Michael Tait replaces Peter Furler as on-stage frontman for Newsboys

IN A SHOCK move Michael Tait, former member of CCM hitmakers dc Talk, has joined bestselling band Newsboys. After 22 years and more than 2,000 shows, the Newsboys frontman Peter Furler will no longer front the band in concert. Michael Tait will be touring with the Newsboys as lead singer with Peter making special appearances throughout the year. Peter will continue to work with the band as songwriter and producer. Michael has been on the road with the Newsboys over the past weeks working alongside Peter. Said Furler, "Newsboys to me has always been a mission, and I entrust Mike, Jeff, Jody and Duncan to continue all that is in store for us as a band. I'm looking forward to focusing on the band's studio career and spending time in my own bed after many years in a tour bus and hundreds of thousands of miles on the road."

Said Tait, "For years, dc Talk and Newsboys have been family and thus shared the same loyal and adoring fans. When I received the initial call from Newsboys to consider joining the band as lead singer, I was speechless! I immediately sought wise counsel and flooded the heavens with endless prayers for insight and vision, and I soon received a clear and definite peace. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to perform my first show as Newsboys' frontman to an audience of 12,000 people. I was completely wrapped in love and support by Newsboys' fans, who are clearly the best fans on the planet. Now I know this is exactly where I belong in this new and wonderful moment in my life's history. This is a definite highlight of my career and for my 20+ years of walking with Jesus, and I am humbled, proud and privileged to call myself a Newsboy."