10/21/2009 11:34:00 AM Newsboys to rock Prescott Valley with Good News
The newsboys will bring their brand of Christian rock to Tim's Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 29. From left are: Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips.
Courtesy Photo
By Cheryl Hartz Reporter
"The Way We Roll" truly is "In the Hands of God," for Christian rock band newsboys. The former is the name of their current tour, in support of the latter, their latest album's title.
The group will bring its lively and inspirational music to Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.
In two decades as a group, newsboys has compiled 25 number one radio hits and five gold albums, along with a plethora of Dove awards and Grammy nominations. Three of its current four members have been with the band for 17 years, said newsboys drummer Duncan Phillips.
Phillips conducted a telephone interview from Tennessee with The Prescott Valley Tribune reporter while cruising a Costco store, his 2-1/2-year-old son and his visiting brother in tow.
Although he confided, "I love Costco," Phillips didn't let the store distract him as he talked about the reason for the newsboys' tour.
"We believe we've been called to do what we do," Phillips said.
The Australian native lives in laid-back Franklin, Tenn., outside Nashville, with his wife of 12 years and their three children.
With a precious few days in a row at home, he was enjoying the time with family and trying to provide "the most normal upbringing I can."
"That's what we strive for," Phillips said. "Life for the most part is not what you see on stage or video."
He said even though touring takes him away for stretches at a time, "When I'm home, I'm home. It's a different blocking of time. Especially when they're young, you want to build those bonds with your children. Those fond memories will hold you through the toughest times of life."
He said newsboys lead guitarist Jody Davis has two children, while keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and his wife of eight years are expecting their first child.
"Michael (Tait) doesn't have any children he's aware of," Phillips joked, showing it's OK for Christians to have a playful side by teasing the band's newest member.
When founding member and lead singer Peter Furler retired in March after traveling with the band for 22 years, Tait, formerly of dcTalk, seemed a natural replacement.
"We had two choices: quit or continue in a different manner," Phillips said. "None of us wanted to quit so our only option was to get someone else. We felt Michael was a great choice. He's an incredible talent with amazing ability. I actually can't believe he's available.
"We met 20 years ago and kept in contact with him. Ten years ago when we were making a DVD in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Michael was the first person we called."
Phillips also said that the recording the band currently is working on contains "some of the best demos I've heard in my life."
"It's the best of newsboys and dcTalk - an incredible coming together of two iconic brand names. It's like McDonald's and Burger King combining to make super burgers: we're coming to 'super-size' you, and you can quote me on that," Phillips said, laughing.
He said concert-goers will see a "new fantastic show."
"Every night we bring the 'A-show.' We go out as a team and want to make sure when people leave that night, they're totally convinced it was a great decision (to attend)."
He promised "$120 bucks worth for a $30 to $40 ticket."
"Growing up in Australia, you had to give a great show or get a beer bottle in the head," he said.
The band started in Australia as a group of teens from the same church who started to jam together.
Although not one of the original members, Phillips actually is the only Aussie still in the band. Davis is from Indiana, Frankenstein from Michigan, and Tait from D.C.
But they gel as a band and it shows on stage, he said.
"One of the reasons we're such good friends of the last two decades, this combination just works," Phillips said.
He said it will appear "more like an MTV rock show with state-of-the-art technology."
However, they also reveal a softer side.
"We have a really great section where we come out in the middle of the crowd to talk and share about early days. It's an endearing piece of the show," Phillips said.
Fans will recognize songs such as, "He Reigns," "You Are My King (Amazing Love)," "Blessed Be Your Name," and especially their cross-over mega-hit, "Shine," but also hear songs destined to become new favorites.
"I'm extremely excited for the future. Michael is wrapping his arms around this thing. The best is yet to come," Phillips said.
For ticket information, contact Tim's Toyota Center box office or www.gettix.net.
