The Petra Zone

If John Schlitt were to write his autobiography, would you buy a copy?

Think about it...stories about his being the lead singer of Head East, his testimony about accepting Christ as his Saviour, how he became the lead singer of Petra. He would have a ton of info about the recording of Petra's albums and subsequent tours...also his perspective on the various line-up changes Petra has had, and also his solo career.

Now, John's probably too humble to write about himself, but if he did, would you buy his autobiography? And, just for fun, what would you choose as the title?

I would in a heart beat. The man is the bomb next to John Lawry. Well the both my fav even though Lawry is not in the band anymore.

I see John S. as the humble type. I am going to try to go to a concert pretty soon and hope to get John Schlitt's autograph.

Sure would. My suggested title: Don't Look Back.

I'd buy it. Now that Petra's wrapping it up, a good title for the book might be, "I Am Availible" .

Absolutely!!!

Title Choices:

I Am On the Rock
Thankful Heart
Voice in the Wind
You Are My Rock

I would definetly buy it. I would also buy ones from Bob Hartman, Greg Volz and Louie Weaver.

Yeah, I'd buy it. I'd even read it which is more than I can say about all the books I have on my shelf. I have a habit of collecting good theology books and then not getting through them. I do read a lot though. I just buy three times what I read.

Oh man, I would buy an autobiography from any Petra member!


Unlikely title ideas for a book by John:

- My Voice Hasn't Wrinkled a Bit
- Beyond Looseleaf
- Quadruple Take
- Head South
- Hammers, Screwdrivers, and Microphones

Yamasaaaki...your titles are killing me!

Here are a couple of serious titles I thought of...

PETRASPECTIVE: My Life and Times in Petra

FROM SINNER TO SAVED (book jacket bio: "How Jesus Christ rescued John Schlitt from drugs/alcohol/secular rock and turned him into a vessel to reach millions of people with the gospel message via the Christian hard-rock group Petra.")

And one title that is humorous...

INCIDENTALLY, I AM NOT OVER THE HILL!

Interesting that you bring this subject up, St. Aug.

Yes indeed.....!

I would ask for a list of Schlitt-isms to be included. All of the little words and phrases that he uses.

My Vote is for Perfect World as a title.

St. Aug. - I'm really curious - what made you think of this? and what made you post about it?

More unlikely title ideas:

- I'm Not a Computer Brain

- Just Call Me Juan

- Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Yeah

- I Don't Speak Spanish But I Sold 2 Albums of Me Singing in Spanish

Well, Sue, I was thinking one day that John might want to write his autobiography. I mean, the man has had two careers in music (as vocalist for Head East and Petra), and, from what I have heard, has an amazing testimony...which I would love to read about.

Think about all the interesting stories he would be able to tell...his Head East days; how he got the call to audition for Petra after Volz left (and his reaction to getting the gig); "on-the-road" stories; his views on Petra's albums, tours, various line-ups; how he felt about Petra retiring; his take on the state of CCM; his continuing solo career; and last but not least, his family and his relationship with Jesus.

It would be a great read (and a mighty thick book!). I, for one, would buy a copy in a heartbeat. Come on, John...start typing!

P.S. When I saw Petra in Waterloo, IA on 11/10/05, I was able to talk to John not only at the after-show "meet-and-greet", but a little later on. I shook his hand, told him I was sorry to see Petra retire, and then said, "Keep making your solo albums, okay?".

His face LIT UP with a huge smile, and he said, "Don't worry...it's coming out sometime in 2006!". He said his 3rd solo album is recorded and ready to go, although he may go back and re-record some parts to freshen up the sound. I told him that if he ever tours anywhere in Iowa, I am there!

...from what I have heard, has an amazing testimony...which I would love to read about.

Hey, you can read about it right now - or watch a video (not the best, but viewable):
http://www.johnschlitt.net/testimonies.htm

About a book: there IS one in the works as we speak! In fact, the writer is someone who posts regularly on the Zone. It's in a biography form, not autobiography, but loaded with plenty of quotes and thoughts from John. It covers his whole life, starting as a kid and working up through today.

I've read the rough drafts... you WILL enjoy!

...said his 3rd solo album is recorded and ready to go, although he may go back and re-record some parts to freshen up the sound.

Yes, I listened to it a few years ago, and I really like it. I can't wait to hear it totally finished.