Christianity: Details about 'Petra Band'
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Petra is a Christian Rock band formed in the 70s. "Petra" means "rock" in Greek. For three decades, the band has shown amazing stability and has continued to produce albums despite changes in the genre and the general taste. Despite numerous line-up changes, the band has maintained its commitment to preaching the gospel through their music. The band has won numerous awards and sold millions of albums. On May 24th, 2005 Petra announced their retirement after 33 years of ministry. They recorded one of their final performances in Franklin, Tennessee to release it as their last album. Their last performance was December 31, 2005 in Murphy, North Carolina.
HistoryThe birth of PetraThe band was founded by guitarists and songwriters Bob Hartman and Greg Hough in 1972, while they were studying at the Christian Training Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was where they hooked up with bassist John DeGroff and started playing together. Drummer Bill Glover was added later. The band was part of what was known as the Jesus Movement. Although the band never achieved great success during this period, it gained a solid fanbase. Word Records got wind of it and they signed them for their first album, released in 1974. At first, Hartman and Hough shared singing duties. However, upon inviting Greg X. Volz to help drum for their second album, Come and Join Us, they gave him the opportunity sing lead vocals, showing the band promise for the future. The song "God Gave Rock'n'Roll To You" displayed Volz's range and projection, and gave them their staple message of the decade. Shortly after, Hough, DeGroff, and Glover left the band, and Hartman was left alone with Volz. A period of instability surrounded the release of the band's third album in 1979, Washes Whiter Than, where Volz shared singing responsibilities with newcomer Rob Frazier. Although the album tried hard to "please" a non-condoning audience, Petra found themselve as a non-membered band lacking identity. The Greg X. Volz eraAfter floundering through the turn of the decade, again Bob and Greg found themselves without members, without sales, and without direction. Toying with the thought of giving up, the boys gave it one more try and reformed the band with Bass player Mark Kelly and Keyboard player John Slick. Giving Greg Volz full lead singing position and with nothing to loose, they hit the studio for a final attempt at a "no holds barred" gospel rock album. 'Never Say Die' in 1981 started the band's rise to gospel stardom, and gave Petra the audience and radio space needed to grow their ministry. During the tours they captured the hearts and ears of an enthusiastic audience and started a new era of Christian Contemporary music. Sometime after the release of 'Never Say Die' the band acquired Drummer Louie Weaver, who would stay in Petra for the next 20+ years. Never compromising lyrically or musically, the band released a string of three successful albums and toured for several dates. During this period, Slick departed and John Lawry joined as the new keyboardist. In 1985, Volz decided to leave the band to pursue a solo career. The band released their first of two live albums: Captured In Time and Space. Volz's departure ignited a search for a suitable lead singer to continue the ministry. The John Schlitt eraAt the end of 1985, John Schlitt—former Head East vocalist—joined the band as lead singer. He brought a more hard rock/heavy metal-type sound to the band. The band soon released the album Back To The Street, which was moderately successful. As this line-up cemented, the band started their most prolific period. During this period they released what might be considered their most successful albums: This Means War!, On Fire! and Beyond Belief. It was this last album (released in 1990) that catapulted the band to the top of the charts of gospel music. The album also won a Grammy for Best Rock/Gospel Album. Also, during this period, Kelly left the band and was replaced by Ronny Cates. Their success and popularity as a band during this period was assisted by working with the talented production team of John and Dino Elefante, who helped bring out the best in the band and contributed to Petra's commercial, big-arena rock sound. The following albums, Unseen Power and Wake-Up Call, won the band several more awards, including two more Grammys, and several Dove Awards. Trouble in the 90sAs the decade reached its mid-point, several situations brought the band to what could be considered their worst period. First, guitarist and founder Hartman decided to leave the band during tours to dedicate time to his family. He did remain as producer and songwriter. John Lawry also left the band to pursue other goals. In came David Lichens (guitar) and Jim Cooper (keyboards), and the band released their next album in 1995: No Doubt. Although the album was a commercial success, it signaled a change in the band's music, departing from the edgy hard-rock they had played. Also, rumored situations between the new members and Schlitt prompted them to leave the band a year later. During this transition period, Cates left the band and was replaced by Lonnie Chapin. He is now a recording engineer at Rec Room Recordings in Gainesville, Florida. They released their second praise album (We Need Jesus) in 1997 to much critical praise and commercial success. A new birth?With Chapin came guitarist Pete Orta and keyboardist Kevin Brandow. This line-up of talented young musicians combined with the experience of Schlitt and Weaver gave hope of a new birth for the band. The new members, along with Hartman, immersed themselves in the writing and composing of their next disc. The resulting album, God Fixation, was released in 1998. Despite some favorable criticism, the public seemed to have lost interest in the band. Additionally, changes in the rock genre veered towards an edgier sound, whereas the album focused on a more soft-rock vein. The band continued to struggle, trying to gain new audiences and bring back old audiences. They re-recorded new versions of some of the band's classic songs for an album released in 2000 called Double Take. The album also featured a song written and sung by guitarist Orta. Although the album won the band their fourth Grammy, it was shunned by most purists as a "heresy" and an insult to the classic hits. Shortly after, Chapin left the band to join Tait, and Orta went on to pursue a solo career. Brandow also left. To make matters worse, the band was dropped from their record label afterwards. Petra in the new millenniumIn 2001 the band was signed to Inpop Records. Trying to pick up somewhere, guitarist and founder Hartman decided to re-join the band. Along with Schlitt and Weaver as core members, they released their third praise album: Revival. The album did gain some attention for the band, as they ventured on tour with new members Bryce Bell (keyboards), Quinton Gibson (guitars) and Greg Bailey (bass). The tour was a success and the band seemed destined to rise from the ashes. But more storms were to come. Gibson left to join another band, and long-time drummer Louie Weaver was fired amidst lots of rumours and controversy. However, the band dissipated all rumours and geared up for their next album. Responding to the complaints of most of its audience, the band released in 2003 what is considered their heaviest album to date: Jekyll and Hyde. The album was a critical success and the band embarked on another tour as they hired new drummer Paul Simmons. Everything looked bright, but despite the critical success of the album, it seemed to spark little interest in the band. Petra FarewellAfter much consideration and praying, Hartman decided to retire the band at the end of 2005. On October 4, 2005, Petra taped a concert performance in Franklin, Tennessee, for release on a final live CD and DVD to be titled Petra Farewell. Former members Greg X. Volz and John Lawry joined the current band on stage for a few songs each, including a ballad medley in which Volz and John Schlitt traded off vocals on songs from their respective eras. Volz took the stage alone for the classic "Grave Robber," and keyboard player John Lawry played his signature keyboard solo "Jesus Loves You" from the Captured in Time & Space album. The CD was released in November 2005, and the DVD will be released in the spring of 2006. Band membersThe band's original lineup consisted of:
As of 2005, the band's lineup consisted of:
Former members (this is a partial list. It might not include all of the members that have toured with the band, especially during the late 70's): Lead Vocals
Drums
Guitars
Bass
Keyboards
Discography
Videos
Awards
Grammy Awards
Dove Awards
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