Summer Festival Season 2009….
by admin on Jun.23, 2009, under Blog
Well here we are… another summer festival season. This summer marks over 20 years of touring the USA for newsboys. As I think back over the years, some of that seems like a blur, while other things seem like just yesterday. The countless shows of the earlier years, playing over 220 shows a year, definitely seems like a blur. I didn’t know what a tour was…. we were always on the road! Then there are the memorable tours and venues that seem to stand out: the alien landscape and space ships of the “TMTYL” tour. The huge microphones and cinematographic screens on the “Step Up To The Microphone” tour. The most recent “Go” tour that looked more like an MTV video award show. Playing the “Roxy”, a venue with incredible rock and roll history on the Sunset strip. Performing at “Red Rocks” the timeless venue carved into the natural rock above the mile high city of Denver, Colorado. The making of a silly little movie, “Down Under The Big Top”, which has taken on almost cult status. The more recent historic ventures to Russia, China, Morocco, Uganda, Israel….just to name a few of the countries I never thought I would visit.
Although I might take pause and think it might be over, I get an overwhelming feeling that there is something more for this rag tag bunch of musicians that ventured from the other side of the globe to seek their destinies. The monumental “passing of the baton” from Peter Furler to Michael Tait as lead singer. Two titans in our industry. Two custodians of our Great Faith. Who would have thought? This transfer has gone as seamlessly as ever. A move that could have been a catastrophe is turning into an amazing picture of God’s will and plan for this ever evolving endeavor.
So at this juncture, with great expectation, I look forward to this next ” movement” of this concerto we call newsboys.
June 23rd, 2009 on 1:22 pm
That is awesome. What a journey it has been! I can’t wait to see all the places God will continue to take you guys.
June 23rd, 2009 on 1:35 pm
I am eager to see Tait in Concert with the rest of the Newsboys-I actually have a VHS of “Down Under the Big Top” funny stuff- Good Times! Blessings to all the “boys”…and we’ll pray for NO MORE BUS TROUBLE!
Speaking of…my van is on the side of the road now…LOL…being towed actually! DRAT! God Bless!
June 23rd, 2009 on 1:53 pm
Well said Duncan! I thank God for keeping you guys together as a band all these years. Your music has always been a blessing & its contagious to share it with others. No matter how the band changes Newsboys will always be Newsboys..the best band to ever impact my life! Thanks.. =]
June 23rd, 2009 on 1:58 pm
Hi Duncan!
I love Down Under the Bigtop! It cracks me up. Can’t wait to see you guys in a few weeks at King’s Island, Cincinnati!
God Bless all of you…and the new cd is great!
June 23rd, 2009 on 3:13 pm
Down Under The Big Top was hilarious… wish it was on DVD… (and if it is, that I could find it…)
Here’s hoping that this festival season is as much a blast as ever for y’all guys (and that you get a break from tire and bus troubles)!
June 23rd, 2009 on 5:13 pm
Thanks for your recap of 20 years Brother I will miss you guys closing out Saturday night of Creation West. (hopefully 2010) Can’t wait to see Tait as front man (maybe Orlando in Sept) but I sure wish ITHOG tour would come to Fort Lauderdale. Can you give any hints on where you spent that beach time last month. 1st pic looked like Miami but then I was thinking West Coast or St Augustine area. The Scotish castle was not South Florida that much I know. Have a Blast on the summer festivals and stay safe, you guys are being lifted up in prayer < lee
June 23rd, 2009 on 7:44 pm
That’s sweet Duncan! What great memories you have made with your fellow newsboys! I’m so happy you are able to travel the world and spread the name of Jesus to all people. It’s such a blessing. Newsboys have done a lot to help people including myself.
yay! definitely looking forward to future newsboys extravaganzas! have fun with the festivals! hope to see ya soon!
blessing s &prayers.
June 24th, 2009 on 1:36 am
awesome post duincan i must say i just packed up my suite case and moved from washington state to northern illinois and my newsboys concert dvd’s and down under the big top where amung the must put in the car the bring with me, cant wate to see whats next for you and the newsboys!
ps it would be awesome if DUTBT was in dvd =)
June 24th, 2009 on 5:34 am
Yeah, I agree…it would be awesome if dutbt was easier to find or on dvd.
I’m a fan of Poachels on Facebook 
The last part worried me tho…”Next movement”? Nobody’s leaving again, are they?? o.O
That was a really deep post. I like it
Anyways, take care! I’m glad to hear you’re back on Facebook too
June 24th, 2009 on 7:48 am
Hello there! I just bought Down Under the Big Top a couple of days ago…I now have a new favorite movie!! LOL! You should make another one! A sequel! LOL! You Rock! The whole band ROCKS! Keep it up for as long as possible! God Bless! .:.:Valerie:.:.
June 24th, 2009 on 7:51 am
Love Down Under the Big Top! Just bought it! Make another one! A longer one…base it off of a song from the new album…=)
Keep up the GREAT work! -Valerie-
June 24th, 2009 on 7:54 am
P.S.
Talk the band in to coming to Montana!!!(if you come to Montana, I will get my photo taken on the drum riser…=)…) God Bless!
June 24th, 2009 on 10:22 am
Duncan,
I’m a very new fan, but I’m excited about the direction things are going. I don’t know much about Michael, but from what I’ve been reading, he’s not only a talented musician, but a man of God. I think he fits right in.
Looking forward to another 20 years, if God wills. I’ll miss Peter, but he has to follow God’s will. And I look forward to see what God will do in his life.
Love ya!
June 24th, 2009 on 9:52 pm
Hahaha…no one is leaving guitargirl. I was talking about this group of men we have now….
June 25th, 2009 on 9:32 am
*Whew* Okay. Thanx
I’m glad things seem to be going well for you all then! 
June 25th, 2009 on 6:02 pm
As someone blessed enough to have been at front row live, Furler’s last show, and one of Tait’s first getting settled in (Summerville, SC), I am anticipating great things ahead for the newsboys and look forward to doing all I can to promote the Lord through spreading the word of their God-given talent:-D
June 26th, 2009 on 5:41 pm
Well Duncan it was great to meet you and the rest of the band at Busch Gardens Williamsburg this past weekend even if I didn’t say much of anything haha I’m also coming to Kingsfest this year…maybe I’ll even do a picture on the drums this time
But really I just wanted to say what an awesome show you guys put on, and looking back and watching a sea of believers lifting their hands to God almighty is a feeling I just can’t explain. Please don’t ever stop making music!!! Trust me its more than a show its a ministry that I know without, my life would not be where it is today. So keep it up!!! Tait was amazing and fit in perfectly and the music sounded better than ever!! Your a constant source of encouragement for me and millions of others out there, its truly amazing how one song can change a persons life forever. So just wanted to say thanks to you, Jeff, Jody, and Mike and I look forward to what the future holds for you guys! Thx!
Blessings,
Richie
June 26th, 2009 on 5:59 pm
Awww come on!! I admit I was Very sad that Peter was Leaving. but I came to realize that Peter has Given so much to the band and the fans (As all of them have)and He really Inspired me with his testimony and I truly believe that Peter is doing what He feels God is calling him to do. and He deserves it. he needs to spend time with his family. So I bare no ill will to anyone. I Agree with “Guitargirl- the band doesn’t deserve the kind of crap they’ve been getting the past few months” I think its low to me to come on here and Give Duncan a hard time about it. its not his falt!! and I will stay in my “Happy Bubble”
June 26th, 2009 on 6:04 pm
^^Cont- and Give them My full support. If God be for them who can be against them!
Thanks Duncan For the Post! love hearing about you guys and whats going on…. Hopefully I will make it to one of the festivals.. cant wait to see you again!! blessings =)
June 26th, 2009 on 11:13 pm
I admit I was stunned about Peter stepping down I simply didn’t expect it and my life was dramatically impacted by Peter’s ministry. It is right that I should have a reaction.
When people are blindsided…we tend to say and do things we wouldn’t do if we were thinking clearly. Sometimes we feel bad later-other times we go on in a “blessed ignorance” of the pain we cause others by our careless words. Completely unaware that we wronged them…regardless of the bad habits we humans share…pause and think about this..
Imagine being in Tait’s place. Filling the shoes of such a great man as Peter is? The fans certianly have high expectations and he must strive to attain them…
Matthew 7:12 If you were in their place, how would you want people to talk about you…
“Be the change you want to see”
Blessings to all!
June 28th, 2009 on 4:56 pm
I’ve always thought that the story of how you guys started was one of the coolest band histories ever.
It really shows God’s grace!
But there’s one thing I don’t understand. And I’m not throwing out accusations, I’m honestly confused. Why are you guys saying that the transition was seamless? Maybe it really does look like it from the stage, but go just about anywhere on Christian music websites and you’ll find out that people are pretty bummed out about it. Some of them even angry or hurt.
But they were shut down just to get rid of the inevitable controversy. Without the eloquent typings of the “true fans” that made it seem like a sin to dislike the band, I have been able to reach my own opinions.
Then it’s kinda like anyone who says stuff like this gets cut off. I’ve seen a few comments on here every once and a while that weren’t positive but not overly rude and they quickly disappeared. I don’t get that. It’s just opinions that pose no threat to you. Plus, if you get a few negative comments out of a field of positive ones that’s not bad at all. It’s the internet, there’s controversy over everything!
I, myself, was going to be just fine with the switch until you guys shut down the newsboys message boards. For the same reason as above, I don’t get that. I miss all the prayer and Random Good things threads a lot.
But I will not state those in hopes that this comment will be published.
I honestly hope that all will go well for you guys. You still have my respect. Once again, I don’t mean to be rude or anything.
Thanks for hearing me out (hopefully),
netsirK
June 28th, 2009 on 6:17 pm
The Bible speaks a lot on the power of our words-written or spoken. The negative comments don’t belong here. There is a place for everything…This page and those like it are to encourage the band and serve like a “club” for fans to share positive experiences and memories that are band related. Negative comments bring others down and don’t contribute to a positive experience by anyone.
Knowing what the Bible says about our words and the power they carry-I am not sure there is a place anywhere for some things people say. They are right to censor certian things just as a group leader should guide a discussion in a positive direction.
As Christians we have a responsiblity to use our gifts, and words are a gift, to do God’s Will. I just don’t think the negative comments giva any glory to God at all. Negative feelings will sometimes happen in life on many levels…not all of those negatives need to be multiplied to others. We should squash negativity any chance we can…
Shine, Make them wonder what you got!
June 29th, 2009 on 5:49 am
Duncan, what an amazing journey God has led you on with the ‘boys and one can only imagine what more He has in store for you! May you keep on being the positive witness you’ve been, wherever you go.
June 29th, 2009 on 5:53 am
I agree with that, Lisa
I’m just wondering though; what if the boards had some moderators that could read over the posts before they’re published and take out the stuff that didn’t need to be there? I mean, I didn’t have an account with the boards (I’m a lurker! It’s true!! LOL!) but some of my friends miss them.
Anyways, I has a question for Duncan…
ummm. a while back on the last recipe that Gita posted you had asked if anyone else had any recipes that they wanted from her. That was the last comment that anyone left on that post. I was just wondering if she maybe had any recipes for cookies (I guess they would be biscuits there tho…) that she might want to share. I already have the recipe for ANZAC cookies that an Aussie friend of mine sent me a while back in my files…someplace…but I still live at home and my Dad eats cookies for breakfast (Yes, I know. Not healthy ;)) and I’ve been going back and forth between about three cookie recipes that we’re all getting sick of. XD So yeah, it’s just an idea. If you or your sis is busy though; you don’t have to post them, but she’s a really nifty cook
Take care!
June 29th, 2009 on 7:59 pm
Thanks you all for your input. I know it has been hard for some people. I really do understand. I’m closest to it than most. This of course is not the first lead singer change we’ve had. This is the second time we’ve been through this. This was Peters decision. He wrestled with this for a couple of years. It takes a big man to say when enough is enough. He poured his life into newsboys for over 20 years. You cannot imagine the pressure that was on him for that amount of time. The only other option was to quit! I would suggest that what has happened is the best option. If peter was to stay…i don’t know how long newsboys would have lasted. So ..please bare with us here. This newsboys has never been about one person. I’m still here, Jeff, and Jody has been in the band for 17 years. Michael has been a great friend for 20 years, and this was an obvious choice for all of us, including peter. I really hope that you all will embrace Michael and love him like you have with peter and the rest of the band.
June 29th, 2009 on 8:07 pm
Absolutely…i’ll let her know….I’m sure she has amazing cookie recipies….Thanks…duncan.
June 30th, 2009 on 6:14 am
Thank you much, sir! I appreciate it. I shall eagerly await what she has to say!
You all take care! Don’t catch any busses on fire or anything 
Hehe…
June 30th, 2009 on 10:06 am
Hey Duncan - I remember seeing video of how you all used to have wars with paintball guns…this was back in your early days with the band. Do you all still have your “fun” times with them paintball guns or are you on to other fun stuff?
BTW, I bought ITHOG this weekend. It is great! Wish I had made the show in Eugene just awhile back…hope you come back to Oregon soon!
June 30th, 2009 on 7:57 pm
Yeah…that was years ago. Glad you like the record. One of my fav’s….
July 1st, 2009 on 12:49 pm
Duncan,
Is that movie for sale on DVD? I’ve never seen, but would love to… I never even knew about it! How fun!!!
God bless you, man…
July 2nd, 2009 on 10:15 pm
hey duncan..you asked for ideas for the store..i like jewelry like necklaces or how about long and short sleeved t-shirts too…i would definitely buy those…
July 3rd, 2009 on 5:15 pm
Or how about DUTBT?!
I just thought of that. That would be great! <3 It’s only on amazon on occasion and I’d like to get my own video sometime…