Not the news these boys wanted: Christian rock band responds to former lead singer's sexual assault, drug abuse allegations
Tait joined the Newsboys in 2009 after the former lead singer, Peter Furler, decided to take a step back into a supporting role with the group. 'Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional career toward future Newsboys recordings,' the band said in a statement on March 9, 2009.
After a successful 15 years with the band, Tait made an announcement on social media on Jan. 16, 2025, stating that he was leaving the band. You can read the full statement below:
'Fifteen years ago, my life was forever changed when I received the invite to step into the role of lead singer for Newsboys. The years since have been some of the most fulfilling, faith-filled, and rewarding years of my life. I have been on an amazing journey all over the globe, performing and ministering to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Together we wrote and produced music that I am deeply proud of – from 'Born Again' and 'We Believe' to 'Worldwide Revival' and of course, 'God's Not Dead.'
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. This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision. As we are reminded in Matthew 6:33, 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.' I truly believe these words and although nervous about the future, I am excited about what it holds for both myself, and for Newsboys, as we all seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.'
Michael Tait
The band then announced that its 'Worldwide Revival Nights' tour would still be happening as planned, stating that 'the next chapter is just beginning!'
However, this time post-Tait was not easy. The band announced on May 24 that the Canada tour would be cancelled due to a promoter breach. 'It is with deep disappointment that we announce the cancellation of all upcoming Newsboys Canada 2025 tour dates, scheduled for May 31-June 16, 2025.'
The breaches, according to the band, include 'failure to provide required artist deposits and confirm payment to supporting acts, failure to coordinate technical production and logistics with venues, failure to maintain communication with venue staff, artist management and tour partners and admission of inability to refund ticket holders due to prior financial commitments.'
Following this, the band said, 'We urge all affected fans to contact the original ticketing outlet or host venue regarding refund inquiries. If you experience difficulty securing a refund, we recommend contacting the appropriate provincial consumer protection office or the Competition Bureau of Canada.'
This was just the start of statements the band would have to make, as on June 5, the band released a statement saying how their hearts were 'shattered' when they heard about allegations made against former frontman Tait.
You can read the full statement below:
'Last night our hearts were shattered when we read the news alleging drug abuse and inappropriate sexual actions by our former lead singer, Michael Tait. While Michael has not addressed these allegations, we are devastated even by the implications.
First and foremost, our hearts are with the victims who have bravely shared their stories. If you are a victim, we urge you to come forward. We absolutely do not condone any form of sexual assault.
The four of us are husbands and fathers. Between the four of us, we have fourteen children. Our wives and children have made many sacrifices while we have dedicated our lives to playing music together that glorifies God. We are horrified, heartbroken, and angry at this report and in many ways, we feel as if we and our families have been deceived for the last fifteen years.
When he left the band in January, Michael confessed to us and our management that he 'had been living a double-life' but we never imagined that it could be this bad.'
Jeff, Jody, Duncan and Adam
The Newsboys are a Christian rock band formed in Australia in 1985. The band consisted of Peter Furler, George Perdikis, John James, Sean Taylor and Corey Pryor at the start. The band moved to the United States in late 1987 after getting signed with Refuge Communications. They released the album Read All About It in 1988.
Tait's allegations come from The Roys Report, a 'Christian media outlet, reporting the unvarnished truth about what's happening in the Christian community so the church can be reformed and restored,' its website says. It was founded by 'investigative journalist Julie Roys, The Roys Report began as a personal blog where Julie published her commentaries and occasional investigative pieces while working as a national radio host on Moody Radio. However, in 2018, Julie published a series of articles on her website, exposing corruption and mission drift at the Moody Bible Institute. This led to the exit of three top officers at Moody. It also ended Julie's relationship with Moody and changed the focus of Julie's website—from a blog offering cultural commentary to an independent Christian media outlet exposing corruption, abuse, and what's been termed the 'evangelical industrial complex.'
The exclusive article on TRR says Tait is accused of sexual assault, grooming and substance abuse dating back to 2004.
TRR says after a two and a half year investigation and speaking with alleged victims, 'Three men spoke to TRR, alleging that Tait befriended them individually on Christian music tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014. They were all 22 years old at the time.' You can read the full article that lists the allegations made against Tait on TRR website here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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