Newsboys is a Christian rock band formed in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia, before relocating to Nashville. Fronted successively by singers John James, Peter Furler, and then Michael Tait, the band made its mark on Christian music with hits like Shine and God's Not Dead, selling more than ten million copies over four decades.
Newsboys was born in 1985 in Mooloolaba, in Australia's Queensland, under the provisional name The News. The band changed its name to avoid any confusion with the American act Huey Lewis and the News, then moved to the United States in 1987 after signing with the Refuge label. Fronted first by singer John James, the band played church basements before breaking into the Christian charts in the late 1980s with a pop rock sound that stood apart from the genre's clichés at the time.
Starting in the mid 1990s, founding drummer Peter Furler took over the microphone and delivered songs like Shine, considered one of the most significant Christian songs of the decade. In 2009, Michael Tait, formerly of DC Talk, became the singer and pushed the band to a new peak with God's Not Dead, which inspired a film franchise and became Newsboys' first platinum-certified single. In 2025, Michael Tait left the group and Adam Agee took over on vocals, while the band's activities were put on hold.
- Origin
- Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia (later based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA)
- Style
- Christian rock, pop rock
- Active since
- 1985 (activities on hold since 2025)
- Good to know
- God's Not Dead inspired a successful film franchise and was the band's first platinum-certified single.
How did Newsboys get started?
The band formed in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia, under the name The News, before changing it to avoid confusion with Huey Lewis and the News. In 1987, they signed with the Refuge label and moved to the United States, where they started out playing church basements.
With John James on vocals, Newsboys broke into the Christian charts in the late 1980s, despite early criticism for lyrics seen as too formulaic. The band then evolved toward a more energetic sound, inspired by early 1990s alternative rock.
What makes Newsboys distinctive?
Few Christian bands have gone through so many lead singer changes while staying this popular: John James, then Peter Furler, then Michael Tait (formerly of DC Talk), and today Adam Agee. Each era produced standout songs, from Shine to God's Not Dead, the latter inspiring a successful film franchise and becoming the band's first platinum-certified single.
Where should you start with Newsboys?
Start with God's Not Dead, their most recognizable song, then go back to Shine to understand the Peter Furler era. Their more recent songs, led by Adam Agee, show a band that keeps writing worship music despite the turmoil of 2025.
songs
God Of Promises
Released on the deluxe edition of the Worldwide Revival album, this worship song affirms God's faithfulness through the promises of his covenant.
Fortress
Taken from the Worldwide Revival album, this song presents God as a solid refuge in trials.
How Many Times (oh how You love me)
A worship song that celebrates God's patience and constant love for those who drift away from him.
Discography
- 2024Worldwide Revival Pt. 1
- 2011God's Not Dead· Contains the single God's Not Dead (Like a Lion), which became the band's first platinum-certified single.
- 2010Born Again
- 2002Thrive
- 1996Take Me to Your Leader
- 1994Going Public
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Newsboys?
Newsboys is a Christian rock band formed in 1985 in Australia, later based in Nashville. They are known for songs like Shine and God's Not Dead and have sold more than ten million albums since forming.
Is Newsboys still active?
The band put its activities on hold in 2025 after singer Michael Tait left. Adam Agee had been handling vocals before that pause.
What is Newsboys' most famous song?
God's Not Dead (Like a Lion) remains their most recognizable song, popularized by the film franchise of the same name. Shine, released in the 1990s, is also considered one of their classics.
Is Newsboys a Christian band?
Yes, Newsboys has been a contemporary Christian music band since forming in 1985, with lyrics explicitly centered on faith and worship.
Where can you listen to Newsboys?
Newsboys' songs are available on the usual streaming platforms and on their official YouTube channel, which brings together music videos, audio tracks, and live footage.
Who sings in Newsboys today?
Adam Agee, who joined the band as a bassist and then guitarist, became lead singer after Michael Tait's departure in early 2025.