Message From Peter
by admin on Mar.27, 2009, under Blog, News
Hello Friends,
Sorry for the delay in getting this brief statement out. As we say around the nb camp, “I’ve been flat out like a lizard drinking.” It’s been a busy time helping the lads with this transition, while at the same time finishing up the recording and mixing of the new CD in order to make the May 5th release date.
As you know, I have come to a decision that it is time to stop. I want to thank you for your prayers and encouragement! We have had many people write and call asking about my well-being. Thank you for your concern! I am happy to let you know that I am not dying of some sickness or disease, nor am I in some sort of moral or spiritual crisis (Glory To God!). There has been no band bust-up or punch-out! All is well! (Although now that I think of it, I did accidently render Duncan unconscious one time in a play fight minutes before a concert!) For me, the decision is that after traveling many thousands of miles across land and sea for over 22 years, along with needing to constantly keep writing and reach production deadlines–let alone feed my dog, It was time for something to give, and my booking agent and his GPS drew the
short straw!
What are my plans you ask? Well, at the moment, they are to encourage the lads in this here “passing of the baton” to Michael, as well as to continue songwriting, and most importantly, for Summer and I to continue doing what we are all called to do–that is reach the people that come across our path with the Love and Spirit of Jesus.
I want to thank YOU! For you have always welcomed me, from the early days of criss-crossing the USA in a beat-up, old dodge van, to traveling in trains, planes, ferries, ships, (and of course the occasional motorbike) into some of the most amazing places on this planet! Let me think: Morocco, Israel, Asia, UK, Europe, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Russia and Uganda just to name a few. Seeing your faces and hearing you sing has blessed me. Again, many thanks!
Now, I need to ask you a favor. Please do the same for my friend, Michael Tait. Welcome him. Michael is a statesman in our industry, and he is who I have picked to carry on what I started as a teenager.
newsboys is more than a band to me. It is a group of people: men and women, husbands and wives, sons and daughters pooling together their gifts and talents, making many sacrifices, and believing that together we are all making a difference in telling the good news of the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ to our generation. I am happy to say that this has not changed.
I will continue on with the band as friend, songwriter, cheerleader, and prayer partner.
Please enjoy the new CD, In The Hands of God. We poured our souls into it. I sang at the top of my lungs! It is for you!
Love and Peace,
Peter Furler
March 2009
March 27th, 2009 on 10:38 am
Bye Peter!!
We loved having you entertain us and bless us and all, God bless you in the next leg of your life!
Hey, Michael!
Welcome aboard. 
May He richly bless you in this new leg, also. 
See you in May (hopefully).
March 27th, 2009 on 6:51 pm
Peter you will be missed! I am so blessed to have seen you twice! Thanks for awesome memories! May God bless you on your new adventure. Enjoy your family. Thank you to your family for sharing you with us these years. On to a new chapter for you and Newboys….
To Michael Tate…welcome to your new chapter. May God Bless you and hopefully we will see you one day in San Antonio, TX……
March 27th, 2009 on 8:18 pm
Thank you for all the years you have given us and all the “blood, sweat, and tears” you have poured into everything you have ever done. Your excellence and integrity go before you; all who know anything about newsboys knows Peter Furler is the “real thing”. We love you and all the boys (including all who ever were newsboys because they still are) like family and pray the best for you.
March 27th, 2009 on 9:05 pm
I love you guys a bunch!!! Though I don’t know Michael, I do welcome him with open arms! I can’t wait to get to know him!
Peter…I have mixed feelings about you not being up front anymore. But the sad feelings are all selfish ones. I will miss you. It’s that simple. Yet I am thrilled that you are going to be able to get a little more much needed rest and time with Summer! I’m so glad you are not hurting, but actually doing better! Wow! What a big decision to make!!! Sounds like you did it gracefully, though! (Did you really render Duncan unconscious before one of the concerts?
lol Probably better be watching your backside, brother! 
) Take care!
March 27th, 2009 on 10:06 pm
Bye Peter!!
Hello Tait!!
March 28th, 2009 on 12:20 am
thanks for posting this =) it is great to here from peter! you guys totally rocked out redmond,wa and after giving michael a chance i can honestly say im looking forward to seeing what yall do in the future altho im still going to miss peter a ton its gonna be awesome =) keep rockin!
oh and my mom was drumming (and not very well) on the dash bord on the way home with her newsboys drum sticks!
March 28th, 2009 on 12:46 am
I just dunno….we need more Aussies in the Newsboys!!!!
Great Video Duncan!
March 28th, 2009 on 1:34 pm
Hey peter,the newsboys have meant a great deal to me,and have carried me through some of the hardest times in my life.My friend holly and i use to rock out to newsboys cds in her hospital bed.(she had leukeima). Thank you for the many memories and inspiration. I am sorry to see you go (never got to meet you)but God knows what He is doing and has everything under control. You deafinatly will be missed!!! I had never heard those verses in Isiah that you say in the song “i am free”,but they have now become my faviorite verses and i can now recite them.They bring great comfort to me.THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
March 28th, 2009 on 5:54 pm
I know changes are sometime hard to take but we are “In the Hands of God” and He has a perfect plan for all of us. I’m excited about the new phase of the Newsboys, what a show without Peter would look like. I’m glad that you’ll be able to spend more time at home with the family, after 22 yrs you deserve a rest and I’m sure Summer must be very happy.
Much love to you all. Be blessed!
Rockermom
March 28th, 2009 on 7:27 pm
After 22+ years, you deserve a break from the road! May God bless you on your next “adventure” and thank you so much for being a faithful servant, warrior and encourager! Your music has blessed, encouraged and brought great glory to God’s kingdom. It has been a priviledge seeing you live in concert. You shall be missed, but I have every confidence Mr. Tait will be a new blessing for the fans!
Thank you for your words of encouragement at the Salem concert a few years back. You said something I needed to hear, and it made all the difference in the world. I have no doubt God used your encouragement to sustain me in a difficult time. Best wished to you, Mr. Furler! You are one good guy!
March 28th, 2009 on 7:48 pm
While it is hard to say goodbye to Peter, its exciting that Michael Tait joined the band. I can’t think of anyone better. Good choice. Good for Peter for doing what he felt like needed to be done. Thanks for all your years of touring. The newsboys have been an inspiration to me for sure. Thank you! And thanks to Duncan for setting up this website!
March 29th, 2009 on 4:35 pm
“Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
My old friend,
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye,
We’ve reached the end.”
(Audio Adrenaline, Goodbye)
Is a post about yourself on the schedule, Duncan?
March 30th, 2009 on 4:52 am
The Newsboys were the first Christian band I listened to after coming to Christ. I feel that they have lead me to where I am now, with songs relating to my particular situations I’ve dealt with in the past. Thank you so much for your work and dedication to getting the message out! I will miss Peter as the lead singer, just because he has a wonderful voice and spirit! I know Michael was a wonderful singer for dctalk, and pray he will continue to be a wonderful part of God’s plan for Newsboys!!! Welcome aboard Michael! And to the other guys I think you guys ROCK!!!
Karyn
March 30th, 2009 on 2:26 pm
Peter,
I’m sad to here that you are leaving my husband called me one day and told me that you are retiring. I will always be a Newsboys fan.
March 30th, 2009 on 2:28 pm
good luck and God Bless you in all you do.
April 1st, 2009 on 3:43 pm
God bless you all. Thanks for pouring your hearts out all these years, and I look forward to what is to come. The Newsboys and Michael Tait have been a major part of my family (several generations have enjoyed your ministry). How cool is that for an old guy like me to find common ground with my kids through your music. We hang out a lot more as a result. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. Hey Peter, are you gonna let your hair grow back out now? Just Kidding.
April 8th, 2009 on 9:02 pm
Peter, it feels as though it is the end of an era…not a bad end because I know Michael will be a wonderful addition to the band. The Newsboys have been a member of our family for years now. A few years ago when Jody left to spend time with his family and daughter who was so ill, we felt that way a little. There were some great stand ins, Brian and Paul, but the Newsboys were still the Newsboys. We love you guys, all of the newsboys, and God Bless You, Peter and Summer. There are times in your life that certain sacrifices have to be made for the greater good of what God wants us to do. May you continue to look to our Father for your guidance and may He greatly bless your every mission…Well done my brother, well done!!!!