Farewell line-up reunion

[fcollazo]

Well, even firing Louie was ridiculous, sad, desperate, cowardly and none the less insulting. I am not getting over it. Louie was the heart of Petra, more meaningful for branding porpouses that all the other members besides Bob and the Singers, and most of all: Louie gave half of his lifetime to this ministry through thick and thin, had a family to support, and was paid with a slap on the face.

[RockOn]

Here's my opportunity to add a little controversy to the mix.

Does it concern anyone else that Paul Simmons is playing drums for "Reverend" Horton Heat? They don't exactly extol positive, moral values through their music.

Here are some titles from their latest CD:

Drinkin' and Smokin' Cigarettes
Please Don't Take the Baby to the Liquor Store
Oh God! Doesn't Work in Vegas
Beer Holder

And while it's true you can't judge another's heart (only their fruits), it seems to me that this would be a hard gig for a Christian to have. With the temptation of playing in bars and the lyrics to some of their songs being blatantly offensive to the gospel, it doesn't seem like this would be a good fit for a Christian.

And let me state that I have never heard anything offensive from or about Paul. i have also not kept up with his career since he was in Petra.

I pray that I'm wrong and he's strong enough to stave off the world's temptations, but it seems a hard road to travel.

Any thoughts?

[Preacherman777]

To me, the Farewell line up has become pretty much irrelevant. That version of Petra is just the last remaining slab of confusion that represented Petra ever since the mid 90's when Bob gave the appearance that he had left. Even though he eventually came back, Petra (as it was) remained a revolving door of players whose level of commitment to the band was certainly questionable and in some cases their level of spiritual commitment was even questionable. I accepted this as Petra at the time, cuz, well, what choice did I or any of us have. If we wanted Petra, this was all there was and it was the only way to bring any kind of closure to this band we had loved for so long.

But now there is a legitimate bonafide Petra back on the table. A group of guys who all served long tours of duty with Petra and showed themselves to be fine examples of commitment both to the band and to God. Therefore, in my mind, Classic Petra is now the real Petra once again and this other thing is well, nice, but really just a side show.

[Shell]

This about sums it up for me too.

[fcollazo]

Way to go Preacherman! That's exactly what I say. To me the "Farewell Petra" reunion is a joke. They do not even have a new set list. Is the same Ruminating set we have heard for the past 8 years! That's my opinion. Come on, at least get all unplayed songs.

[Jonathan]

[executioner]

To me, the Farewell line up has become pretty much irrelevant. That version of Petra is just the last remaining slab of confusion that represented Petra ever since the mid 90's when Bob gave the appearance that he had left. Even though he eventually came back, Petra (as it was) remained a revolving door of players whose level of commitment to the band was certainly questionable and in some cases their level of spiritual commitment was even questionable. I accepted this as Petra at the time, cuz, well, what choice did I or any of us have. If we wanted Petra, this was all there was and it was the only way to bring any kind of closure to this band we had loved for so long.

But now there is a legitimate bonafide Petra back on the table. A group of guys who all served long tours of duty with Petra and showed themselves to be fine examples of commitment both to the band and to God. Therefore, in my mind, Classic Petra is now the real Petra once again and this other thing is well, nice, but really just a side show.

You had me until the last paragraph and that's all I will say on the subject. PM me if you want more specific info.

[separateunion]

Does it concern anyone else that Paul Simmons is playing drums for "Reverend" Horton Heat? They don't exactly extol positive, moral values through their music.

Here are some titles from their latest CD:

Drinkin' and Smokin' Cigarettes
Please Don't Take the Baby to the Liquor Store
Oh God! Doesn't Work in Vegas
Beer Holder

If you're basing your view of their morality only on the fact that they are okay with smoking, drinking and Vegas (or gambling), I can't agree with you. I smoke a pipe. I have a couple of glasses of wine and a few beers a week. I enjoy going to the casino on rare occasion and play online poker for real money. None of those acts are anti-Biblical.

And while it's true you can't judge another's heart (only their fruits), it seems to me that this would be a hard gig for a Christian to have. With the temptation of playing in bars and the lyrics to some of their songs being blatantly offensive to the gospel, it doesn't seem like this would be a good fit for a Christian.

I have no problem with Christians playing music in bars and fail to see how that is wrong for a Christian to do. Do you have specific lyrics that you find blatantly offensive to the gospel? I've never listened to the band, so I don't really know any of their music. If it's just songs about drinking and smoking and gambling though, I'm not going to agree that it's offensive to the gospel.

[Enosh]

It would be strange to have a Farewell-reunion with Louie

Uh, No. It would never be strange to have Louie Weaver playing drums for Petra. He IS Petra's Drummer above everyone else. Period.

No offence to anyone who's played with them. I played guitar with John. Wasn't strange for Bob to play again, because he is the man. We helped when John needed. Paul and Christian have helped Petra when needed. Given a choice, I'll take actual Petra Band members.

[brent]

I voted for six pages on the other thread. So someone help me out here. Post a bunch of junk so we at least get 5 pages of obsurdity out of it.

[Jonathan]

Congrats to the Sleeping Giants.

[p-freak]

It would be strange to have a Farewell-reunion with Louie

Uh, No. It would never be strange to have Louie Weaver playing drums for Petra. He IS Petra's Drummer above everyone else. Period.

No offence to anyone who's played with them. I played guitar with John. Wasn't strange for Bob to play again, because he is the man. We helped when John needed. Paul and Christian have helped Petra when needed. Given a choice, I'll take actual Petra Band members.

Yes, it would be strange. The Farewell line-up is John, Bob, Greg and Paul. Now, since Paul is not available anymore, it makes more sense to me to hire a new guy (Cristian) than to (hypothetically speaking) hire Louie again. This is simply not Louie's era anymore. To me Greg B. and Paul have been actual Petra Band Members. I can understand why guys like Rob Watson (keyboards between Slick and Lawry), Trent Thomason (keyboards, 6 shows in 1999), Mike Brandenstein (bass between Chapin and Bailey for only a couple of shows in Fall 2001), Justin Johnson (drums between Weaver and Simmons for only a couple of shows in Spring 2003) and Cristian Borneo (drums, just a couple of reunion shows) wouldn't be considered to be actual Petra Band Members. But I think we should give Greg and Paul a bit more credit. They've been part of Petra during the last successful tour.

You're right that mr. Drummer in Petra equals Louie Weaver. But if he would be on a reunion show, I think it would have to be with either Schlitt, Hartman, Cates and Lawry (which is never going to happen) or with classic Petra as it is right now.

If you would hire Louie as a replacement for Paul, then you should also hire Ronny and Johnny.

So in this sense I think it would be strange to have Louie play in this specific setting.

[RockOn]

Does it concern anyone else that Paul Simmons is playing drums for "Reverend" Horton Heat? They don't exactly extol positive, moral values through their music.

Here are some titles from their latest CD:

Drinkin' and Smokin' Cigarettes
Please Don't Take the Baby to the Liquor Store
Oh God! Doesn't Work in Vegas
Beer Holder

[/color]If you're basing your view of their morality only on the fact that they are okay with smoking, drinking and Vegas (or gambling), I can't agree with you. I smoke a pipe. I have a couple of glasses of wine and a few beers a week. I enjoy going to the casino on rare occasion and play online poker for real money. None of those acts are anti-Biblical.[/color]

SeparateUnion: You're correct. I'm not basing morality on smoking, drinking or gambling. These acts aren't unBiblical unless they become a hindrance to our testimony and salvation. In other words, if they become like "gods" to us. For example, drinking alcohol in itself isn't a bad thing unless there is overindulgence and it leads to the loss of your sensibilities.

Ephesians 5:18
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

We also want to be sure we're not a stumbling block to others who know we are Christians.

Romans 14:13-23

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

And while it's true you can't judge another's heart (only their fruits), it seems to me that this would be a hard gig for a Christian to have. With the temptation of playing in bars and the lyrics to some of their songs being blatantly offensive to the gospel, it doesn't seem like this would be a good fit for a Christian.

I have no problem with Christians playing music in bars and fail to see how that is wrong for a Christian to do. Do you have specific lyrics that you find blatantly offensive to the gospel? I've never listened to the band, so I don't really know any of their music. If it's just songs about drinking and smoking and gambling though, I'm not going to agree that it's offensive to the gospel.

I have no problem with Christians playing music in bars either. Jesus went wherever sinners were--not to participate in the lifestyle, but to reach them where they lived.

Romans 12:2

2 Do not be conformed to this world, [1] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

My concern is with YouTube videos I've seen of the band and the language used during the songs/in-between songs and the lifestyle they seem to promote. These are not edifying to the body of Christ; however, they never have called themselves a "Christian" band.
I know it would be a difficult environment for me to spend a lot of my time in as a Christian. I think it would be problematic as a Christian to play the songs they play, in the bar environment night after night and in front of the crowd base they attract.
Once again, I haven't heard anything negative about him or from him.

Like I said before, I hope Paul is able to keep his faith and be a good example for others; however, by playing the type of songs they play and promoting the lifestyle they promote, is this not in a sense CONDONING that lifestyle.

I don't want to come off as being judgmental (although I probably do).

Matthew 7:1-5

7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

This is more out of concern for a fellow brother in Christ. I have tried to send him emails, but have not received any response.

I guess the most important thing I could (we all could) do is pray for him.

[Enosh]

Yes, it would be strange. The Farewell line-up is John, Bob, Greg and Paul. Now, since Paul is not available anymore, it makes more sense to me to hire a new guy (Cristian) than to (hypothetically speaking) hire Louie again. This is simply not Louie's era anymore. To me Greg B. and Paul have been actual Petra Band Members. I can understand why guys like Rob Watson (keyboards between Slick and Lawry), Trent Thomason (keyboards, 6 shows in 1999), Mike Brandenstein (bass between Chapin and Bailey for only a couple of shows in Fall 2001), Justin Johnson (drums between Weaver and Simmons for only a couple of shows in Spring 2003) and Cristian Borneo (drums, just a couple of reunion shows) wouldn't be considered to be actual Petra Band Members. But I think we should give Greg and Paul a bit more credit. They've been part of Petra during the last successful tour.

You're right that mr. Drummer in Petra equals Louie Weaver. But if he would be on a reunion show, I think it would have to be with either Schlitt, Hartman, Cates and Lawry (which is never going to happen) or with classic Petra as it is right now.

If you would hire Louie as a replacement for Paul, then you should also hire Ronny and Johnny.

So in this sense I think it would be strange to have Louie play in this specific setting.

I still strongly disagree with you. I give Paul and Greg all the credit in the world, but Louie as you even stated IS Petra's drummer. Anybody after was a fill in or replacement for him. I give those guys credit, but I think that if you ask "most" people they would not tell you they are clamoring for a "Farewell" reunion tour. They did one tour and only Greg even played on an album. While they were great during their time, that time doesn't compare to the time Louie was in Petra. His time wasn't just back in his era, he was only gone for one album. He stuck it out longer than anyone in this band for pete's sake. He would not be a replacement, he would be simply taking back his place. People who don't know anything about Petra know Louie Weaver, his Mickey Mouse drums, ect... Heck, he's the only Petra Member to have a song written with him in it. "Louie's Solo" on the tribute album. Give Louie more credit for the fact that everyone would rather see Louie Weaver Play drums than any other drummer for Petra. Again, it wouldn't be weird, because I don't think anyone is beating down doors to get a "Farewell" reunion.

[executioner]

Well, even firing Louie was ridiculous, sad, desperate, cowardly and none the less insulting. I am not getting over it. Louie was the heart of Petra, more meaningful for branding porpouses that all the other members besides Bob and the Singers, and most of all: Louie gave half of his lifetime to this ministry through thick and thin, had a family to support, and was paid with a slap on the face.

I think if you knew all the facts you would retract your above statement. You also have to remember that Bob gave John his total backing and blessing in the firing of Louie, so if you look at it that way, Bob most likely had final say over the whole issue.