Looks like the system finally beat them.
Looks like they finally did say “die.”
About 20-or-so years past their prime, Petra is over.
If you feel like reminiscing through your tears, go here.
P.S. And if you are one of those offended by this post, for the record, let me confess that I still own several Petra albums and I used to be a big fan of Greg Volz when he was singing.
Hey, “More Power To Them.” 😉
Oh, by the way, I wonder if this means the “demise of CCM.”
If it makes you feel any better Stryper just came out with a new CD.
Wow, you mean Petra was still around? *grin*
LOL!!! Cubicle Reverend, thank you for saving the day! I’m going to jump on that story!
Do we really need the snide comments? They were a very instrumental band in paving the way for other artists in CCM. I know, I know, “we don’t need ccm, they are all a bunch of no talent hacks that couldn’t make it in the real world!” That is a debate for another time, but let’s not throw Petra under the bus just because a lot of bands in CCM are terrible. Or because they stuck around longer than they should have. Their motives were probably good. It sure wasn’t for the money and acclaim that they were getting these past few years. Respect them for what they accomplished, and let it go at that.
>> I know, I know, “we don’t need ccm, they are all a bunch of no talent hacks that couldn’t make it in the real world!” That is a debate for another time…<<
Hmm. I don’t think anyone here has come even CLOSE to saying that.
I’ve just found much of Petra’s music, more often than not, to be an example of the kind of mediocrity that makes a significant portion of the Christian rock industry’s output forgettable, less than excellent, and derivative.
>>Their motives were probably good.
That never excuses an artists’ work from analysis and criticism.
>>Respect them for what they accomplished, and let it go at that.
I have some measure of respect for their early records, FWIW. As I indicated in my post.
No effense, but I wouldn’t say any of those bands did anything to help christian music. If anything they, quite literally, set things back 10 years. They didn’t realize hair bands were dead and just kept going. To most people who aren’t Christian, they consider the band a joke. And I can’t say I blame them. We finally started getting current with bands like Supertones or The Blamed and now Over The Rhine and Pedro The Lion.
Glad I can be of help John. Christian Pop Culture is a bit of a hobby. And faith based arts is a passion which is why on my sight I try to show quality work from other artists, writers, or whatever.
Quite frankly given what you do I’m suprised you didn’t hear of this beforehand.
All I can say is, “Petra’s still around?!” and then I will assume a heavy metal position, shake my fist and scream, “Just like Judas’ kiss!”
The sad thing is I completely forgot all about them.
Anon. said: Do we really need the snide comments? . . . .let’s not throw Petra under the bus just because a lot of bands in CCM are terrible. Or because they stuck around longer than they should have.
Pot. Kettle. Black.
Your evaluation of Petra and “a lot of bands in CCM” is just as negative as any of the other comments you’re pooh-poohing, fella.
FWIW, I posted something sympathetic on my blog about CCM. You can read it here: http://wwwbrandonsblog.blogspot.com/
the cubicle reverend said:We finally started getting current with bands like Supertones or The Blamed and now Over The Rhine and Pedro The Lion.
The Supertones were only a few years behind the “ska” infusion in the secular music scene. The Blamed….please. Over the Rhine and Pedro the Lion are both great, but the aren’t recent additions to Christian music. both of those band have been around for quite some time.
Adam Walter said:Your evaluation of Petra and “a lot of bands in CCM” is just as negative as any of the other comments you’re pooh-poohing, fella.
My evaluation of Petra is negative? A band of Petra’s prominence retires and all people can say is “they stuck around too long.” So what? They enjoyed making music. Criticize them for that if you have to be critical, but at least mention some of the things that they accomplished. And if you can’t think of anything good to say, don’t say anything at all. Honestly, if were not a fan of theirs to begin with, why take the time to discuss the matter.
Secondly, Adam Walter, there are a lot of bands in CCM that are terrible, in my mind. But there are many bands that would not have been given a chance if it had not been for bands like Petra. I’m not saying that these bands couldn’t have made it in the secular business, but many of them would not have made it through the door back in a time when you did not talk about Christ or even spiritual issues. Unless you were very vague with your lyrics.
Finally, I’m not upset that people don’t like Petra, that really doesn’t suprise me. What bothers me is that here is a band that did what it could, made the music that they enjoyed and lasted 30 years and all we can do is make jokes.
I said:>> I know, I know, “we don’t need ccm, they are all a bunch of no talent hacks that couldn’t make it in the real world!” That is a debate for another time…<<
Jeffrey Overstreet said:Hmm. I don’t think anyone here has come even CLOSE to saying that.
Jeffrey Overstreet also said on May 31st 2004 @ 6:28 PM Christian artists who know they don’t have what it takes in the “quality” department have figured out that if they release their music in the CCM industry, then, relative to the other music in that industry, they’ll actually come out sounding pretty good.
If these Christian artists that you are refering to don’t have it in the “quality” dep. and they still sound pretty good compared to the other artists in the industry, how bad is the rest of the industry. I think that my “no talent hacks” comment would fit with your description.
Who is this “Josh” Whedon fellow? I know–you’re just too excited about the possibility of a Serenity sequel to check your spelling! 😉
Come on. You KNOW that Joss Whedon wouldn’t be stupid enough to go back to Serenity after it bombed like that. It’s his brother JOSH who has the courage… 🙂