Petra’s Bob Hartman and John Sclitt discuss their new collaboration at GMA Week 2003
Inpop Records Grammy and Dove Award-winning rock group, Petra, is set to release their 20th studio record, Jekyll and Hyde, on August 19. Petra’s founder Bob Hartman has re-joined the group for what is arguably their most aggressive rock record to date. Hartman, who wrote or co-wrote each of the ten songs on the project, will tour as Petra’s guitarist for the first time in over 7 years. Jekyll and Hyde is produced by Newsboy’s frontman and Inpop Records co-owner, Peter Furler. In addition to his role as producer, Furler adds his signature drumming to the collection of straight-ahead rock tracks.
“It seems odd to say that this record is our most aggressive rock record so far,” states Petra lead singer John Schlitt. “For years, our fans have been asking for an all-out rock and roll record. Jekyll and Hyde is just that, and we think it will have been worth the wait.” Hartman adds, “It may have been a few years since I’ve been an active part of Petra, but my heart has never left. I’m more excited about this project than anything else I’ve done and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
Jekyll and Hyde’s title track will serve as the project’s first single at Rock radio with a June 27 add date. “Till’ Everything I Do” will be serviced to AC/CHR radio approximately two weeks later. In addition to a national radio promotion campaign, Jekyll and Hyde will benefit from extensive fan promotions, including an online contest with a grand-prize of a guitar autographed by Bob Hartman and John Schlitt.
“I think almost everyone has a ‘Petra’ story or can remember the first time they heard the band,” comments Furler. “Petra has played a very important role in our industry, and laid some ground for all of us to walk. I respect them for their hard work, and have been personally impacted by the band over the years.”
Petra was founded in 1972 and has sold over 7 million records over their 30+ year career. They have been the recipient of four Grammy Awards and ten Dove Awards, and in 2000, the group was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The band is currently finishing work on Jekyll and Hyde and in the process of finalizing their summer and fall touring schedule.
RELATED ARTICLES
John Schlitt at 2002 GMA Week
