Rock band Petra produce 23rd album

WITH THE release of 'Petra Praise II: We Need Jesus' veteran Christian rock band Petra have clocked up their 23rd album but, during its preparation, said goodbye to three band members. Guitarist David Lichens, keyboard player Jim Cooper and long-time bassist Ronnie Cates have departed the band to pursue other interests. Cater left the group in August while the departure of Lichens and Cooper came in late October.

Petra lead vocalist John Schlitt who co-ordinates the band's live performances, said, "For Petra to be true to its calling as a Christian rock group, there has to be unity of spirit and vision on stage and off. That means that six strong personalities have to be flexible and willing to work together. Because we are human and not perfect, this is not always possible for any great length of time. Change is required. In over 24 years of ministry, it should not be surprising that Petra has had several personnel changes. In fact, the surprise should be that we've had so few."

New musicians taken on as replacements for the departing band members are keyboard player Kevin Brando, guitarist Pete Orta and bassist Lonnie Chapin. Schlitt, who as well as his work with Petra recently found time to record his second solo album, was asked whether he and band founder Bob Hartman had ever considered bringing the Petra legacy to an end. He replied, "That wasn't even an option. God hasn't told me to leave yet. We are seeing some things happening with this ministry that you can't believe." Petra commenced a US tour this March.