Welcome to The Newsbits, a semi-almost-kinda-regular edition of the latest news in the Newsboys world. The title "Newsbits" is probably about a year old now. I kept resting my right hand on the wrong portion of the keyboard and typing "Newsbits" instead of "Newsboys." Eventually I was able to fix this habit of mine, but the name stuck in my head. I figured if I ever tried to add a news section to my site, I'd call it by this name. And now the time has come. Okay, enough title-explanation. On to the news!
As of 12-12-02...
Good grief it's been a while. But you know what? That just mean there's plenty to talk about this time! Where to begin?...
Well, I'll start with the bad news. Audrey of CCMBuzz fame has informed the online world that Adoration's projected release date has been moved to April 8, 2003 instead of Feb. 25, 2003 as announced earlier. If you're scratching your head wondering what "Adoration" is, then look down the page at the next news story and you'll be all set. Anyway, it won't release until April 8, which you have to admit IS better than April 29, as they were saying before they came up with the February date. But have we even known a Newsboys project to get released on the expected release date when it's announced this far out? I didn't think so. So long as they take the time to get it "just right," that's what counts.
Okay, you've figured out that "Adoration" is something Newsboys-related and that it has a quickly-shifting release date. But just what is it? Believe it or not, it's the Newsboys new album, the full name of which is "Adoration: The Worship Project." As you may have guessed from the title, this is a worship CD. And yes, I know, they just released a CD earlier THIS year. They're busy guys! I'd make a joke about being as busy as dc the bumble bee, but only about two people would get that... So instead of obscure in-jokes, I'll instead give you a handy-dandy link that leads to a wonderous page with three (count 'em, three) Newsboys goodies. The first is an interview with Peter, the second is a behind-the-scenes look at their latest photo shoot, and the third (most exciting) is the title song "Adoration" in its entirity, ready for streaming. So go check it out! Then come right back here, of course. :) Oh, and thanks to chris for that link.
Okay, so now your appetite for new Newsboys stuff was been whetted. You want more? Well then, how about a new music video? Yup, the Newsboys have created a music video for "Million Pieces." Yea! You can stream it here at acaza.com. I should have a whole screen-cap section devoted to it within the next few weeks, but here's a taste...
Want another couple new pics of our favorite band? Really? Okay. Beg! Come on, beg! Oh, all right. I'll let you off easy this time. ;-) Courtesy of acaza.com, here come a few more new pictures of the Boyz.
Okay, next up we have a fun little interview segment with Phil, hosted by his wife Heather. They appeared on Christianbook/MusicForce's Street Week and you can watch it here. Thanks, Nena!!!
Been wondering how big Phyn is lately? Well, you can catch a glimpse of the Joel family and read a really nice interviw with Phil here from Brio and Beyond magazine. Oh, and here are some pictures to enjoy right here. Wow she's growing up!!! Thanks to stangbaby for this cute article.
Well, WE know how wonderful the Newsboys are, but does the rest of the world? Apparently so! R&R (Radio and Records) has just announced that our beloved Newsboys are the AC and CHR Major Impact Artist of the year. And to add to their already hefty stack of awards, R&R also named "It is You" as the the CHR Song of the Year. Congratulations, Newsboys! This news comes from newsboys.com and sparrowrecords.com
Okay, tonight's last piece of news is about a chance to meet the Newsboys while doing a very good deed. The Newsboys have partnered with Teen Mania to present a missions trip next June to Puerto Rico and Mexico City. The Newsboys will actually be going on this mission trip, which aims to help build houses for the locals. Teen Mania needs volunteers to go along to help the Newsboys accomplish this. At the Irvine, CA stop in the Thrive Tour, Peter said something to the effect of, "We'd like you to come along if you're good with a hammer, or can carry water... Or just want to hang out with Phil for a couple days!" Teen Mania's website still has no info on this trip, but you can sign up for information at the Thrive tour when it comes your way. I'll try and keep you posted. Special thanks to Nena for the month and location info.
All right, that's it for now. Enjoy Christmas, stay healthy, and have a wonderful and blessed New Year, everyone! Cheerio!
As of 9-21-02...
You have Tuesday, September 24, marked on your calendars, right? Good. You'll want to rush right out to the stores and pick up "Newsboys Remixed," because that's the day it hits the shelves. Here is a revised track list:
1. It is You
2. Joy
3. Lord (I Don't Know)
4. Million Pieces
5. Beautiful Sound
6. Thrive
7. Good Stuff
8. The Fad of the Land
9. Entertaining Angels
10. Shine
11. LoveLibertyDisco
12. Rescue
13. Mega MixThe always awesome Dave (daveshine) had the opportunity to listen to the new CD (yes, before its release!) and has some sad news for us all... Five of the twelve tracks are repeats! Track 5 is the remix from the LLD promo CD. Track 9 is from the Entertaining Angels single, as is Track 10. Track 11 is the dance remix from the LLD promo single. Finally, Track 13 is the Mega Mix from "Shine... the Hits." But hey! At least we get new mixes of It is You, Joy, Lord, Million Pieces, Thrive, Good Stuff, The Fad of the Land, and Rescue! Yippee! Head on over to this page to hear clips from each song.
In other CD news, the release date for "Bring It On" has been moved to October 22, 2002. "Bring it On" is Phil's second solo CD. To help the wait go by faster, you can head over here and listen to audio clips from each song! Oh, and here's the track list. Major thanks to Zeborg for the audio clips and to Sarah for what appears to be a new promo Phil photo! :)
1. Resolution
2. Return
3. The Man You Want Me to Be
4. I Adore You
5. Passing Angel
6. All So Good
7. Move
8. No Longer
9. Fallen in Love
10. Take My Heart
And in other other CD news, major big thank yous to our favorite SuperMoose Dave for pointing out the upcoming releaase of the Boys' new studio album. It's rumored to be a praise album and it's slated for an April 29, 2003 release date. I'll try to get you more info as I hear it. Meanwhile, you can read an article with a brief mention of it here. The April release date is mentioned here. Thanks also to OPJF Grace and zeborah for this info!
Whew! Three new albums. Tired yet? Then you need to sit back and relax for a bit. How about putting your feet up and enjoying the Thrive concert... in your living room! Yup! On October 7 the Newsboys will be taping the TV premiere of the Thrive tour which will air on TBN on October 11. WooHoo! Get your VCRs ready! If you happen to live near Hendersenville, TN then you might want to go watch the show live. You can read all about it here. Thanks to Mik for pointing this one out!
Finally, Phil did an interview on the R!OT (RadioU) with Ted and Nikki... except that Ted was AWOL that day, so Obi got to pester him instead. Check out the hilarious fun in this mini interview. Thanks, Michele!
That's about it for now. Keep your ears and eyes open, folks! If you hear something cool, lemme know and I'll be sure to put it in here. Thanks!
As of 9-2-02...
Guess what?! It's cover time again! This time it's the cover for "Newsboys Remixed," the Newsboys' remix album due out later this month. (See the last news update for details.)
Our favorite Australian web-bot/bumblebee is at it again! dc has completely updated www.newsboys.com. Go check it out! And the best news of all? No more pop-up windows! (And the people sing wooooohoooooo. And the times are good! Wooooohoooooo.)
Itching for another Newsboys concert? Well, itch no more! Tickets for the Thrive tour are available Sept. 7 (Saturday). You can order them through iTickets. Ticket dates are already available at iTickets, or you can check the list below.
That's all the news for now. Sorry. It's been a little slow lately. I'm sure there will be plenty more to say next time. Until then, keep your eyes and ears open!
As of 8-19-02...
It's official. We have a cover! Major thanks to Dave (daveshine) of the awesome German site for pointing this out on a message board. I tell ya, he's got connections! Yes, this is the cover of Phil's latest CD, "Bring it On." I'm still hearing September 24 as a possible release date. We'll see! You can read a bit about the CD here.
If one CD isn't enough to whet your appetite, how about two? The track list for "Newsboys Remixed" (due out Sept. 24) has been released and is as follows. (Thanks, KrustyKlingons!!!)
1. Shine
2. Entertaining Angels
3. Beautiful Sound
4. Love Liberty Disco
5. Good Stuff
6. Joy
7. Thrive
8. It Is You
9. Million Pieces
10. Fad Of The Land
11. Rescue
12. LordYou can listen to the samples of the new "Joy" and "Lord" remixes courtesy Christianbooks.com. You can also read (what little info there is) about it here.
What, hearing your favorite Newsies isn't enough? You want to see them as well? Well, how about seeing them on network television? The Newsboys will be performing live on CBS on August 25th (Sunday) at 9am Eastern, 8 Central. Yes, I know, it interferes with church, but this is why God invented VCRs! ;-) I have absolutely no more details than this, but I'm sure it will be great!
And finally, if you still haven't met your Newsboys quota, then do I have terrific news for you! The "Thrive - It's All in the Word" tour dates have been announced! The Newsboys have partnered with Zondervan NIV Student Bible to make this a very special tour. But first, who, where, and when? Who is Newsboys, ZOEgirl, Superchic[k], and By the Tree. Where and when follows:
Bethlehem, PA Lehigh University 10-11-02 7:30 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Arena 10-17-02 Bangor, ME Bangor Auditorium 10-9-02 7:30 Worcester, MA The Palladium 10-10-02 7:30 Fairfax, VA Patriot Center - George Mason Univ. 10-13-02 6:00 Buffalo, NY Kleinhans Music Hall 10-18-02 7:00 Findlay, OH Univ. of Findlay - Koehler Arena 10-19-02 7:00 Columbus, OH Veterans Memorial Auditorium 10-20-02 6:00 Whitestown, IN Eagle Center 10-24-02 7:30 Detroit, MI North Ridge Church 10-25-02 8:00 Grand Rapids, MI Deltaplex 10-26-02 7:30 Cleveland, OH State Theatre 10-27-02 7:00 Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls Arena 10-31-02 7:00 Clive, IA 7 Flags Event Center 11-1-02 8:00 Duluth, MN DECC (Duluth Entertainment Conv. Ctr 11-2-02 7:00 Minot, ND Minot Munipul Auditorium 11-3-02 6:30 Cincinnati, OH US Bank Arena 11-5-02 7:00 Champaign, IL University of IL - Assembly Hall 11-7-02 7:30 Little Rock, AR Barton Coliseum 11-8-02 7:00 Wichita, KS Century ll Convention Hall 11-9-02 7:00 Topeka, KS Langdon Coliseum 11-10-02 7:00 Villa Park, IL Odeum Sport and Expo Center 11-15-02 8:00 St. Paul, MN Roy Wilkins Auditorium 11-17-02 6:00 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium 11-19-02 7:00 Albuquerque, NM Southeast Exhibit Hall 11-21-02 7:00 Mesa, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre 11-22-02 7:00 Azusa, CA Felix Event Center - Azusa Pacific Univ. 11-23-02 7:00 Visalia, CA Visalia Convention Center 11-24-02 7:00 San Jose, CA Civic Auditorium 11-26-02 7:00 Boise, ID Boise State Pavilion 11-29-02 7:30 Salem, OR Salem Armory 11-30-02 7:00 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena 12-1-02 6:00 Austin, TX Parmer Auditorium 1-16-03 7:00 The Woodlands, TX Fellowship of The Woodlands 1-17-03 7:00 Dallas, TX Next Stage 1-18-03 7:00 Hattiesburg, MS Reed Green Coliseum 1-19-03 7:00 Birmingham, AL Boutwell Auditorium 1-20-03 7:00 Atlanta, GA Gwinnett Civic Center 1-23-03 7:00 Clearwater, FL Coachman's Park 1-24-03 7:00 West Palm Beach, FL Mars Music Amphitheatre 1-25-03 7:30 Some ticket information is available at iTickets.
As far as partnering with Zondervan NIV Student Bible, be expecting a free Book of Romans give-away at the Thrive shows. Also, newsboys.com will be offering a free sign-up for people who want to commit to reading and studying the Bible. Once you register your name and city, you will be allowed access to study tools and a reading plan on the Newsboys' site. Product placement and in-store merchandising is also part of the plan. You can read all about this partnership at CMCentral. Thanks, Nena!!!
Speaking of newsboys.com, our favorite self-proclaimed web-bot dc has been appointed the new web master for newsboys.com. Yea! dc needs our help and is looking to us CCMBuzzers! He's looking for our input into what the Newsboys' site MUST have here and is also asking us to help him compile a FAQ list here. Welcome back, dc!
Finally, Jojo informs me that she's pretty sure that the newest Newsgirl's middle name is Holden, making Duncan and Breeon's daughter's full name Taylor Holden Phillips. Thanks for the update!
That's it for now. I'll keep my eyes and ears open, and you guys please pass along anything you hear about and I'll be sure to give you oodles of credit. Thanks!
As of 8-4-02...
Taylor Phillips has officially joined the ranks of the Newsgirls, bringing the grand total to three. What's her middle name? Well, we've been hearing that it's going to be Holden, but I haven't been able to confirm if that's what they named her. For certain, her first name is Taylor. That is mentioned in their new book "Shine" (more on that later). Breeon and Duncan Phillips' baby was born on June 15 or 16 according to my sources. (Thanks kiwiangel and Jodysbestestfriend. You two rock!!!) The Newsboys' PR woman at CCMBuzz has stated that it is unlikely there will be pictures of her released. Everybody moan! Ready? Awwwwww...
In other news, get your VCRs ready, because the Newsboys' new music video has arrived! But... it's on a VeggieTales video tape, so you'll have to go get it to see the video. Yes, the Newsboys have a new song entitled "Belly of the Whale." It's on the VeggieTales tape "Jonah Sing-Along Songs and More!" put out by Big Idea Productions and distributed by Word Entertainment. You can almost assuredly find this tape in your local Christian bookstore. I had a little trouble tracking it down yesterday. It's a brand-new release and some stores (around here at least) don't have it in stock yet. "Belly of the Whale" is a Newsboys' creation, with music by Peter Furler and lyrics by Steve Taylor. It's a very fun and catchy song! You can read the lyrics here, watch a video clip here, and check out the screen captures section here.
As if the music video wasn't enough, the Newsboys also have a new book out, entitled "Shine: Make Them Wonder What You've Got." It's a marvelously thick book, weighing in at 360 pages. The Newsboys talk very frankly about their spiritual lives and the massive turn-around they have all made over the last two years. Shine teaches us the importance of letting others see Christ in ourselves and how to draw closer to Him. Peter shares about the hardest, saddest time in his life that birthed one of our favorite Newsboys' tunes. Phil talks about being a long-haired hippy in a conservative town. Jody shares (for pages at a time) about almost losing his one-month-old baby girl, Bethany. The book is filled with inspiration, instruction, and wonderful Scripture passages. This is a must-read! It too is new, so call around first before you head to the store to make sure it's in stock. I had to call several places!
Dates have not yet been announced for the Newsboys' Fall Thrive tour, but I do know that they will be touring with ZOEgirl, Superchic[k], and By the Tree. (I believe that's who they've chosen as fourth act.) Peter says that he hopes to have a giant crane rigged so that he and fellow Newsboys can stand on a platform and get carried out to the nose-bleed seats so that even people in the back can see them up-close. He's not sure if it's feasible or not, but he says now that he's announced it, he HAS to carry through with it or else! He also assures us that if they can't pull this off, they will come up with something even better. He wants to return to the TMTYL-tour-style theatrics and dynamic staging they used to employ.
After buying the VeggieTales video and the book, do you still have more money? Well...there's more NB merch to be had! The Newsboys will be releasing a remix album in a couple months. I have no more details than that. The last I heard, it was scheduled to be released in September, but that has been removed from newsboys.com, leading me to wonder if the project has been delayed or not.
Phil Joel fans rejoice! After much waiting, Phil's second album, "Bring it On," is due out October 22, 2002! Hooray!!! (I've also heard September 24 as a release date, but I'm not holding my breath.) Again, I have no more details than that, but I'll keep you all posted as I learn more.
Have a guitar? A piano? Anything that plays music? Well, head on over to the official Newsboys' web site and download the sheet music to "It is You." This is a PDF file that was originally only available to members of a worship music web site, but now has been released web-wide. Thanks, Newsboys!!!
That's it for now. If you hear anything Newsboys-related that I didn't mention here, please drop me a line at eanah@newsboysdeluxe.com. Thanks!!!
As of 6-22-02...
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Major thanks to Florence for pointing this out to me! :) I was a little slow in getting this info up, so the Kings Fest contest is already over and the Spirit Song winner will be announced in two days. Oh well. At least we have a cool postcard to look at. Anyway... if you're a lucky fan living in or near Doswell, VA or Cincinnati, OH you had a chance to win a ride on a roller coaster with Phil and "a few of the Newsboys"! Click here for the VA entry form (although the contest is already over!) and here for the OH entry form. So Phil is the official coaster freak of the Newsboys, eh? Notice he's the only guaranteed one to accompany you on the ride. I wonder who else will go. Since Peter gets dizzy on the drum kit each night and doesn't feel well before shows anyway, my guess would be he's not going along, but you never know!
Hmm. I just have to include this picture. The logo of the Newsies all crammed into one car just kills me!
(Oh, here's the fine print for ya...) The Kings Fest Contest includes 2 full-event tickets to Kings Fest and admission to Paramount's Kings Dominion June 27-29, 2002. The Spirit Song Contest includes 2 full-event tickets to Spirit Song and admission to Paramount's Kings Island July 11-13, 2002. Contests do not include transportation to the Festival. A winner will be chosen at random: on June 17 for Kings Fest and on June 24 for Spirit Song. Winners will be notified by email. The winner will have until June 19 to respond for the Kings Fest prize and until June 26 to respond for the Spirit Song prize, respectively. Ride and time of ride will be determined by Paramount's Kings Dominion or Paramount's Kings Island and Newsboys. Additional details will be given to the winners once chosen.
Contest sponsored by: Jam Christian Concerts, Paramount's Kings Island & Paramount's Kings Dominion
In other news, the Newsboys' DVD and video came out on June 18 ! The DVD is the full version of the concert that was aired on PAX several weeks ago. (The PAX version was heavily edited due to time constraints.) The concert was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was really cool! The DVD includes several bonus features, such as interviews, footage that the Boys shot themselves, footage of the rehearsal, and a nifty feature where you can choose from which of the many camera angles you'd like to watch the show. The video has some of the above-mentioned goodies too. This is the Newsboys' second DVD. A DVD version of their 1998 "Live: One Night in Pennsylvania" video was released October 2000. You can order this DVD several places online and find it in stores!
Speaking of Newsboys merchandise, the Boys also have a book coming out soon! You can go here to "read all about it." Ouch. Bad pun... Anyway, it's called "Shine: Make Them Wonder What You Got." It's available July 15, measures 9x6, has a really cool cover, and is published by Whitaker House Publishers. Here's what Christianbooks says about it:
A unique glimpse into the lives and faith of one of the world's top Christian bands - and a call for believers of all ages to enter in to a deeper spiritual life of surrender, service, and joy in Christ. With great personal feeling and conviction, the Newsboys share openly about their spiritual journey to greater intimacy with God - seeking God and coming to know Him in a deeper way, meeting the needs of others and encountering new joy, losing themselves in Christ and experiencing a renewed faith.
Also worthy of note, the Newsboys have set a new record. "It is You" (a single from "Thrive") has now spent 12 weeks at #1 on Christian hit radio charts. This is the first time a song has sat at number one for so long in the CCM world. Congratulations, Newsboys!
July 13 is rapidly approaching. If that date sounds familiar, it's because that's the date Baby Phillips is due to be born! Yes, Duncan and Breeon Phillips are expecting their first child (a daughter) very soon now. I've heard that she may even arrive early (or perhaps has already done so). I suppose we'll find out soon! A couple months ago the Newsboys were saying that her name might be "Taylor Holden." Again, we'll all just have to wait and see for sure. Best of luck to the soon-to-be sleepless Phillips family and God bless!
