My ears are ringing a little bit.

Cristina and I went to see the Newsboys at my parents' church, the Packinghouse in Redlands, with our friend Laura tonight. There was a time when I knew all there was to know about CCM (contemporary Christian music) in all its varieties. But it has been a long time since I have followed any but a handful of my favorite bands. So going to a Newboys concert was something of a homecoming for me (not only because I used to go to church/work at the Packinghouse). Early in their career, they became sort of the darlings of Christian pop. When you listen to them, as U2 says, "you know you're chewing bubble gum." I remember when they first came to America, when I would hear these Aussies' songs on the Reality Rock show on 90.1 K-LoRD.

Anyway, it's been a long time since I have listened to 90.1, or KSGN for that matter, and so long since I've picked up a copy of CCM Magazine (or HM), so I don't know any of the new blood. I was so happy that the Lost Dogs came to San Bernardino a few years back, but that is another story.


The first band was Bread of Stone, an energetic rock band that seemed to me like they were trying a bit too hard to be polished. They have promise, but at this point remind me of a Disney rock band.


The second band was VOTA, a power rock band with a great stage presence. Their melodies were catchy, their lyrics had depth and their music had bite. The lead singer had an instant rapport with the crowd and at times sounded a little like a Phil Wickham, but with a delivery all his own. I appreciated the fact that their lyrics seemed to be more than cliches and shallow slogans, but rather came from a well-thought-out Christian worldview and a reservoir of reflection.

The next band was December Radio. I gathered they have a current radio ballad right now on KSGN. They kind of rocked out loud for no reason. They sounded like AC/DC at first, although with lyrics that were a bit more trite and simple (the opposite of VOTA). The lead singer/bassist looked like a tall Rod Stewart. The two guitarists enjoyed shredding. But the drummer was solid and a good showman. They all dressed like something out of early nineties Christian rock. If you rememeber White Heart, these guys were reminiscent of the Powerhouse album. Now, I love White Heart and they will always be one of my favorite bands, but Powerhouse was a bit of a departure for them and even back then I wasn't too thrilled about going along for the ride. Oh, and did I mention there was a keyboardist? But I'm not sure he did anything musical besides rock out in the back.

Finally, the Newboys walked out... kind of... You see, not one of the people on that stage was a newsboy when the Newsboys first became a band. Just recently Peter Furler, the only remaining original member announced he was going to leave the road to spend more time with his aging parents. He will still be involved with the band in the studio when they write and record, but will only be on the road with them sporadically (a la Petra right before they became irrelevant). Tonight we got the odd pleasure of seeing, for the third time ever, Michael Tait, formerly of DC Talk, as the new lead singer for the Newsboys. And you know what? He was good! Sure, he didn't remember ALL of the lyrics, but he did deliver them with power and heart.

Honestly, technically, the band was not great; they were the least impressive of the night. They had the advantage of a superb light show and sound techs that finally zeroed in on a good mix for the building, but they did little more than play the right chords and stay on beat.

Tait, on the other hand, was amazing! Before the show, the band's pastor came out to share how the band was ready to head in a new direction of ministry, doing free concerts in every major American city, reaching people with the gospel and helping Christians reach out to the needy in practical ways--basically praying for revival in America. I think Tait is just the right man for the task ahead. He is a great vocalist, but more than a singer he is an imparter. He was leading people in exuberant praise and encouraging the crowd in the faith in such a refreshing way.

I have never considered myself a fan of the Newsboys. I haven't followed their career. And, between the both of us, Cristina and I only own two of their CDs. But I am excited about the ministry road ahead of them and wish them Godspeed as they reach the audiences God has prepared for them.