Iconic Christian band Newsboys set to energize Benton Speedway

Newsboys perform at the “Step into the Light Tour” on Nov. 12, 2021, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missourian file

Newsboys, a cornerstone in Christian music for more than 30 years, is set to bring its “Worldwide Revival” tour to Benton Speedway, 817 Co Rd 505, Benton, on Sunday, Aug. 18. With a new album, “Worldwide Revival”, released just two weeks ago, the band hopes to continue captivating audiences across multiple generations.

The group has built quite a legacy over the past three decades. Known for its influence in various eras, from the 1980s and 1990s to the “God’s Not Dead” era of the previous decade, Newsboys has garnered a multi-generational fan base. Its longevity in the Christian music industry is unique, with few artists achieving such a sustained presence.

Jeff Frankenstein, a longtime member, said it is not uncommon to see three generations of fans at concerts, showing a testament to the group’s appeal across ages.

“I think the passion is kind of why we’re still here after 30 years of being a band, and I think it’s because we do believe what we sing about and we’re excited about it. People always ask me, ‘Don’t you get tired of doing this? Don’t you get tired of playing the same songs, and don’t you get tired of this and that?’ And I’m like, ‘No, no way,’ because, you know, no matter where you go or what you do or the people you’re playing for are different every night, and it’s a new opportunity. You know, it’s the coolest job in the world. There are not many jobs where you, No. 1, get to play music and do what you’d love to do, No. 2, you get to do it with your friends you’ve been in a band with all these years and they’re like family to you. And, you know, No. 3, get to bring a lot of joy to people, you know, just by doing what you already love to do,” Frankenstein said.

The creation of the band’s newest record began nearly 18 months ago, Frankenstein said. The songwriting process was meticulous, with the band aiming for high-quality control.

The album, released in two parts, reflects themes of revival, faith and hope. The first part is already out, and the second is set to be released early next year.

The album addresses the world’s current state, touching on the darkness and desperation felt globally, especially post-pandemic. It serves as a cry for divine intervention and a call for revival among believers.

“As a favorite song of the new record, like I said, we were very picky about which ones we put on. There are so many that deal with so many different things, but I love ‘Worldwide Revival’. It’s kind of a throwback to the older Newsboys rock style. There’s a song on there called ‘How Many Times’, which is just kind of an ode to the faithfulness of God, which is a very touching song. There’s a song on the record called ‘Color’, which talks about just the diversity of God’s creation, you know, especially coming from us with a band of, you know, with a black lead singer. And we all come from different parts of the country, a few different countries, parts of the world. You know, it’s a really tough time to pick a favorite,” Frankenstein said.

The band members have their unique pre-show rituals. Drummer Duncan Phillips warms up with his drumsticks, while lead singer Michael Tait sings along to pop songs to prepare his voice. Frankenstein said he does not have a unique warmup before shows.

Despite Newsboys’ long career, Frankenstein and the band still find excitement in performing live, describing the experience as being “shot out of a cannon”.

“It’s an experience that’s hard to describe to people who have never been on stage before. You know, it’s like, kind of like getting shot out of a cannon once you leave and you’re on stage and still going back, and you’ve got thousands of people staring at you that want to be impressed. It’s an experience like no other,” he said.

The inclusive nature of the band’s concerts ensures that both believers and nonbelievers find something to enjoy. The band aims to entertain and inspire, hoping to leave a lasting impact on all attendees.

“​​You know, for believers, it goes beyond what you know. It goes beyond our selfishness and it can be used to make the world a better place and help people in their faith, in their walk with God, it can introduce people to something they didn’t even know existed, to bring hope to the family. That kind of music plays a role in people’s lives that’s pretty deep and profound and, so for me, that’s why I enjoy doing it for all these years,” Frankenstein said.

Fans attending the Benton concert can expect an energetic live performance and interactive fan experience. The band will perform songs from its new album, including “Worldwide Revival”, “How Many Times” and “Color”. Each song carries a message, whether it’s a throwback to the band’s rock roots or an ode to God’s faithfulness and the diversity of His creation.

For those interested in attending, concert details and ticket information can be found on the Newsboys’ official website at https://www.newsboys.com/tour/#/.