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radioThese are reader comments for the article 'Newsboys: Ex-lead Singer John James speaks about his fall and restoration'
Reader Comments
Posted by Josh in nashville @ 16:08 on Feb 2 2007
Great article and something people who are going into the music scene as christians need to read.
Great article and something people who are going into the music scene as christians need to read.
Posted by Chad Baird in Grand Rapids, MI @ 18:52 on Jan 29 2007
Hey Mike,
Great article.
Hey Mike,
Great article.
Posted by Jon Neill in Dallas, TX @ 01:42 on Jan 28 2007
John James has always been one of my heroes, and he continues to be. I am very thankful he was willing to share his experiences. John, you will be used for great things; glad you found the plot.
John James has always been one of my heroes, and he continues to be. I am very thankful he was willing to share his experiences. John, you will be used for great things; glad you found the plot.
Posted by Gary Smith in Cariff @ 13:42 on Jan 27 2007
Mike
Loved the article. Jan Willem was right. We managed the festival and John left the band the week before the Alliance festival so didn't make the trip. I think you are getting mixed up with the Alliance showcase in High Wycombe (we also managed this). I think your rock oand roll brain is confused, there are at least 3 alliance events mixed up that make this story. For the record the bill in Sheffield included Newsboys, WWMT, Delirious?, Sarah Jahn, Hydro, Chris Eaton and Raze.
All that to say, it was great to hear the heart of the John James we knew and loved. Thanks a lot.
Mike
Loved the article. Jan Willem was right. We managed the festival and John left the band the week before the Alliance festival so didn't make the trip. I think you are getting mixed up with the Alliance showcase in High Wycombe (we also managed this). I think your rock oand roll brain is confused, there are at least 3 alliance events mixed up that make this story. For the record the bill in Sheffield included Newsboys, WWMT, Delirious?, Sarah Jahn, Hydro, Chris Eaton and Raze.
All that to say, it was great to hear the heart of the John James we knew and loved. Thanks a lot.
Reply by George Luke in London @ 09:58 on Jan 30 2007
Ah yes, thanks for clarifying it for me too. I went to the Alliance festivals in Manchester and Sheffield. And if I'm not mistaken, the High Wycombe one was held over two days. I went on the second day - or whatever day it was that the Newsboys didn't play, 'cos I didn't see them (saw PFR and Limit X instead). And I missed the Newsboys at the Sheffield one, because we left early for the long drive back home.
Ah yes, thanks for clarifying it for me too. I went to the Alliance festivals in Manchester and Sheffield. And if I'm not mistaken, the High Wycombe one was held over two days. I went on the second day - or whatever day it was that the Newsboys didn't play, 'cos I didn't see them (saw PFR and Limit X instead). And I missed the Newsboys at the Sheffield one, because we left early for the long drive back home.
Reply by Mike Rimmer in Birmingham @ 00:32 on Jan 30 2007
Gary, it was the High Wycombe one! I remember it being in a church centre and having some people from the church rescue me, my wife and a friend so we stayed overnight nearby!
The bill at the gig seemed to be huge with it seemed like everyone from the label playing!
Gary, it was the High Wycombe one! I remember it being in a church centre and having some people from the church rescue me, my wife and a friend so we stayed overnight nearby!
The bill at the gig seemed to be huge with it seemed like everyone from the label playing!
Posted by Allan Clare in Bristol, UK @ 19:08 on Jan 26 2007
What a faithful God we have. A God who pours out His love and His mercy every day.
May all who read this testimony understand that the ways of the Lord are right. The ways of the world lead to despair, and dissatisfaction.
The perfect plan of Jesus Christ for our lives brings the joy, peace and satisfaction that our spirits crave.
What a faithful God we have. A God who pours out His love and His mercy every day.
May all who read this testimony understand that the ways of the Lord are right. The ways of the world lead to despair, and dissatisfaction.
The perfect plan of Jesus Christ for our lives brings the joy, peace and satisfaction that our spirits crave.
Posted by Bethany Richard in Cambridge, England @ 18:32 on Jan 26 2007
Wow, this interview has moved me to tears. It's just mind-blowing what God can do with a broken life, His grace is so amazing!
Wow, this interview has moved me to tears. It's just mind-blowing what God can do with a broken life, His grace is so amazing!
Reply by Jesse Dean in San Francisco @ 05:01 on Feb 23 2010
I second that. This was a really really good article. I'm going to pass this on!
I second that. This was a really really good article. I'm going to pass this on!
Posted by Jan Willem Vink in Netherlands @ 17:24 on Jan 26 2007
Great article Mike. However, as I recall, the Newsboys show at the second Alliance festival already had Peter Furler on leadvocals... That might have caused the response you refer to.
Great article Mike. However, as I recall, the Newsboys show at the second Alliance festival already had Peter Furler on leadvocals... That might have caused the response you refer to.
Reply by Gabe @ 02:26 on Feb 16 2010
Dawn in WI on Dec 21 2009 said:
"Hypocrisy is a lie. Using someone for your own gain/pleasure who is already emotionally vulnerable is a lie. Covering yourself when it gets out of control is a lie. Pretending you were a good boy all along is a lie. Pretending you're a good boy NOW, after you're found out, is a lie. Religion is a lie."
I think I speak for everyone Dawn when I say, "I forgive you."
...and Dawn, don't cry out to us...do it to God...that's what I did. I'll never forget my first prayer..."FUCK YOU GOD...YOU DON'T EXIST! If you do...PROVE IT!" Took 3 years and several trips to jail and being strung out on drugs, but he WILL answer you. Take my word for it though, try a more subtle prayer...because he's going to meet you when you'll listen and for me that meant, like John James, being broken.
...was blind, but now I see (it's all about faith Dawn, you have yours and we have ours....but it's all about faith)
Dawn in WI on Dec 21 2009 said:
"Hypocrisy is a lie. Using someone for your own gain/pleasure who is already emotionally vulnerable is a lie. Covering yourself when it gets out of control is a lie. Pretending you were a good boy all along is a lie. Pretending you're a good boy NOW, after you're found out, is a lie. Religion is a lie."
I think I speak for everyone Dawn when I say, "I forgive you."
...and Dawn, don't cry out to us...do it to God...that's what I did. I'll never forget my first prayer..."FUCK YOU GOD...YOU DON'T EXIST! If you do...PROVE IT!" Took 3 years and several trips to jail and being strung out on drugs, but he WILL answer you. Take my word for it though, try a more subtle prayer...because he's going to meet you when you'll listen and for me that meant, like John James, being broken.
...was blind, but now I see (it's all about faith Dawn, you have yours and we have ours....but it's all about faith)
Reply by mike rimmer in Birmingham @ 08:47 on Jan 29 2007
oops. jan Willem you're right. It was the first and smaller Alliance Fetsival.
oops. jan Willem you're right. It was the first and smaller Alliance Fetsival.
Posted by Tracy in Hatfield @ 12:41 on Jan 26 2007
Painful this certainly is. How on earth Rimmer got James to share this I don't know. I would not say its nice to see this other side to the world of christian music but it is definitely necessary.
Painful this certainly is. How on earth Rimmer got James to share this I don't know. I would not say its nice to see this other side to the world of christian music but it is definitely necessary.
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
awesome article... finally the truth. I had been wondering for years. Its amazingly sad how many in the church work so hard to keep up that image. Thank you Mike for seeking the true history, and John for being man enough to tell it!