Petra Change

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Tuesday 1st July 2003

Petra Drummer Louie Weaver leaves band

VETERAN Christian rock band Petra have announced that they have parted company with their drummer Louie Weaver. Weaver was the longest touring member of Petra and has been with the band for over 20 years. Weaver was dismissed from service to the band on 8th February 2003. On his website Weaver said he was "shocked" and "surprised" that such a decision was made by current band leader John Schlitt and Schlitt's personal manager, Wayne Seboa. Petra are currently in the studio working on their next record with Newsboys' Peter Furler. The band say it will be a "classic Petra rock record." CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Reader Comments

Posted by Mike Besvold in st.Paul MN @ 19:18 on Apr 9 2018

Petra is the greatest band created! their message is straight from the bible and just blows you away, I'm a drummer so I had a instant liking to Louie and his amazing style, after 5 yrs of being a huge fan I get a call at work, the person says "Hi, this is Louie from Petra, I'm coming to your church to play a drum Testimony seminar, do you think I could us your drums" my youth pastor told him I have a nice kit... of course I said yes!! he came, played and stayed in town for a few day so we got to hang out, go shopping, have breakfast, I was almost speechless being in presents of my favorite drummer, it was amazing... so months later they play a big show in St Paul Mn, they had a autograph session before the show, as I'm waiting in line hoping he would remember me, I hear someone yelling my name, yep it was louie standing on his chair, he invited me to the sound check where I got to get on stage and play his famous Mickey Mouse drums and then have dinner back stage with the band and a few others, what a group of guys, so humble and what a way to repay me for using my drums.. ill never forget that day, Louie you will always be the Greatest in my Eyes, don't know what I would do with out you guys! thanks for being a huge part of my life.
God Bless



Posted by Doug seigrist in Cabot arkansaa @ 07:26 on Dec 3 2015

Man let me tell ya I love Petra when I first heard them even back in the Lucas McGraw days there is no better band getting the word of Jesus Christ out Greg has a nice voice but john has a killer voice I even liked him in our turn now with carman and 4him rollercoaster ride of life and when he was with head east and him leaving that band is what saves his life and salvation. But Petra is the greatest and I have all the albums. Petra you rock for GODS flock.



Posted by A Louie weaver fan in Does it matter @ 09:03 on May 21 2014

You guys made a bad mistake
Kicking Louie from the band! I can say this
You just lost a fan!



Posted by Janet Cappellanti-Ad in Pasadena, CA @ 19:03 on Aug 5 2013

I agree with all of the above msgs & was sorry 2 hear about this; perhaps there was 'reason' that is only between God, Petra & Br. L. Weaver; nevertheless, praise God!! :-)...4 divinely 'raising up' PETRA!! :-)...Christian/Gospel music was never same once they 'arrived on scene', because it was just what 'He divinely ordered'!! :-)



Posted by Mr. Kelly Thornton in Dallas, OR @ 07:59 on Feb 14 2013

Mr. John W. Schlitt read my near death testimony to the audience at his "Shake" tour (In Salem, Oregon - 1995) & sang the song "Creed" dedicated to me!!! Best night of my life > So Far! I told him in the last paragraph that Mr. Louie Weaver was the BEST Drummer I've Ever Seen! The Audience Agreed!!! When you think of other drummers like: Lars Ulrich of "Metallica", Rick Allen of "Def Leppard", to name a few.... Mr. Weaver makes them look like they are playing with "Tinker Toys" when you compare them to Mr. Weaver!!!



Posted by Charles A.Amador in Houston, TX @ 19:47 on Nov 26 2012

Wow ...I remember Petra's concert in Houston. It was an awesome event that night. The youth at my church were wild ...well so was I ...calling out Jesus' name out loud. As a drummer now for 18 yrs, L.W. became an inspiration to me. He had an amazing way on dominating that great drum kit. To my ears, that kit was PRAISING JESUS CHRIST! .... Of course everyone else were awesome., but L.W. helped me strengthen my drumming. I haven't seen Petra since. As far as know L.W. will be a most high inspiration to me no matter what happened between him and the band. GOD BLESS!!!!



Posted by Josiah Honest in Houston,Texas @ 21:12 on Oct 19 2009

I love Petra and have since the mid 1980's,when I saw them in South Florida on the "Back to the Street"tour.I know it's neither here nor there and doesn't matter anymore.But Louie Weaver is one of the best drummers I have ever seen.One of my best memories from seeing Petra play live was seeing Louie Weaver wearing a Mickey Mouse T-shirt,just tear it up on the drums,and then come out from behind the drums and witness,and testify to the audience about how much he loved Jesus Christ.I can't imagine what situation would call for him being fired from the band after 22 years,when forgiveness is the central theme of Christianity.I just don't think it was the right move,and don't think it's what Louie Weaver deserved(for whatever reason).I'm surprised that noone else in the band stood up for Louie.I think Paul Simmons is a fantastic drummer,and I really like my"Farewell" CD that I listen to often.But man,22 years is a long time,and anyone can see a video of Louie Weaver's drumming,online if you search for it,and remember,there just is/was no better drummer than Louie Weaver,and after 22years deserved to retire with the rest of Petra.That's my opinion.I love Petra,and will still be listening to them no matter what,and am thankful for all the great music praising the Lord Jesus Christ!,and spreading the Gospel Message!



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