Newsboys

Newsboys is an enduring Australian-born American Christian rock and worship band.Formed in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia, by founding members Peter Furler and George Perdikis, the group relocated to the United States early in their career and blossomed into one of the most successful and influential acts in contemporary Christian music history.

Renowned for high-energy live arena tours, catchy pop-rock anthems, and deeply worshipful congregational ballads, the band has traversed multiple distinct eras.Over a career spanning four decades, they have released more than 20 studio albums, amassed dozens of number-one radio hits, earned multiple GRAMMY Award nominations, and received numerous GMA Dove Awards.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

The group’s genesis dates back to the mid-1980s in Australia, where teenage friends Peter Furler and George Perdikis came together with a passion for playing upbeat rock music with a clear Christian message. Joined shortly thereafter by vocalist John James, the young ensemble made the bold decision to move to the United States—initially settling in Nashville, Tennessee—to break into the burgeoning American Christian music scene. Working odd jobs while trying to secure record interest, they combined youthful exuberance with raw rock instrumentation.

How Their Music Career Started

Newsboys released their independent debut album, Read All About It, in 1988, followed by early studio projects like Hell Is for Wimps (1990) and Boys Will Be Boyz (1991). Their distinct breakout arrived with their third and fourth major label releases, Not Ashamed (1992) and Going Public (1994). Propelled by quirky humor, clever lyricism, and high-octane performance styles, tracks like “Devotion” and “Where You Belong / Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” put them firmly on the map of alternative Christian youth culture.

Career and Breakthrough

The band achieved mainstream Christian radio stardom with albums like Take Me to Your Leader (1996) and Step Up to the Microphone (1998), the latter of which yielded the massive radio smash “Entertaining Angels.”Around this time, original lead vocalist John James departed, prompting drummer and co-founder Peter Furler to step up to the front microphone.

Under Furler’s leadership, the band entered a highly polished pop-rock and worship-oriented phase, producing chart-topping anthems like “Shine,” “It Is You,” and “He Reigns.” In 2009, Furler stepped down from touring, handing vocal duties over to former dc Talk member Michael Tait. Tait’s arrival marked a fresh renaissance for the group, highlighted by the juggernaut 2011 album God’s Not Dead, whose title track became a global cultural phenomenon and a staple in churches worldwide.

Musical Style and Influences

Newsboys’ musical footprint bridges high-energy guitar rock, infectious 1990s pop-rock hooks, electronic elements, and modern congregational worship. Known for theatrical stage production and dynamic instrumentation, their sound shifted over the years from quirky alternative rock to stadium-sized praise anthems. Lyrically, their catalog balances bold declarations of faith, cultural engagement, and transparent vertical worship.

Notable Songs and Albums

• “God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion)”
• “We Believe”
• “Shine”
• “He Reigns”
• “Entertaining Angels”
• “It Is You”
• Album:Going Public (1994)
• Album:Step Up to the Microphone (1998)
• Album:Thrive (2002)
• Album:God’s Not Dead (2011)

Major Collaborations

Throughout their multi-decade journey, Newsboys have partnered with numerous notable producers, writers, and artists. A notable collaborative milestone occurred in 2018 and 2019 when they reunited with former frontman Peter Furler and longtime bassist Phil Joel for Newsboys United, combining past and present eras for major collaborative tours and a studio album titled United.

Current Career / Recent Activities

Newsboys remain an active touring powerhouse, performing regularly at major festivals, arenas, and special worship events across North America and internationally. They continue to expand their extensive catalog with recent studio projects, including their Worldwide Revival album series, demonstrating a rare longevity that keeps them at the forefront of contemporary Christian music.