Newsboys singer Michael Tait is stepping down from the Christian rock icons

The Newsboys lead singer has announced his decision to quit, fifteen years after his “life was changed forever” by the Christian rock band’s success.

Michael Tait announced the shocking news to fans that he was stepping down Instagram post Thursday he described his musical career with the band as “one of the most fulfilling, faith-filled and rewarding years of my life.”

The Washington DC native joined Newsboys in 2009 following the departure of former member Peter Furler and embarked on an illustrious music career that has earned him four Grammy Awards with the band, as well as an additional fifth Grammy nomination.

Newsboys will continue making music in his absence, Tait said, and will perform 38 concerts as part of their upcoming international tour.

In an effusive message to fans, he said: “Your love and support has meant everything. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or joined later, thank you very much.

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“Thank you for coming, singing loudly and living the message of our music. You inspired me more than you know.”

Newsboys has built a monthly listener base of over 1.3 million on Spotify and Tait stressed that his decision to leave was not something he planned.

The 58-year-old star said: “While this may come as a surprise considering I’ve been touring since college, I’ve made a monumental and heartfelt decision for myself that it’s time to leave Newsboys to resign.”

“This decision is not easy for me and was a shock even for myself, but amidst prayers and fasting, I have the certainty that this is the right decision.”

Tait recalled the band’s key milestones, from iconic singles such as “Born Again”, “We Believe” and “Worldwide Revival” to “God’s Not Dead” – Newsboys released their latest album, Worldwide Revival, last July (Part One). Year. The evangelical band describes itself as “one of the greatest bands in the history of Christian music” and has sold over 10 million records, according to their Spotify profile.

Since forming in 1989, the band has climbed the Billboard Christian Airplay charts with two No. 1 hits, including “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” and “We Believe.”

He wished his bandmates Duncan, Jeff, Jody and Adam good luck in continuing the Newsboys’ project.

“There is so much for which I am grateful, but the laughter and tears we shared together, the prayers, the late-night conversations and the moments we shared together on and off stage are things for which I will be forever grateful.”

“You are my family and always will be,” he added.

Away from music, Tait has been outspoken about his conservative political views, initially supporting Ted Cruz for president in 2016, before supporting Donald Trump, opposing his impeachment in 2019, and appearing at an Evangelicals for Trump concert in January 2020.