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Popular Singer Michael Tait Parts Ways with Newsboys After 15 Years

By Mike Thom
michael tait newsboys
Lead singer Michael Tait performs with the Newsboys in 2017. (Video screengrab)

In a surprise announcement. popular singer Michael Tait has told fans he is leaving the Grammy-nominated, chart-topping Christian band Newsboys.

After what he called a transformative 15-year tenure as the band’s lead singer, Tait said he believes it was clear to him that the time to step away was now. “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,” posted Tait online on Thursday. 

Tait expressed gratitude for his time with the Newsboys. He highlighted the band’s global journey and the impactful music they created together, including notable tracks like “Born Again,” “We Believe,” “Worldwide Revival,” and the iconic “God’s Not Dead.”

Reflecting on his transition, Tait shared,  “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.” 

Prior to joining the Newsboys in 2009, Tait was best known for co-founding  rap-rock group DC Talk in the 1990’s, contributing significantly to multi-platinum record “Jesus Freak.” 

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newsboys tait furler
Michael Tait and former Newsboys lead singer Peter Furler perform together on the Newsboys United tour in 2020. (Video screengrab)

Tait expressed heartfelt gratitude to his bandmates—Duncan, Jeff, Jody, and Adam. He wrote, “You are my family, and always will be. I know Newsboys will carry on doing incredible things for God’s kingdom with strength and purpose, and I can’t wait to cheer you on while you do.”

The band likewise posted, “We are grateful for the extended season Michael has had with Newsboys. The memories we share are deeply cherished.”

“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 continued in the statement on their social media channels. “That has been our driving mission ever since.”

michael tait
Michael Tait (Courtesy Photo)

The Newsboys have yet to announce who will succeed Tait as lead singer. 

Addressing fans’ questions, the Newsboys stated that band members “have come and gone in the Newsboys family.” The post added, “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.”

The band will conclude its Worldwide Revival Nights tour with Tait as lead singer. 

“We want you to know that Newsboys isn’t going anywhere; we’re going everywhere. The next chapter is just beginning!” the band declared.

Josh Shepherd contributed to this article, which has been reprinted with permission from CHVN Radio.

Journalist Mike Thom is program director at CHVN in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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3 Responses

  1. May the Lord continue to bless you. I’ve always thought the bands’ best song was and will be for me is ‘Stand’.

  2. Faithful servant of God and fellow Liberty grad. Him and his sister have been steadfast in their music ministries for so long now

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