Email newsletter   ::   May 23, 2003   ::   Vol. 2, No. 3

Many of you have no doubt heard the news: Petra has again undergone some major personnel changes. I'll explain what has happened in this edition of the newsletter, plus give you some news on Petra's upcoming album.

Until next time,

     —Josh

P.S. — Please forward this newsletter to your friends so they can learn what's new in the world of Petra!

Petra lineup changes again

Big changes within Petra became public earlier this month. Three members are gone, and one "retired" member is back.

The band announced on its new website (www.petraband.com) that 22-year veteran drummer Louie Weaver was no longer performing with the band anymore. About the same time, it was confirmed that Quinton Gibson (guitar) and Bryce Bell (keyboards) had departed to work with other groups; Quinton is now in a band called Strange Celebrity, and Bryce is touring with Rebecca St. James.

However, later in May, Louie announced publicly that he did not leave the band on his own. In a statement on his website, Louie said he "was dismissed from service to the band" on Feb. 8 by John Schlitt and manager Wayne Seboa. Louie also said he "shocked and "surprised" by the decision. Louie said he is continuing in music ministry, and plans to record new material for "praise and worship to Christ our Lord".

Amidst all these changes, there is a nugget of good news. Bob Hartman -- the band's principal song writer, one of its founders, and former lead guitarist -- is coming out of his "touring retirement" and will tour with the band.

For more information about this entire subject, visit the links below.

» PRMW's news stories: http://www.petrarocksmyworld.com/news.html

» Statement from Petra: http://www.petraband.com/

» Statement from Louie: http://www.louieweaver.com/statement.htm

Tidbits about the new album

Here are a few nuggets of new information about Petra's upcoming album.

The album now has a title and a new release date. It's called "Jekyll & Hyde" and it will come out Aug. 19, a week later than originally scheduled.

Petra's new website features some artwork -- possibly the cover art for the album -- of a man standing in a "crop circle" in the shape of a guitar. The man is holding a sign that says "Petra - Blue Collar Rock."

On the site, the band said that they are trying to work out a way for loyal fans to buy "Jekyll & Hyde" before it is released in bookstores.

Jamie Rowe of Guardian has also told fans that he recorded background vocals for the album with Peter Furler (the album's producer) and Phil Joel. Jamie said "Pete kept referencing AC/DC as a background vocal style he was wanting."

Jamie mentioned the title track had "some pretty heavy riffs." He said that fans who "loved the Petra that played straight ahead classic rock" will be thrilled with this album.

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