Music Director alex@aroundtheworldradio.org, So I'm a senior in high school,
I'm accepted at ORU, application pending at Wingate University, and looking
at a baseball tryout at Greensboro College. Email me, where should I go?
After 33 years they say the band retires 12 / 31 / 05,
or should they go on, and just BEAT the SYSTEM ?
Petra
1972 -2005
Style: Rock / Arena Rock
Band MembersJohn Schlitt... VocalsBob Hartman... GuitarGreg Bailey... BassPaul Simmons... Drums
Artist Discography
Petra Farewell, 2005 [Inpop]
Jekyll & Hyde, 2003 [Inpop]
Revival, 2001 [Inpop]
Double Take, 2000 [Word]
God Fixation, 1998 [Word]
Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus, 1997 [Word]
No Doubt, 1995 [Word]
Wake-Up Call, 1993 [Word]
Unseen Power, 1991 [Word]
Beyond Belief, 1990 [Word]
Petra Praise - The Rock Cries Out, 1989 [Word]
On Fire!, 1988 [Starsong]
This Means War!, 1987 [Starsong]
Back To The Street, 1986 [Starsong]
Captured In Time and Space, 1985 [Starsong]
Beat The System, 1984 [Starsong]
Not Of This World, 1983 [Starsong]
More Power To Ya, 1982 [Starsong]
Never Say Die, 1981 [Starsong]
Washes Whiter Than, 1979 [Starsong]
Come and Join Us, 1977 [Myrrh]
Petra, 1974 [Myrrh]
LINKS
What can I say?
It all starts with this band. All of the Christian bands today have a big
thank you to send to Petra. They were not just the first mainstream
Christian rock band, but just the first Christian rock band period! These
guys began making records when my dad was my age! Not only does every
Christian band have them to thank for paving the way, but also some would
definitely say that Petra influenced them in one way or another. There are
a couple of clear reasons that legitimizes Petra as the godfathers of the
Christian rock scene.
First off, like I said, they started it all. Can anyone else name a
Christian band who has played for four decades? It's hard enough to name a
handful who have played for one, much less 33 like Petra. I mean really
think about that, 23 albums, that's over 225 recorded songs! That means if
you play every song they've ever recorded, it would take over 16 hours!
And you wouldn't hear one repeat, all from the same band. How about that
for a catalog of music?
With the longevity of the band (33 years) you've gotta be thinking,
the same four guys have been together for the whole time? There couldn't
be a more converse statement for Petra. Truth be told, this band has had
almost as many members as Baskin & Robbin's flavors! Which it is quite an
achievement to think to that through all the changes the band has made,
not only have they just kept going, but also still been successful in not
losing their fan base. With all of the changes in members of the
band, they were able to change quite easily with the times. Through the
years Petra has done an excellent job of going out of there way to
change styles of music. From the Doobie Brothers 70's, New Age synthesizer
early 80's, to the heavy arena rock sound of the late 80's, to alternative
in the mid 90's, and contemporary, to even worship music. You name it,
these guys have probably done it, stylistically speaking.
Remember they always gave an invitation for
people to "Ask Him In." That never goes out of style.
It is one thing to change your style with the times, but as many
times as Petra did it, they never changed their content and main message
of their music. The songwriting ability of band founder Bob Hartman is
extraordinary. He wrote practically all of them; can you imagine, writing
over 225 songs? And it's just not on the lyrics side either, it's the
songs as a whole, it is truly brilliant songwriting at its finest. One of
the great legacies of Petra is that in every CD sleeve, under each song
title & lyrics, is the scripture on which the song is based upon. It is a
really awesome concept that allows you to see the inspiration from God for
the song. And it is there where you will find the true desire of Petra,
for you to know Christ, by reading His word. That is one thing Petra has
made very clear over the years, that they are not just a band, but a
ministry, with the goal of reaching people for Christ. Now add that fact
to all the music and you can now really see, these guys really had it
going on!
That's right, you heard me correct, it's not a typo, had. Sadly
enough after 33 amazing years of music & ministry, the current members of
Petra decided mutually to have this great ride come to an end. On November
22nd 2005, Petra released there final album amply titled 'Petra Farewell',
which is a Live recording of some of there great hits and personal
favorites. The album includes a special treat for fans, guest appearances
by former lead singer Greg X. Volz (
www.gregxvolz.com )and former keyboard player John Lawry.
Our www.atwr.org
station shared the "Farewell" CD with the world on November 23, 2005 on
our LIVE Radio Internet Channel. It was indeed a great honor kick out the
live "Beyond Belief" to listeners across the USA, Mexico, Australia (the
land up over) Finland, Poland Jamaica and The Faroe Islands an island
group North of Scotland"
The legacy of Petra will live on, in the heart's of many fans for
sure. But there is a whole new generation, who has never heard of the band
called the 'rock'...Petra.
For they brought us the rock
In more ways than one.
What can I say?