What if??? - The 2010 Classic Petra reunion 84', 85' lineup

[Dan]

I had another idea that may stir things up. Remembering that Bob has some great songs that have yet to be recorded, if Petra is not going to come out with another recording, I would love to see Bob work with a group of younger people that really want honor God. He could take those songs, rework them in a way that would be more appealing to a younger crowd, and see what happens. Could be interesting.

Didn't find out the name of one of the songs? something day?

[Boray]

I would like to see Greg X Volz play some guitar in the band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAhc8_OVk2U

[Jonathan]

He could take those songs, rework them in a way that would be more appealing to a younger crowd, and see what happens. Could be interesting.

This may be overgeneralizing, but you realize what appeals to a younger crowd these days, right?

[BForm]

Jonathan, I don't want to overgeneralize either, but I've been convinced for some time that the issue with classic rockers like Petra that keeps a younger generation from listening is not the music, but the vocals. When Jekyl and Hyde came out, my sons had some friends over. They all loved the music but said it was John's voice that made it sound 80's.

Now, please, please, please understand that I love both John and Greg's voice. I could listen to new stuff written by Bob with either of those two singing for the rest of my life. However, both of them, especially when singing in the clouds, have a very dated sound. Doesn't bother me, but won't draw in a very high percentage of a younger crowd.

As far as newer music, my biggest issue with most of it is that, in my opinion, it is lyrically challenged. For example, I used to love Third Day. However, over time their lyrics became more and more watered down as they had to keep churning out the hits rapid fire. I don't know about all of you, but I would love to hear some of Bob's music with Mac Powell singing.

Speaking of Mac Powell, there's another example of timing. If a rock band in the 70's, 80's or early 90's was looking for a new singer, would they have even thought twice about Mac Powell? I don't think so. Imagine Boston, REO, Aerosmith, etc. with Mac Powell as a lead singer. Never would have appealed to the younger crowd back then. The closest thing would have been Bob Seger and even he sang in a higher range.

That's what I was thinking Jonathan. Maybe the reason kids aren't listening to deeper music is because it's not being offered in a style they appreciate. Think about it. Kids are growing up in our watered down youth groups where the big draw is pizza, cheesy rock praise music and, of course, girls. Lots of them want to be rock stars so they form a band, write songs with a little "higher power" type language, and away we go.

I would love to see Bob take a younger band that really wants to be different, share some of his music, mentor them and see what happens.

[Dan]

Petra appeals more to 25 to 60 yrs old.. if you wan to narrow it down 35 to 40 would be a peak. Petra with a younger singer? interesting thought.

[p-freak]

Didn't find out the name of one of the songs? something day?

Before JAH was released there was a tracklist somewhere that had an extra song. The song was titled "It's A New Day". It was recorded as a demo, but it never got properly recorded for the album. I would love to hear it. Undoubtedly Bob has more stuff lying around in his basement.

[BForm]

Shortly before announcing the Farewell Tour, Greg Bailey said he had heard several new songs from Bob for the next CD. He said it was better than J&H. THAT's the stuff I'm talking about.

Just to clarify, I wasn't talking about PETRA with younger singer. That would probably be a bad idea. What I'm talking about is a totally new band that Bob mentors and provides music for.

[Dan]

Shortly before announcing the Farewell Tour, Greg Bailey said he had heard several new songs from Bob for the next CD. He said it was better than J&H. THAT's the stuff I'm talking about.

Just to clarify, I wasn't talking about PETRA with younger singer. That would probably be a bad idea. What I'm talking about is a totally new band that Bob mentors and provides music for.

Ok cool

[Dan]

Didn't find out the name of one of the songs? something day?

Before JAH was released there was a tracklist somewhere that had an extra song. The song was titled "It's A New Day". It was recorded as a demo, but it never got properly recorded for the album. I would love to hear it. Undoubtedly Bob has more stuff lying around in his basement.

Man I want that song.

[gman]

I don't know how many songs Bob typically writes, but some guys write 25 plus songs and narrow that down to 10 or 12 for the album. I'm sure Bob has built up a nice collection of unused stuff over the years.
GMan

[brent]

He could take those songs, rework them in a way that would be more appealing to a younger crowd, and see what happens. Could be interesting.

This may be overgeneralizing, but you realize what appeals to a younger crowd these days, right?

The younger crowd doesn't buy any of it. The younger crowd is buying what's on radio. So, who gives a flying crap what they want? They are not Petra fans. That is the beauty behind this latest reunion. This is for existing Petra fans. No matter who you are, most generally, if you like Petra, chances are you are old by industry standards. If you are over 13, you are not who they care about selling to. So you old farts, enjoy the good music.

[brent]

I don't know how many songs Bob typically writes, but some guys write 25 plus songs and narrow that down to 10 or 12 for the album. I'm sure Bob has built up a nice collection of unused stuff over the years.
GMan

If something doesn't make an album, it is for good reason. To date, there has never been a release of old discarded tunes, by any artist, that is worth a darn. This is like saying the stuff thrown in the trash by CS Lewis would be killer to read. A good artist knows when to stop. Not everything is good.

[BForm]

So Shawn, you started this thread on February 18th with a....what if? But the press release had already gone out on February 11th. So you knew all along didn't you? And you were holding out on us.

Now it's confirmed by the promoter:

"Yes Bill, rumors are true...It will be later in the Fall...We'll keep you posted and most definitely the ATL would be in the mix"

[shawnpfan01]

So Shawn, you started this thread on February 18th with a....what if? But the press release had already gone out on February 11th. So you knew all along didn't you? And you were holding out on us.

Now it's confirmed by the promoter:

"Yes Bill, rumors are true...It will be later in the Fall...We'll keep you posted and most definitely the ATL would be in the mix"

Yes, I did know before most of you, a friend of mine who happens to be friends with Bob told me about it. I asked if I could say something about it on the Zone and they asked Bob and he said not to say to much about it until the plans were more definite. So that is why I played it as a "what if", it got people talking about it with out me saying more than I should.

BTW what is an ATL??

[executioner]

So Shawn, you started this thread on February 18th with a....what if? But the press release had already gone out on February 11th. So you knew all along didn't you? And you were holding out on us.

Now it's confirmed by the promoter:

"Yes Bill, rumors are true...It will be later in the Fall...We'll keep you posted and most definitely the ATL would be in the mix"

Actually according to the email I got from the promoter Greg Carnes says nothing including the main principles invovled are confirmed, but everyone's name that was mentioned has been contacted and has shown an interest. He also said they have no venues lined up as of now and are seeking churches and also are looking for people who has a church or like venue that would be interested.
I'm like everyone else and is very excited about this, but this thing is far from being 100%. I'm thinking its more like 40-50% chance of it happening. I'm not trying to be negative; I'm just being real.

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