Founder of The Newsboys moves on to pursue writing and speaking

JOHN JAMES, lead singer and founding member of Australian rockers The Newsboys, recently announced that he will leave the group. He will be pursuing a new career in writing and speaking. And he will be continuing to be managed by First Company Management.

Said James, "I have been a member of Newsboys since the beginning and although it's tough to leave what has been such an enormous part of my life, I feel God is calling me to move on and focus in a new direction. I have enjoyed the past 12 years and am so grateful for everything. I also appreciate the kindness and support the rest of the band has shown me in this difficult decision." "It's like losing a family member, having John leave the band," commented the band's new lead singer, drummer Peter Furler, who had been sharing the lead vocals with James. "We've been friends for nearly half our lives and will remain so. I have to admit that I'll miss having him around on the road and as a part of the band. However, we definitely want God's best for him and his family and support him fully in his decision."

The group are currently recording the vocals for their new release due on March 24th. While the upcoming project is as yet untitled, three original Newsboys-style songs will be "Entertaining Angels", "The Tide" and "Always". It appears that this project will be the first without John. The Newsboys will support the record by launching a 160+ city world tour. The tour will start in September 1998 and end in May 1999.