In a surprising twist for the beloved Christian music group Newsboys, longtime lead singer Michael Tait has stepped down just weeks before the launch of their much-anticipated Worldwide Revival Nights tour. This unexpected change has led to the band’s guitarist, Adam Agee, taking over the lead vocal duties, as confirmed in a recent interview.
Michael Tait, who has been the face of the band since 2009, announced his departure via social media, expressing a sense of clarity and direction for this new chapter in his life. His heartfelt decision has left fans and band members alike in a state of surprise, especially with the tour looming on the horizon. Agee, who officially joined the band in 2023, was called upon to fill the big shoes left by Tait.
In his recent interview with Fox58, Agee shared, “I’ve known these guys for 20 years and have been touring with them for about a decade. So when Michael dropped this news, we had to quickly rally together to figure out our next steps.” The urgency of the situation was palpable, especially as they scrambled to re-record their latest single, “How Many Times,” originally laid down with Tait’s vocals.
The re-recording process was no small feat. Agee noted, “That was one of the things we were scrambling to get done. I had sung background vocals for the song, but stepping into the lead role was a new challenge.” The single was re-released just in time for the tour, showcasing Agee’s vocal talent and fresh energy.
Looking ahead, the band is also reevaluating their plans for the upcoming album, Worldwide Revival (Part Two). Agee admitted, “We’re trying to figure out if we should still go ahead with that release or explore new options.” This uncertainty reflects the dynamic nature of the band as they adjust to this leadership change.
Despite the challenges, the Newsboys kicked off their first show on January 18, just days after Tait’s announcement. Agee expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans, stating, “It was a sweet thing. The crowd really rallied around us.” The atmosphere was electric, with 2,000 fans singing along, creating a moment Agee described as “pretty special.”
As the fourth lead singer in the band’s history, Agee brings a wealth of experience from his previous work with Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline. He reminded the audience at the January show, “Sometimes the messenger might change, but the message remains the same.” This sentiment encapsulates the heart of the Newsboys’ mission: to share the love of Jesus through their music.
Founded in Australia in 1985, the Newsboys have long been a staple in Christian contemporary music, earning numerous accolades including Grammy nominations and Dove Awards. Under Tait’s leadership, the band saw a resurgence with hit albums like Born Again and God’s Not Dead. Tait’s departure, while significant, does not signal the end of the band’s journey. In his farewell statement, he reassured fans that this decision was made with deep contemplation and prayer.
As the Newsboys continue their tour, they invite fans to join them in celebrating their music and message. “We’re not going anywhere; we’re going everywhere,” the band stated in their response to Tait’s departure. With Agee at the helm, the future looks bright for this iconic group as they carry on their legacy of faith and inspiration through music.
For more updates on the Newsboys and their upcoming tour dates, you can check out their official website here. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, there’s plenty to look forward to as the Newsboys embark on this new chapter.