relief following Hurricane Katrina. The musicians, along with management staff and crew members, took their former Festival Con Dios tents to Gulfport, Miss., and set them up as temporary housing for relief workers.

"To see the devastation firsthand was a real eye-opener for us," Jeff says, "We felt called to help out in whatever way possible."

Watch for the Newsboys finding more ways to reach out to hurricane victims as they tour throughout the fall.

Learn more about the band at www.newsboys.com.

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