Petra Begins Booking For Farewell Tour

By Justin Camacho, Christian Post Correspondent Friday, June 17, 2005

After having played over 1800 concerts worldwide, Gospel Music Hall of Fame rockers Petra have begun booking for their Farewell Tour.

“We’re really looking forward to the end of this year,” said Petra lead singer John Schlitt, “just not next year.”

Schlitt, along with founding member Bob Hartman, announced that it was, “time to call it quits,” for Petra about a month ago, when they posted an official retirement statement on the band’s website.

“Bob and I both feel that it’s God’s plan for Petra to end now,” said Schlitt, “and when you’ve got that confidence, when you know that God’s hand is on it, it’ll be fine.”

While the scale of Petra’s Farewell Tour, which is scheduled to take place in October/November, is yet undetermined, the band is hopeful that the tour will reach worldwide proportions.

“My hope is that we are able to visit every part of the country and all of the countries that we’ve been so familiar with, especially in the last 10 years,” said Schlitt. “I would like to do one last world tour.”

Currently scheduled to tour with Petra on their Farewell Tour is organic pop band Farewell June, who’s debut album, 1939 released on Whiplash Records in early February.

Farewell June gave the following statement regarding their participation in the tour: “Petra has been the blueprint for Christian rock musicians. Farewell June is ecstatic that Petra chose us to be part of this historical and epic tour!”

Petra emerged in the 1970’s with its own distinct style, unleashing a raw power that cemented its growing reputation as a band of innovators – mavericks in the exploding contemporary Christian music marketplace, according to a press release. Petra’s live show earned the group its formidable fan base of supporters (also known as “Petheads”).

"I think almost everyone has a 'Petra' story or can remember the first time they heard the band," says newsboys' front man, Peter Furler. "Petra has played a very important role in our industry and paved the way for bands like newsboys."

For more information on Petra, please visit www.petraband.com.