Michael Tait, lead singer of the chart-topping Christian band Newsboys, announced his departure from the group on Thursday after a 15-year tenure that saw the band achieve numerous hits including the iconic “God’s Not Dead.” The surprise announcement came via social media, where Tait cited spiritual reflection as the catalyst for his decision.
“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,” Tait wrote in his statement. The singer, who joined the band in 2009 as a replacement for former frontman Peter Furler, emphasized that his decision came after a period of prayer and fasting.
During his tenure, Tait led the band through several successful albums and tours, contributing to hits such as “Born Again,” “We Believe,” and “Worldwide Revival.” Prior to joining Newsboys, he had already established himself in the Christian music industry as a co-founder of the multi-platinum rap-rock group DC Talk in the 1990s.
The band’s current members—Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, and Adam Agee—responded to the announcement with their own statement, emphasizing the group’s continuing mission. “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 stated. “That has been our driving mission ever since.”
In a tribute to his bandmates, Tait expressed deep gratitude for their shared experiences: “To my brothers—Duncan, Jeff, Jody, and Adam—thank you doesn’t even begin to cut it. The laughter and tears we shared together, the prayers, the late-night talks, and the moments we have shared together both on and off stage are things I will be grateful for forever.”
The transition comes as the band prepares for their Worldwide Revival Nights tour, which will serve as Tait’s final series of performances with the group. While no successor has been announced, the band assured fans that their ministry through music will continue. “We want you to know that Newsboys isn’t going anywhere; we’re going everywhere. The next chapter is just beginning!” the band declared.
The announcement marks another significant transition for the Newsboys, who have successfully navigated previous lineup changes throughout their three-decade history. The band’s statement emphasized this perspective: “Newsboys has never been one person, one lead singer, or one band member—it has always been something so much bigger than any one of us.”
As the group moves forward with their scheduled tour dates and plans for the future, they remain committed to their original mission of musical ministry. Meanwhile, Tait, while expressing nervousness about the future, maintains his excitement about new possibilities.
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