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In a surprising announcement Thursday afternoon Michael Tait announced he is leaving the 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.
Tait expressed gratitude for his time with the group, highlighting the 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 decision, Tait shared, "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." He says that the decision came as a surprise even to himself.
He emphasized that the choice came after significant prayer and fasting, leading him to clarity and peace about the future.
Michael Tait's Musical Journey
Born on May 18, 1966, in Washington, D.C., Michael DeWayne Tait is a renowned figure in contemporary Christian music. He co-founded the Grammy-winning band DC Talk in the late 1980s alongside Toby McKeehan and Kevin Max. The group was instrumental in pioneering the integration of hip-hop and alternative rock into Christian music, producing hits that left a lasting impact on the genre.
After DC Talk announced a hiatus in 2000, Tait embarked on a solo career, forming the band Tait.
In 2009, he joined the Newsboys as their lead singer, bringing a fresh dynamic to the band and continuing to influence the Christian music scene.
Looking Ahead
As Tait steps down, he remains optimistic about the future, both for himself and the Newsboys. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his bandmates—Duncan, Jeff, Jody, and Adam—saying, "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."
Tait also extended his appreciation to the Newsboys crew and fans, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey. While he has not detailed his future plans, Tait's commitment to spreading hope and love through his music remains steadfast.
The Newsboys have yet to announce who will succeed Tait as the lead singer. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the band continues its mission in the Christian music world.