The Petra Zone

Just saw that Greg X finally revamped his website and curiously it notes "I'm looking forward to the future! I have about 10 albums in my computer I have been writing for the past 8 years, that have not been released yet. John Lawry and Louie Weaver and I have been talking about getting back together as "Classic Petra" with Ronnie Cates (Former bassist of Petra after Mark Kelly) I haven't decided on the guitar player yet. But we're all excited about doing a 2nd Back To The Rock project including new origianl music. Time will tell. We are hoping things will move forward this year".

Not sure how I feel about this, interesting to say the least!

Wow! I noticed a couple of weeks back, Greg's old (crappy) website had finally expired. I was under the impression that Greg was finally hanging his hat. This new website gives hope to those, like me, who were eagerly anticipating a promised Back to the Rock follow up. As far as the open slot for guitar players, I'd personally love to hear Kirk Henderson join this team. Kirk was Greg's solo guitarist for many years post-Petra. I'm not sure how this new band could/would handle being called "Classic Petra" without Bob in the group. Either way, let's hope something comes to fruition sooner than later. These guys aren't getting any younger!

What is the website link? I'd like to see that.

gregxvolz.com

The details can be found under the "Blog" section

I spoke with him this year and asked what he had been up to. He said he never stopped doing what he does...playing churches for love offerings. I don't think it would be Classic Petra without Bob and Mark. While it was great to see/hear it again, it was obviously uncomfortable and stressed. Hopefully they use someone from their era, who might have toured with them and been known in the same market. Rex Carroll would be cool. Owen Brock would be nice.

Its probably just me but I find it strange that after being virtually silent for so long Greg's website is finally updated along with his blog post announcing to the world the possibility of a "Classic Petra" regrouping without Bob and possibly with Ronny Cates all within a few days of John releasing his new "Union" project. I guess timing is everything..

billM wrote:Its probably just me but I find it strange that after being virtually silent for so long Greg's website is finally updated along with his blog post announcing to the world the possibility of a "Classic Petra" regrouping without Bob and possibly with Ronny Cates all within a few days of John releasing his new "Union" project. I guess timing is everything..

It does make for interesting timing considering how much is not yet concrete. I remember reading a post on this very forum a few YEARS ago saying that Greg & Louie were kicking around the idea of forming a post-Classic Petra band called "Beyond Jordan." Seems like not much has really transpired over the years. I wish Greg and the guys the best because I'd really like to hear more.

Nah. I don't think it was even on Greg's radar. He operates in his own world more or less. He is doing the church gig and John's band isn't really a church or para church ministry service. Greg is always adapting and changing things. He doesn't wait long for something to fizz out before he shifts gears.

brent wrote:Hopefully they use someone from their era, who might have toured with them and been known in the same market. Rex Carroll would be cool. Owen Brock would be nice.

Does Rex Carroll still have a big chip on his shoulder? I know back in his heyday with Whitecross, he had a reputation for being a bit egotistical.

At any rate, I really don't see how they could call themselves "Petra" without some involvement from Bob Hartman. Even during the "dark ages" of Petra following Bob's semi-retirement, he was still actively writing and playing in the studio, so it was still legitimately Petra.

Mountain Man wrote:I really don't see how they could call themselves "Petra" without some involvement from Bob Hartman. Even during the "dark ages" of Petra following Bob's semi-retirement, he was still actively writing and playing in the studio, so it was still legitimately Petra.

I believe the business arrangement I remember hearing was that Bob, Greg, Mark, John, and Louie each owned equal shares (20%) of "Classic Petra." That being said, I'm not sure what the terms & conditions of their arrangement were should members (in this case, Bob & Mark) wish to part ways. In typical co-owned business situations, one could sell their share back to the other co-owners (or perhaps to new owners/members of the band). This, of course, is all speculation on my part, but wasn't a similar arrangement made in the mid '90s with Bob & John? From what I understand, everyone else in the band was simply an "employee" (including Greg X. Volz's first stint with Petra). 'Twould be nice if our friend, John Slick, could chime in on this topic, that is if he's still kicking around The Petra Zone.

What kind of tomatoes?

Jonathan wrote:What kind of tomatoes?

Bob

Oh Mountain Man....Rex IS a guitar player. That goes without saying...

p-freak wrote:

Jonathan wrote:What kind of tomatoes?

Bob

brent wrote: I don't think it would be Classic Petra without Bob and Mark.

Me either.