I was shocked back in the early 80's that Christian rock was a thing. When I was in college in 1982 a friend invited me to a Petra concert. I had never heard of them and was totally blown away and absolutely hooked! I also thought Greg was fantastic but when John joined the group..it shifted somewhat to a harder rock sound and I have been a huge fan ever since!! Thank you for this podcast and the one with Rick Florian, Whiteheart is my other all time fav!!
Back when we had cassettes, "On Fire" had the greatest side 1 of any rock album ever: All Fired Up, Hit You Where You Live, Mine Field, First Love, Defector
John. If for some reason you happen to read this, THANK YOU for never watering down the message like so many artists. You are incredible and Jesus sees your heart.
Huge Petra fan here. Loved this interview. I remember on of the best concerts I went to was Newsboys, Whiteheart and Petra all together at Six Flags in St. Louis, MO in the early 90's.
Petra meant a lot to me as a young Christian. In the 80s, a Prince song made me want to vomit. I thought about the lyrics I heard in rock and roll music and recognized that a great deal of them were about premarital sex and living a libertine lifestyle. I sat in a car and prayed that I would find something more wholesome. I then turned on the radio to hear El Shaddai with Amy Grant. God answered my prayer right then and there. But, I was still a rock and roll kid. Thanks to CCM and bands like Petra, I quickly found myself buying cassettes of Petra and really getting into their music. Their music helped me leave the rock and roll world I grew up with in the 70s behind and improved my walk with Jesus. God bless John Schlitt and the band.
Well said Brother ! My story too - Petras amazing skillful musicianship helped break my addiction to mainstream Rock, Journey, Styx, Billy Joel & Van Halen faded in appeal. I always knew their lyrics, if followed, were a "highway to hell" as AC/DC even foolishly bragged. So God used Petra & many other devoted & talented bands & artists to point me & my generation to Jesus Christ 🙏 the only ROCK we must stand upon. How fitting Petra = Rock !
I have been a fan ever since I heard "not by sight" on a mission trip in 1984. John Schlitt is a powerhouse. Two moments that stand out for me are #1 all of the vocals of the title track to "this means war" #2 in the song "Minefield" on the "On Fire". The song starts with a wailing scream by John totally setting up the attitude of the song. Gives me chills. Thank you God for PETRA!!! Never quit guys!
Yes a new album!..
Great
I was shocked back in the early 80's that Christian rock was a thing. When I was in college in 1982 a friend invited me to a Petra concert. I had never heard of them and was totally blown away and absolutely hooked! I also thought Greg was fantastic but when John joined the group..it shifted somewhat to a harder rock sound and I have been a huge fan ever since!! Thank you for this podcast and the one with Rick Florian, Whiteheart is my other all time fav!!
John Shlitt thanks for the interview. Loads of wisdom.
Back when we had cassettes, "On Fire" had the greatest side 1 of any rock album ever: All Fired Up, Hit You Where You Live, Mine Field, First Love, Defector
That Armed and Dangerous album, wow. The sound coming put of the speakers!! I was 25, and I thought, This ROCKS for Jesus!! Loved it.
Armed and Dangerous was off 'Beyond Belief.'
Jekyl and Hyde us one my favorite thanks a lot for this podcast
John. If for some reason you happen to read this, THANK YOU for never watering down the message like so many artists. You are incredible and Jesus sees your heart.
An absolutely fantastic interview guys!!! Thank you both!!!
YaY Petra! More Power To Ya! ❤❤❤❤
Yes, a new album please ❤
Huge Petra fan here. Loved this interview. I remember on of the best concerts I went to was Newsboys, Whiteheart and Petra all together at Six Flags in St. Louis, MO in the early 90's.
Grave Robber - is definitly the best "pre-Schlitt" era song
Thank you John Schlitt for singing them songs, my favourite album is "Back to the Street".
The No Doubt album has aged so well in my opinion.
Totally agree
Petra meant a lot to me as a young Christian. In the 80s, a Prince song made me want to vomit. I thought about the lyrics I heard in rock and roll music and recognized that a great deal of them were about premarital sex and living a libertine lifestyle. I sat in a car and prayed that I would find something more wholesome. I then turned on the radio to hear El Shaddai with Amy Grant. God answered my prayer right then and there. But, I was still a rock and roll kid. Thanks to CCM and bands like Petra, I quickly found myself buying cassettes of Petra and really getting into their music. Their music helped me leave the rock and roll world I grew up with in the 70s behind and improved my walk with Jesus. God bless John Schlitt and the band.
Well said Brother !
My story too - Petras amazing skillful musicianship helped break my addiction to mainstream Rock, Journey, Styx, Billy Joel & Van Halen faded in appeal.
I always knew their lyrics, if followed, were a "highway to hell" as AC/DC even foolishly bragged.
So God used Petra & many other devoted & talented bands & artists to point me & my generation to Jesus Christ 🙏 the only ROCK we must stand upon.
How fitting Petra = Rock !
I have been a fan ever since I heard "not by sight" on a mission trip in 1984. John Schlitt is a powerhouse. Two moments that stand out for me are #1 all of the vocals of the title track to "this means war" #2 in the song "Minefield" on the "On Fire". The song starts with a wailing scream by John totally setting up the attitude of the song. Gives me chills. Thank you God for PETRA!!! Never quit guys!
What John sings on stage is physically impossible. It must be some kind of miracle.
Petra: The Platinum Standard!!
So thankful you all were stronger than your critics and you know the battle.
A fun interview ❤😊
Pat Paradise Rock Station likes this!
They didn't mention 'No Doubt,' 'Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus,' 'God Fixation,' 'Doubletake,' 'Revival' or 'Jekyl and Hyde.'
When will a book be written about this band?
Yes, we need a book
Why are you saying Wake up call came after Beyond Belief? Unseen Power came after Beyond Belief that won a grammy
Don't say JESUS just say God ?.....record labels !!!!!!