Michael Tait Steps Down from Newsboys, 15 Years after Joining the Band
The Michael Tait chapter of the Newsboys has come to an end. The award-winning singer, who got his start in CCM as a member of DC Talk, announced Thursday he was stepping down from the Newsboys nearly 16 years after he joined the group as a replacement for then-frontman Peter Furler. With Tait's voice, the Newsboys recorded such hits as God's Not Dead and We Believe. The band released an album last year, Worldwide Revival, and is scheduled to begin an album tour Jan. 24.
He joined the group in March 2009.
"Fifteen years ago, my life was forever changed when I received the invite to step into the role of lead singer for Newsboys," Tait said in a statement. "The years since have been some of the most fulfilling, faith-filled, and rewarding years of my life. I have been on an amazing journey all over the globe, performing and ministering to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Together, we wrote and produced music that I am deeply proud of -- from Born Again and We Believe to Worldwide Revival and, of course, God's Not Dead.
"While this may come as a surprise given I've been touring ever since college, I've made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to step down from Newsboys. This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision. As we are reminded in Matthew 6:33, 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.' I truly believe these words, and although nervous about the future, I am excited about what it holds for both myself and for Newsboys, as we all seek first His kingdom and His righteousness."
Newsboys was founded in the late 1980s with Furler singing lead vocals. In recent years, the band launched a "United" tour with both Furler and Tait.
Worldwide Revival was the group's 22nd studio album.
The band's current members are Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, Adam Agee, and Jody Davis. In a statement, the band said it will continue singing.
"Newsboys was founded in 1989 by a group of people with a calling to use music to bring people closer to the Lord," the band said in a statement. "That has been our driving mission ever since, and as we have all walked our individual paths, people have come and gone in the Newsboys family."
The Newsboys "has never been one person, one lead singer, or one band member" but "has always been something so much bigger than any one of us," the group said.
"The heartbeat of Newsboys has always been, and always will be, to lead people to Christ using the gifts the Lord has given us," it said. "Ministry through music is what we do, and that ministry is what Jeff, Jody, and Duncan have faithfully pursued with Newsboys for over thirty years. We are grateful for the extended season Michael has had with Newsboys. As he said in his announcement, the memories we share are deeply cherished. As he walks into the next season of his life, we are stepping into the next season of Newsboys."
The group will continue touring, the statement said.
"We'll be kicking off our Worldwide Revival Nights tour as planned this weekend, and we hope to see you at a show soon," the band said. "We've got music to share and stories to tell, and as we navigate this season of change, we know that worshiping together is the way we want to move forward. We know there will be questions about what the future holds, and in due time, we'll have answers for those questions. For now, we want you to know that Newsboys isn't going anywhere; we're going everywhere. The next chapter is just beginning! We believe that the best is yet to come, and we're holding onto the promise of Proverbs 16:9, 'In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.' See you soon."
Photo Credit: ©Newsboys
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published January 17, 2025.
