NEWSBOYS

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Newsboys is a Grammy Award-nominated 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 two decades.

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 U.S. they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with another U.S.-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 1992 in the United States. After signing with Star Song Communications, they released three more albums from 1990 to 1991: Hell Is For Wimps, Boys Will Be Boyz, and Turn. None of the three albums garnered much attention, and the band's lineup changed with every release.

It wasn't until their 1992 album, Not Ashamed (which featured a re-make of the DeGarmo & Key hit "Boycott Hell"), that the band gained notice in 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 (which included mainstays Jody Davis & Duncan Phillips), 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.

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. The additions of Phillip Joel Urry & Jeff Frankenstein finalized a regular roster of musicians for the band and generally showcased a bigger rock sound than in past projects.

Because of the large size of the band, their concerts were full of energy with various members trading instruments as well as introducing Peter's rotating drum set. 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". The album solidified the band's place in the Christian music industry.

In 1997, John James announced he would be leaving the band

to become a pastor. Despite the loss of the longtime frontman, the band pressed on. Furler easily switched from drums to vocals (as he had recorded most of the songs on past albums) 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. Often, at concerts and festivals such as Spirit West Coast, the band played "Breakfast" as the final song.

It was customary for fans to purchase boxes of Captain Crunch and throw the cereal onto the stage, cued by "And Captain Crunch is waving farewell". A Captain Crunch fight between band members would ensue.

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".

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 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 60s era-inspired pop and disco, the album delivered radio single hits such as "Beautiful Sound", "Good Stuff", and "Love Liberty Disco".

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 did not include any songs from the Love Liberty Disco album but 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 Oleson, who agreed to be a temporary replacement until the band found a replacement for Davis.

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 Oleson left the band to focus on his own band, Casting Pearls. Paul Colman, a respected Australian Christian 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 written 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 artist David Eri as a co-writer. Their song "Something Beautiful" and "In Wonder were big hits on Christian Radio.

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.

In December 2006, Phil Joel announced that he would leave the band to pursue his own projects and albums, bringing his time with the band to a close.

In May, 2007 The Newsboys announced that they will release the remixed version of the hit album "GO" which will include the smash hits "Wherever We Go" and "Something Beautiful. The CD was released on May 8, 2007" Featuring unique mixes by famed producers Tedd T., Jeff Frankenstein of newsboys, Max Hsu of Superchick and Lee Bridges. The "GO Remixed" album has been released and is available for purchase.

On November 20, 2007 the Newsboys released their newest album

entitled The Greatest Hits. It features newer hit songs like "Wherever We Go," "Something Beautiful," "It Is You," "Million Pieces," and "You Are My King," in addition to older hits like "Reality," "Shine," "Not Ashamed," and many more. The 18 song CD also features two new songs "I Fought the La" (which features the singing of "La's" by the crowd from the Six Flags St. Louis Newsboys Concert of the GO Tour 8/11/2007), and "Stay Strong."

On September 2, 2008, newsboys are set to release "Newsboys Live: Houston We Are Go" a CD/DVD combo recording package of the newsboys Go Tour.

The Newsboys have significant links to Every Nation. The group's lead singer, Peter Furler, is a member of Bethel World Outreach Center, an Every Nation church.

The Newsboys have also co-authored a book with the chief prophet of Every Nation, Jim Laffoon. A daily teaching by Laffoon, was also given prominent space on the Newsboy's webpage.

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	God's Not Dead By Emi Cmg Distribution
News flash---God is alive and working in the world! In their signature pop/rock style, the Newsboys testify to God's unfailing presence in new songs such as "The King Is Coming" and other worship favorites, including "Forever Reign," "Revelation Song," "Mighty to Save," "Here We Stand," "More Than Enough," "Your Love Never Fails," and "Pouring It Out for You."

Born Again, Miracles Edition CD By Inpop Records

With new frontman Michael Tait at the helm, the legendary Newsboys lit up airways and stages around the world with their infectious, hook-laden brand of Christian rock. This expanded edition of the best-selling Born Again album features eleven songs from the original plus over 25 minutes of additional material, including the hit single "We Remember," as well as remixes and brand new songs previously unavailable on CD.

	Born Again CD By Inpop Records
A heart-pumping new release from the Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning favorites . . . and the crowds go wild! Fronted by the ever-energetic Michael Tait and featuring songs penned by Steve Taylor, Audio Adrenaline's Mark Stuart, and others, this momentous project includes "Boys Light Up," "One Shot," "On Your Knees," and the title track.

	The Ultimate Collection - CD By Sparrow Records
The Newsboys' Ultimate Collection showcases the explosive energy and passionate faith of the long-running worship rockers from down under. Includes "Shine," "You Are My King," "He Reigns," and many more.

	In The Hands Of God CD By Inpop
With five gold albums, more than twenty #1 radio hits, a mantel of Dove Awards, Grammy nominations, and more than six million records sold, Newsboys' pop/rock sound, groundbreaking tours, and live performances continue to satisfy diehard fans---and win new ones! Includes "No Grave," "Glorious," "The Way We Roll," "My Friend Jesus," the title track, and more.

	The Greatest Hits CD By Sparrow Records
From their explosive, high energy live shows to their hit-packed albums, Newsboys continue to set the mark for Christian bands. With the release of The Greatest Hits, the band offers 16 of their most popular songs plus 2 brand new songs, "Stay Strong" and "I Fought the La."

	He Reigns: The Worship Collection CD By Emi Cmg Distribution
He Reigns is a breathtaking collection of past hitsand favorites from previous Newsboys releases. This album includes the songs "Devotion", "In Christ Alone", "Strong Tower", the title track, and more.

You Are My King (Amazing Love), Accompaniment CD By Word Entertainment Inc

Word Tracks offers this digitally mastered, high quality track featuring a demonstration and performance tracks in three keys, each with and without background vocals. Expertly mastered to sound most like the original artist track. Artist who originally made the song popular is listed for reference only. Lyrics enclosed. Note: lyrics and/or sheet music included with CD purchase only. Not available on downloaded tracks.

	Open Mic Karaoke: Volume 1 CD By Emi Cmg Distribution
Four hit songs from the Newsboys with and without lead vocals for great karaoke fun! Includes: CD + Graphics and lyric booklet. Songs include: Shine, Joy, Breakfast, Entertaining Angels. Original artist recordings.

Adoration/Devotion CD By Newsboys / Emi Cmg Distribution

Two full albums- one great price! The Two-for-One series pairs past releases from prominent artists, offering two albums for the price of one. Adoration Newsboys return with an album like no other, a seamless experience of worship featuring their trademark sound and lyrical approach, blending moments of personal worship and corporate worship to lead listeners on a unique journey. Devotion Following the acclaim of the RIAA Gold-certified, Adoration: The Worship Album - the fastest selling record of their career, Devotion picks up where Adoration ended, continuing the worship experience with songs including "Presence", "Strong Tower", and more. On Devotion, Newsboys embrace the congregational and community aspects of worship, and enlisted a true community of artists to help create the album - with guest appearances and collaborations with Rebecca St. James, Tim Hughes, Delirious' Stu G. and more.

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