With these words, Petra announced their retirement. December of 2005 will end 33 years of ministry and music. The decision to retire the band was a mutual one, made by all of the members.
“God used PETRA in my life in so many ways, as He did in so many other lives,” says lead singer since 1986, John Schlitt. “I am truly thankful for having been part of PETRA. We’ve had a good long run and have seen so much. We’ve seen God’s hand at work in our music on every continent and in every language,” he says.
The band has touched generations of listeners with over seven million CDs sold, four Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
PETRA, initially formed in 1972 by Hartman on vocals and guitars, paved the way for the rock genre more than any other in the Christian music industry. Though a rotating cast of musicians comprised PETRA’s lineup over the years, the band is closing 2005 strong with over 20 albums to its credit, the latest being the 2003 Grammy-nominated Jekyll & Hyde.
Schlitt and Hartman have made no immediate plans for the future.
“I’m not sure what the future will bring for me,” says Schlitt, “but when God chooses to show us His will, then we just go in faith and walk in faith toward Him. He has never let us down, and He never will.”
There are currently talks of a live album or box set to be released in the future. Final PETRA tours in the United States and Europe are in the planning stages.
“PETRA has always been one of the biggest names in Christian rock,” says Inpop Records President Wes Campbell. “PETRA’s contributions to our industry are innumerable, and the band was very instrumental in the beginning stages of newsboys career. We are honored to have supported PETRA in its ministry and music,” he says.
