The year 2006 promises to be a year of change for Christian music as five familiar names have already declared their intent to bow out this year.
Audio Adrenaline Says Adios
One of the industry’s top bands, Audio Adrenaline recently announced that it will add a final chapter to its substantial career with Adios, slated to release later this year. After 15-years of music and mission, Audio Adrenaline is choosing to say “adios” to its fan base with the album and select live events.
Audio Adrenaline points to problems frontman Mark Stuart has experienced with ongoing vocal challenges. After consulting with doctors, the toll his voice has taken will prevent his ability to continue a consistent live performance schedule.
The group has sold over three million records and racked up 18 No. 1 singles. With plans for “Adios” in its initial stages, fans can anticipate a commemorative look at the expansive career of Audio Adrenaline through the band’s greatest hits along with two newly recorded songs. A special edition Adios package is slated to include a DVD containing all Audio Adrenaline videos, live performance footage and new band interviews. This package will also feature interviews from artists impacted by Audio Adrenaline, including tobyMac and Steven Curtis Chapman, as well as members of MercyMe, Pillar, Relient K and Newsboys.
More at Audio Adrenaline Says Adios!
4HIM Says Goodbye
After a 16-year career years in Christian music, 4HIM announced the release of their final studio recording on INO Records November 22, 2005.
Composed of Andy Chrisman, Kirk Sullivan, Mark Harris and Marty Magehee, the group began their career in 1990, after becoming acquainted with one another during their time in the vocal group Truth. Throughout their time together, 4HIM has received much acclaim for their 11 hit albums including an RIAA Gold certified album, “The Basics of Life.”
4HIM has begun recording new versions of their biggest hits on the farewell project, appropriately titled Encore…For Future Generations. Once again their longtime producer Michael Omartian will produce the project, which will feature nine favorite 4HIM songs, in addition to a medley and one new track. To support the release, 4HIM will begin a 40-city ENCORE tour this fall thru Spring 2006.
More at 4HIM Announces Farewell Tour and 4HIM Farewell Concert
Watermark Records Final Album
Nathan and Christy Nockels of Watermark recorded their final album, “A Grateful People” (Rocketown/Provident-Integrity), which will release on March 14. An 18-city farewell tour will follow this spring.
Petra Bids Farewell with DVD
Christian rock pioneer Petra brings 33 years of music and ministry to a close with Farewell, the exclusive Nashville tour stop featuring over 65 minutes of live footage from this groundbreaking band. Fans from all over the world flocked to pay homage to the band and take part in the once-in-a-lifetime reunion concert, which drew the likes of Petra alumni Greg X. Volz and John Lawry to the stage. Recorded on October 4th, 2005, Farewell features Petra classics, emerging worship favorites and behind the scenes footage from the concert.
Last August, Petra announced its decision to retire the band at the year’s end. Petra has impacted generations of musicians and fans alike over the years with over seven million CDs sold, four Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The band initially formed in 1972. More at Petra Says Farewell
Forever Changed Calls It Quits
Floodgate recording artist Forever Changed is calling it quits. The band finds it challenging to balance time with their growing families and life on the road so they’re bowing out while their single, ““Need to Feel Alive,” is #2 on the R&R Rock charts; the single has been on the charts for the past 14 weeks.
Out of Eden Takes a Break
After performing together for over 13 years, the sisters who brought us “Rolling Stone, Window,” and “If You Really Knew” are taking a break to pursue other interests and opportunities. Formed in 1994, Out of Eden has sold more than 1.5 million albums, and performed all over the world at festivals, plus conferences and churches. Significantly, the trio has participated in many service projects using their talents to share the Gospel with those in need.
Tonéx Bows Out
Frustrated by the lack of support and love from the gospel and secular community as well as the church, Tonéx, a multiple Stellar and Dove Award-winner, announced in his blog on MySpace.com on Sunday, January 22nd, that he is bowing out of the music industry.
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