Welcome Everyone…
by duncan on Feb.10, 2009, under Blog
It’s been a long time coming, but I finally set up my website.
My primary motivation for this site is to re-connect with our fans. Newsboys have been a band now for over 20 years, which amazes me. It seems just yesterday, a young band from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, ventured to the USA to “conquer the world.” Full of hope and expectation we sold everything and hopped on a plane “bound for destiny.”
The early years would see kangaroo suits and drop bear calls, space ships and video screens, but the mission was sure.
As the years have unfolded, my wildest dreams have been surpassed. Playing to 15,000 Muslims in Morocco. Performing on the banks of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. Playing in much of South America, Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, Australia, and the USA.
I guess after all my childhood goals have been exceeded, I started thinking of my legacy. I don’t want to be known, as just a drummer, who had he oppotunity to play in a phenominal band. What would I be remembered for? I once had the chance to go to a funeral of a man that you wouldn’t know. He wasn’t rich or successful, as most would expect, but there was over 1000 people there, that been impacted by this great mans life. He was indeed one of the most rich and successful man I have known. It was his life of service and relationship that had such a huge impact in his small community.
I guess what I’m trying to say is……I want to be like him. When you play in a successful band, you get catered to, and lavished apon. With a young family, the business of life, the fan relationship can suffer.
This site is my attempt to get re-aquainted with you. I plan to blog often, give regular updates, and add media consistantley. Maybe, online drum lessons….I dunno. I also want to hear from you. What would you like to see more….or less of. I have said for years that Newsboys have the best, and most loyal fans in the industry. We have known some of you since you were kids, now with established families of your own. I personally feel incredibly blessed that we still have sold out tours. Our demographic is 3-93 I’ve said in many an interview.
So…..I suppose the next question might be….What’s next? I fully believe that there is a lot more left in this band. As the years have rolled, our songs, lyrics,performances have greatly improved and matured, so why would I think that this would not continue.
So…get ready, hang on, the best is yet to come……..
February 13th, 2009 on 12:18 am
This is awesome! I look forward to more posts.
I’m so thankful that you guys came all the way from Australia. Your music and testimony is a huge inspiration and I’ll never forget the concert I went to!
What would I like to see more or less of? Anything is good by me!
February 13th, 2009 on 1:28 am
hi duncan just wanted to say a big thank you for doin whatca do with the newsboys! cant wate to see yall in march =) and the website is way cool!
February 13th, 2009 on 6:48 am
Hey there! Your blog is awesome!!!
I think it’s way cool that you started it.
I’ve been a fan for about 4 years now and I wanted to let you know that lots of your songs God has used in big ways in my life (Esp. Shine :)) so thanx for that. I was able to attend a concert last April and was sooo happy when that was the very first song you guys played
I can’t wait to read more of your posts!
P.S.- Tell the other ‘boys to get blogs too! LOL
February 13th, 2009 on 2:06 pm
Mr. Phillips:
Good to hear from you. We live near Houston, TX. Look foward to seeing you guys in Longview in a few weeks. (I’ve been called a Texas Roadie: I hit the road if you guys are anywhere near Houston).
Thanks for keeping us posted and for the Godly and uplifting music. You and your crew are in our prayers.
February 13th, 2009 on 3:30 pm
Oh hey, you changed the background (or Breezy did!) a bit - I like the ’serious Duncan’ photo from the nb page. Love getting the tweets about what you and the rest of the guys are up to with the new album, and look forward to your posts here.
~Amy
February 13th, 2009 on 3:58 pm
The re-connection thing sounds superb.
Very cool that you have a blog! I love blogging. 
Three years (and a half) and still going.
I rather think that even though you haven’t done the fan connecting you would have liked to have done the fans still feel connected. Or, atleast, I feel that. Though perhaps that’s only through you’re music and shows. I suppose, yes, I must admit I do feel a hunk more connected with you after Twitter than I did before.
Love the fact that you plan to blog often. One thing that annoys me is when people have a blog but don’t blog.
Though, goodness knows, I’ve annoyed myself this way several times.
Online drum lessons, interesting. Does this come with a free starter kit?
What would I like to see more of? Anything. Less of? Absence.
Yep, we’re the best and we’re the most loyal. Indeed. You are blessed with a bunch of awesome Us-es.
The last sentence makes me all happy inside.
(Great job with the site here, Breezy!)
February 13th, 2009 on 5:14 pm
Duncan, this is much improved over the original! Looking forward to more posts.
February 13th, 2009 on 5:59 pm
Duncan, hi!
I like how the site’s come along…
And I am genuinely excited to see what you have planned! Not to mention how much I’m itching to show you…
February 13th, 2009 on 8:49 pm
As a major Newsboys fan, I’ve often wondered when somebody from the band will start blogging, so I think it’s great to see that you’ve started a site here *and* joined Twitter! Looking forward to more posts, and, most of all, the new album! Getting excited just hearing about song titles!
God bless!
February 13th, 2009 on 9:11 pm
Man how awesome is this! Can’t wait to see you guys in Ohio and Kentucky. Wish you were coming to Illinois though, its been awhile!
February 14th, 2009 on 7:13 am
Hey Duncan!
Good to see that the band has a desire to connect with the fans! Definitely looking forward to more posts. I think it might give the fans a way to see the real you besides what they see on stage or in an interview!
Keep on Rockin’
Cheers!
February 14th, 2009 on 1:00 pm
Hey Duncan,
It’s been great seeing you a bunch over the past few years….I’ve been a Newsboys fan for a while and went on many road trips to see you guys when Paul joined the band 
can’t wait for the new album and I’m stoked you guys are coming to Soulfest this year!
Great blog! It’s cool about connecting with the fans….as a fan I always love the musicians who genuinely care about connecting with the fans
Heather
February 15th, 2009 on 12:29 pm
Hi Duncan!
(the other main reasons being the music and your contagious enthusiasm for God)
Thanks so much for starting this blog. The fact that you and your bandmates go out of your way to connect with your fans is one of the reasons I love you guys so much.
Anyhow, looking forward to hearing from you again soon!
God bless!
Stephanie
February 15th, 2009 on 8:39 pm
Hi Duncan,
I must say you are known for more than just being newsboys’ drummer. All the mission work you’ve been involved in and numerous lives you’ve touched, although you may not realize how many, is a reflection of your character and how willing you are to allow God to use you to reach out to His children world-wide.
I can’t imagine how difficult it is to juggle family-time and band-time, but somehow you manage to do it. Keep up the fantastic work, Duncan. With God, all things ARE possible.
~Cindy~
February 16th, 2009 on 10:21 am
*Feels lame for posting twice on the same post…* :/ LOL! Sorry. I forgot; you asked what to post about… just post about yourself. What you’ve been up to. Not even nessecarily what you’ve been up to with the band (Though that’s awesome too, and it would be cool to hear lots about that too :)) but just what you’ve been doing. Post about your fam; I don’t think I’ve ever seen pictures of your kids. Um, do you have pets? What do you do in your spair time when you’re not upside-down on a drum set?
And most importantly…what the heck does “Squizz” mean anyways?! LOL!
February 17th, 2009 on 3:58 pm
Love the video at the top! So fun to see your family - your Mom is a sweetie! I want to eat at your sister’s house, still thinking about that mango/avocado/bacon/pinenut salad…mmmmm. Great video - well done guys! (Fun to get a few shots of Habibi, too!).
~Amy
February 21st, 2009 on 8:42 am
hey Duncan,
im luvin all the sweet stuff ur starting its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cant wait to see your new tour
and u r sooo awesome to be connecting with ur fans through youtube and stuff.
Luv Ya,
kelsey:)
February 23rd, 2009 on 5:15 pm
duncan,
your legacy is written in heaven by your righteous acts…..=)
i want to tell you that you have a legacy with my children…they are 9 and 11 now…we saw you play 4x on the go tour…it is the music of the newsboys that made it “cool” for my girls to listen to Christian music…no matter what the kids at school try to tell them what is “the right” stuff for kids to listen to, my girls always come back with your music…never ashamed to wear a newsboys shirt (they have 14) or to sing one of your songs for fun to their classmates…they have watched the “big top” vid so many times that they can quote lines from it…
the bottom line is that through your work, my kids are able to freely praise God and to not be ashamed for it…
that is your legacy…giving people the ability to worship God Almighty…it is a shame that most people don’t know how to sing to him with a willing heart…but your music helps people connect with Him…
i don’t know if it is ok to post this here (it can be deleted if you think it should be)…but i did take the girls to see you at a meet & greet…they were “floating on air” and thrilled beyond words…my younger one emily wanted so badly to dance for you, and she did…you unexpectedly played her favorite song “love, liberty, disco”—after i told her you would not…and you proved me wrong…but when she danced it for you and you duncan shook her hand—it made her sooooooo happy that you acknowledged her…she knew you as the “crazy/fun drummer”, but you showed yourself to be a kind man to her…she (and i) never forgot it…
i specifically uploaded the vid up that she did after she met you…and she wore the shirt you signed…she didn’t have the courage to do it before the camera to be on newsboystv, but did it for you in person…and the vid is her memory of it….it’s a short 1:23 clip of her dancing….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLKIUhpIWps
the bottom line….continue doing what you are doing…you are making a difference in people’s lives every day…
Father bless you and your family =)
margie, marilyn and emily
February 23rd, 2009 on 8:36 pm
Emily..that was great. Really loved it. Your a fantastic dancer. Hope to see you soon…blessings..Duncan
February 28th, 2009 on 9:21 pm
Forget posts about yourself - we wanna see those cute kids of yours! :p
Just kidding! How is the tour going? Which night has been the best show so far? Working out all the kinks?
Hope you all are having a great time - loving the new site… just don’t let it die like all the other newsboys sites!
March 1st, 2009 on 7:30 pm
All good. Thanks …Ive been blessed with wonderful children.
March 6th, 2009 on 4:24 am
Hi Duncan, I have Just watch you video and it is great to see Australia from a difrent view. As a christian aussie it is great to see you shine. I live in Australia and love the newsboys music. My older brother thinks i’m weard listerning to your great music. I would live to come to you concert one day but i’m bit to far away to go on a weekend trip. I thankyou for being an encouragement to me through the songs you play. May you continue to great work for the Lord. Love From Rachel.
P.S. I live in New South Wales that’s why it is s bit to far for me to come over just for a visit.
March 6th, 2009 on 12:36 pm
Hey Rachel….Great to hear form a fellow Aussie. Where in NSW are you from? I know it fairly well even though I’m from Queensland. Yeah it’s a little far. Might have to wait intil we come over. Don’t know when that will be…keep posted. Hope all is well with you…Blessings…Duncan.
PS..Glad you liked the video….was fun to make….
March 6th, 2009 on 8:35 pm
Hi Duncan, I live 20km south of Singleton in a little country comunity called Bulga(home town). I also lived out at Bourke for 8 months as a governess(teaching). That is where I really got into the Newsboys music. From Rachel
March 7th, 2009 on 11:20 am
Awesome Rachel. How was Bourke? That’s out there…must have been tough…We’re in Fort Worth TX tonight. Hope al l is well with you….Duncan.
March 7th, 2009 on 1:24 pm
Hi Duncan, Bourke was tough but I was able to find a really love church to go to and they took me in as one of their own and made me feel very welcome. I have been keeping up with the tours and reading about what is happening. As i say a lot of times ‘Someting go must be happening when you have sell out crouds’. Well got to go to church hope to talk to you again soon. From Rachel.
March 8th, 2009 on 2:27 pm
Duncan please hold us and tell us everything is going to be ok
March 8th, 2009 on 2:51 pm
Sytris,
Please don’t be concerned. It’s all good and an exciting time for us. There will be an official statement made tomorrow.
March 22nd, 2009 on 3:39 am
hey, I like the new site. I read on your blog that you might be doing online drum lesson’s, would you teach us newsboys song’s? You inspired me to start playing drums with ’somthing beautiful’. Well i added you on the facebook thing on the bottom of the page. thanx for being a good influence, in Christ jonathan
March 23rd, 2009 on 1:23 pm
Yeah Jonathan….That’s exactly right. I would teach a little theory then go through a song per lesson. I think it’s what most people would want.
March 24th, 2009 on 2:36 am
I went to my first concert in Cincinnati about 18 months ago after having been a fan for 10 years. The venue was small and intimate (the Underground) which was fantastic! The tickets were affordable which I certainly appreciated1
I loved the drum duet! The vocals were excellent and it was a huge thrill to be so close to see all of you perform. You had a coffee club sponsorship for the poor which I thought was a fabulous idea. You don’t just go on tour to make money, but you also provide an opportunity for an organization like that to reach a large number of people with a need that they otherwise would not be able to do so.
It was so tremendously fun getting my picture taken with the band and getting to meet all of you. I felt like a dork doing that since I am a wife and mom of two young men, but I have always loved your music and it has always spoken to my heart when I wonder what my purpose and destiny is while I am here. I kept thinking maybe I should just get out of line, but Duncan, you were gracious to me and chatted a bit so I was so glad I did it. AS much as you bless me as a fan, perhaps I, as a fan, can bless you as well, by coming and saying hello?
Your lyrics provide encouragement and zaniness that lets people know that living for the lord is F-U-N!
I thought the most awesome part was that Peter talked to us about his relationship with the Lord and invited others to know Him. I tell people all the time that I was so happy to see that you were everything that you sing about and everything I hope other Christian bands will be- not compromising in your walk with the Lord. You lifted up the Lord and you let your light shine before men. Thanks for being men of God and having integrity.
Also, thank you for the DVD that you sold with GO. It was wonderful to see all of you up close and personal. I felt like you invited us to “go along” with you and I enjoyed getting to know all of you. I would love to see more of that- you and your families are terrific. Thank you for being personal and vulnerable to so many people.
May the Lord bless you as you press on! Welcome to Michael! I loved DC Talk and still play Intermission quite a bit. It is going to be great seeing what is in store for you and all of us.
March 25th, 2009 on 12:56 am
Greetings Duncan,
Got word from one of my sons (the drummer!) that you had your own site up. Wanted to drop you a line to say how blessed we were that our family’s all time favorite band not only played in our area but at our own home church of The Packinghouse in Redlands, CA. I think you actually met my wife Patty and my other son JoJo who was your personal driver that day.
We had anticipated the show for weeks since getting the news. We’ve seen you all in many settings over the years and loved each show. Having Tait aboard was a fun bonus. I was excited to see all the energy that was in the room that night and watch you all soak it up. As always your drumming was solid and tasty. I still don’t know how you keep it all so smooth at a 45 degree angle! We look forward to future shows.
Peace,
STEVE
March 27th, 2009 on 6:08 pm
Duncan! Can’t wait to see you and the boys in Hull, Canada! My husband and I are bringing our 11 yr old son Matt to the concert …. all the way from Montreal! We’ve been listening to Newsboys for ages and our son just LOVES your music! See you soon
March 28th, 2009 on 5:33 am
Duncan
As a old musician and drummer from years back, I would firstly like to tell you to keep doing what you are doing. God gave you a gift for music and as I and many thousands of your fans know, you guys are making an impact on many! I was overwhelmed at todays decision of Peter giving it up, it’s still hard to believe. I think over time he will come to realize just how much he will miss all this. It can be hard at times playing from place to place but, standing in front of an audience and doing your thing is nothing short of glorious especially for the Lord. I’m sure he is following a path that God has forth wrote for him and only time will tell if he returns on a more full time bases, if at all. The surprise appearances will be great and I hope I’m there to see them. Well, since this is your site, let me say it is re-freshing and you have put a lot of time and effort into it. Good job. It gives all of us a look into your private background and lets us experience you as a person in a more personal light. Best of luck to the new group as a whole with your new lead singer.
God Bless
Stay Strong
Rev. Fred Kohler
March 28th, 2009 on 7:05 am
Duncan,
Thanks for all you do to help spread the Word of Jesus Christ! I’ve appreciated watching you guys grow since the early 90’s. Duncan, I had the pleasure of speaking with you for a couple of minutes prior to a concert at Journeyfest in Brooksville, Florida this past May. Unfortunately, you had injured your leg the day before and were on crutches. You even played the concert using your left leg for the kick drum. I had the same injury and it took months for the muscle to heal. How is your right leg doing? I, and a couple of other people talking with you prayed for you after you hobbled off after it started to rain. We hope our prayers were answered.
George
March 28th, 2009 on 8:46 am
Hi!! Duncan
The Newsboys have been my all time fav. for at least 8 years now. I am sad to see Peter leave, but also glad he picked Michael Tait to take his place. I wish I would be there for your concert April 4 in Indy, but as you know times are tuff right now. Will always love the music and the Newboys!!!! By the way the drums have been my favorite since I was a little girl. Never learned to play them though. God Bless you all!!!!!! You will have to come to the Pulse Fest in South Bend IN again some time, before I get too old!!!!!! Only joking, but I am 59.
March 29th, 2009 on 8:49 am
hey Duncan - thank-you so much to you and the band for coming down to Abbotsford last night! You guys were absolutely amazing! Thanks so much for all the heart you guys put into all your work - your huge love for God and his people is really evident!
March 29th, 2009 on 2:50 pm
I also have twitter (I have twitter and facebook too. Pick one lol. In our family you have been much more than the “Newsboys” drummer. We have enjoyed seeing the pics of you, the pod casts with Paul. That and the drums seem to be a favorite thing in this house quite often. So I and my kids are really excited to hear more from you. We know so little about you, (except what we googled. The band has been more than a band to me. And you are definitely mine and a couple of kids.(Ok drums rule), two vote for Jeff, one for Jodi, and two or more for Peter. (large family, and some voted for 2 of you lol). Ok Paul and Phil got votes for past members…And Tait, well We know of him, have heard him sing and he seems really cool publicly. In time we hope to learn more about him and we will fully support his transition into the band.
I fallow you/the band through this site,twitter and facebook.
March 29th, 2009 on 7:33 pm
Hi Duncan,
We were at the concert in Abbotsford and enjoyed it very much. It is amazing what can be achieved through music…I know it has encouraged us as a family many times. We first saw the Newsboys many years ago in Vancouver and are glad we were able to see you play the drums this time!… May God Bless your work, always!
Roland
March 30th, 2009 on 5:24 am
Hey Duncan, wat is up bro that is cool that I can actually be able to talk to one of the newsboys. Well it would be cooler if you got a Myspace bro!
March 30th, 2009 on 6:53 am
Your website is awesome! I really love you guys and love to follow what your lives are like behind the scene, just watched the video you got up there…You guys are great! Just found out about Peter leaving. I am still in shock…but i know it came with a lot of prayer, hope we will still see him, he will be truly missed. Will stay tuned! God Bless!
March 30th, 2009 on 7:14 am
I Love the video and your music ’cause my mom listens to your music all the time. My favorite song is “Breakfast”, I love that song. I can’t wait for your next concert to come to Houston, TX. again.
Ashley
March 30th, 2009 on 8:44 am
Hi Duncan,
Having this site and connecting with us is awesome; thank you!!
One thing I must say is that your wonderful smile, and fun-loving personality truly is uplifting. Even though you’re behind the kit we are so in-tuned to your worship & talent which radiates to us. Duncan, you’ve always put a personal touch on things like at meet & greets, you will take the time to listen, chat, joke, you even remember us from other meet & greets and the little smiley faces you add when you sign something just adds your special touch. Thanks!!
I became a fan when Newsboys performed at the first Fishfest in Irvine, Cali. I didn’t really know alot of Christian music then, but I would hear “Shine”, “Not Ashamed” & “Breakfast” on the radio. I only was familiar with a few artists appearing at that event and was really going to see Jennifer Knapp. When you guys came on stage all dressed in white suits and played all your songs and when you played “Love Liberty Disco” the audience was going crazy and doing the dance, that was it… I loved you guys, you were the best band who performed, the best music and show ever!! What hooked me the most was how much fun you were having which drew the audience in like we were at a party while at the same time worshiping our Lord! Loved your look, loved your energy, and I could sense your true heart towards the Lord. You were not fake. That was the ticket for me. The next day I went and bought “Shine the Greatest Hits”. I’ve been a loyal fan ever since!!! Doing whatever I can to get to meet & greets, buying all your music, DVD’s, books, posters, shirts, hats, stickers and everything else! It’s so much fun. I will continue to be a loyal Newsboys fan because you are still doing what you have always done and it’s for real. Went to your show a couple of weeks ago and it was great to see you all. I know the best is yet to come.
Okay, what to post about: Would love to just learn more about your life and family, Austraila, (you & Pete are the only Aussies I’ve met.) how the Lord helps you and inspires you. Lot’s of pics and videos. Having fun with your family. Your hobbies. You writing and keeping in touch with us would be a blessing. Also, your little son we haven’t seen. I bet he’s adorable! You are so blessed with a wonderful family. Tell us what you like. Also, any words of encouragement at times would be awesome. I know there’s so much we can learn from your experiences. Oh, please tell us stories of all your travels, pranks, crazy things you have done as well as touching moments. Don’t be shy now.
Would love Gita’s recipe for her avocado/mango salad!
God Bless,
Lisa