Petra to officially retire as a band

News of the impending retirement of rock stalwarts Petra, one of Christian music's most influential bands, was scheduled to be officially announced Thursday on the band's website. That announcement has not officially been made, but several of the band member's have released individual statements regarding the band's retirement.

Following is a newsletter from the webmasters of John Schlitt's personal website. The newsletter includes Schlitt's comments on the subject:


"Hello Petheads,

This newsletter is to announce and confirm that Petra is retiring at the end of this year.

After more than three decades of music and ministry, the Pioneer of Christian Rock is coming to an end.

Final tours in the U.S. and Europe are in the planning stages, but there are no further concerts being booked after this year.

The decision to end the band was mutually agreed upon by both John and Bob Hartman.

“Bob and I have been blessed by the ministry of Petra,” says John. “We have had a good long run, and have seen so much. We have seen God’s hand at work in our music; on every continent, in every language. Music breaks through the language barrier, and the Lord has used the music of Petra in an incredible way. I have been given the privilege of being a part of this group and I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to bring God’s word to the world. The blessings have been unbelievable but now it is time to bring the band to a close. I promise I will talk further about this decision with all the Petheads in my next newsletter.”

The news of Petra’s departure has brought about strong reactions from the Petheads, with emotions ranging from disbelief and sadness, to anger. Endings can be painful and difficult, especially when they’re not expected. But where there is a sunrise, there must also come a sunset – and even as the sun sinks beyond the horizon, there is splendor in its setting.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time” …Ecclesiastes 3:11a

Petra has provided many beautiful memories in its time for thousands of people. Everyone has a story to tell: a special remembrance, a meaningful song, a personal contact with one of the band members – something that has impacted a life in some way. These memories will be shared and passed on in the years to come. Future generations will come to realize the influence Petra has had in the lives of so many people, and the influence and impact the band’s music has made in the Christian rock genre.

Even though Petra is retiring from the stage, John is not. He will still be available to go wherever God leads. John's purpose, musically, will continue on in one form or another.

“I’m not sure what the future will bring for me, but when God chooses to show us His will, then we just go in faith and walk in faith towards Him. He has never let us down and He never will,” said John.

According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Petra’s season has come to an end… but Petra’s purpose - to glorify God through the music and memories - will live on into eternity.

As always,
Your JWS.com Webmasters"

Following is a somewhat lengthy, but extremely informative article written by Josh Renaud for www.petrarocksmyworld.com. The article includes a statement that the "website is NOT affiliated with Inpop Records or Petra. This story was written by Josh Renaud and is the result of his independent reporting." The article includes quotes from several of the other Petra band members:


"Rumors of the impending demise of Petra have annoyed the band for years. Time after time these rumors were shot down by the band members.

But not this time.

Europeans who saw Petra perform recently sent word to American fans that founder Bob Hartman and lead singer John Schlitt had been talking about retirement. Hartman confirmed to petrarocksmyworld.com that it wasn't just talk.

He and Schlitt have decided "it's time to call it quits," Hartman said.

"This will most likely be our last year of ministry," he said. "We don't expect to be doing any concerts after November at the latest."

Petra's manager, Wayne Seboa, told petrarocksmyworld.com that the band will publish an official press release this Thursday on their website, petraband.com.

No new studio album

Many fans had been anxiously awaiting a new studio album. Band members have been talking about it with fans at concerts since last fall. As recently as March, drummer Paul Simmons told petrarocksmyworld.com that the band was working on new songs.

But the album is not coming.

"There will be no new studio album from the band," Hartman said. "There has been some talk about a final live release but I have no confirmation of that."

Several factors seem to have led to the decision not to produce the album.

Hartman said that Inpop had started talking about delaying a studio album and first releasing a "best-of" album to drum up interest and support.

"We figured if it's that hard to get any interest in the band, then we should call it a day," he said.

Seboa, the band's manager, explained that the original intent was to release a studio album in fall 2004, a year after the release of "Jekyll & Hyde", an album praised by both fans and critics.

"I don't think Bob had it in his heart to pour his heart and soul into another project that quickly," Seboa said. "The band just couldn't come up with enough songs that everybody liked; the right songs."

"It's just the timing right now," Simmons told petrarocksmyworld.com. "We hope to do a live album. I would love to be a part of that!"

Concert plans

Petra's concert calendar improved in 2004, with a full slate of summer festival appearances and numerous shows abroad, including two in India.

In comparison, Petra's concert schedule so far this year has been slim, especially in the U.S. But Seboa says that plans are being developed for two farewell tours in the fall: a two-month stint in the U.S., followed by a couple weeks in Europe.

"I want to go to Europe and take another American rock band with us, like Pillar or Kutless, and then finish on a high note," Seboa said.

Also in the works is a trip to the Middle East in August, where few other bands go.

"There's still work God's doing with Petra, impacting lives," Seboa said.

A good year

Petra had endured a downturn in album sales and concert bookings since around 1995, when Hartman stopped touring with the band as guitarist. Their music progressively softened as the band recorded more ballads and worship songs, seeking radio hits that would lead to more interest and concert support. Their efforts did not seem to pay off.

But things began changing in 2003, when the band reversed musical directions. They recorded "Jekyll & Hyde," a straight-up hard rock record. They dropped keyboards from the album and their concerts. Long-time drummer Louie Weaver was dismissed from the band and Hartman announced he would tour again.

Petra's concerts in 2004 earned near-universal praise from fans, who were ecstatic about the band's harder sound and newfound energy.

Among the highlights of the year were returning to perform in India, and a special concert in which three of the founding members of Petra reunited to perform for the first time since the 1970s.

"We are very thankful for all the great years and especially last year, which gave us many memories we will cherish all our lives," Hartman said.

Simmons joined the band as drummer in 2004. He described the time this way: "It has been incredible! I have met so many people, and heard their stories, and shared mine with them. I've seen places all over the world. I've seen God working through our music, and that is the biggest blessing I can imagine. To use the gift God has given me, to share with others. I am so grateful everyday, and pray to remain that way."

An uphill battle

So why decide to retire now? Hartman said in large part it was that dealing with the Christian music industry in the U.S. had become such an uphill battle.

"It has become increasingly harder to get concert bookings in the U.S.," Hartman said. "We don't play enough to support everyone. We have to seek other income as it is.

"We have been having great concerts outside the U.S. and those have been the highlights of the last couple of years. But you can only play those so often. Bottom line, we feel it's time to retire gracefully before we completely wear out our welcome."

Seboa, the band's manager, explained that Petra had trouble reaching their target demographic in an increasingly radio-driven industry.

"The problem with Christian radio is that it's funded by your 'soccer moms,' 25 to 35-year-old women," Seboa said. "They are the ones who contribute most of the donations to radio stations. And they tend to not want to support a lot of rock acts."

Additionally, Petra failed to adapt to the mass market the way that others like Newsboys' front man Peter Furler did, Seboa said. During the period when Petra wasn't putting out good modern music, many industry people moved on. The band earned back some respect with their "Revival" and "Jekyll & Hyde" albums, but it was too late.

Brent Handy, an industry veteran, recently worked with John Schlitt on "Project Damage Control."

"The band thought that 'Jekyll & Hyde' was a make-or-break album," Handy said. "I think everyone is bummed that it hasn't been received by the industry or the mass market with open arms."

Justin Murr, of the band Liberty n' Justice, knows firsthand about the struggles of trying to sell older-style rock albums in the modern market. He worked with Schlitt on a project called "Welcome to the Revolution."

"Christian radio and Christian media turned their backs on Petra," Murr said. "Instead of applauding them for their years of ministry, for reaching the lost, and for encouraging the believers, they told Petra they didn't matter."

Age was also a factor. Hartman and Schlitt have gotten older, Seboa said.

"If I've got a radio station and I'm starting a concert series, am I going to invest my time in a band that I know is going to end sooner rather than later?" he asked. "Or will I invest in a new, up-and-coming band that I can have a business relationship with for the next 10-15 years?"

Handy said that while working with Schlitt, Schlitt expressed frustration with having to compete with the younger, leaner frontmen.

"John joked about getting old. I told him that he sounded better than ever to me," Handy said. "I think it is safe to say that John saw the writing on the wall."

The right way to end it
Five years ago Seboa told Schlitt that the band needed to start looking for the right exit.

"I told him I wanted to end it on a good record. And 'Jekyll & Hyde' is a good record," he said.

"It's the right way to end it. Everyone gets along good. No arguments on the road. We'll all enjoy each other's company.

"It's just been a good last two years."

For more information on Petra:
http://www.petraband.com/