For over 50 years, the Christian rock group Petra has performed all over the world.

They are the most popular and influential bands in Christian music history. The band retired from touring in 2005 but recently reformed to do a limited tour to celebrate 50 years as a band.

It is rare for any artist to last 50 years, but for a band who has released 24 albums over their illustrious career, sold over 10 million records, garnered four Grammys, ten Doves, an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame – it’s relatively unheard of.

Petra was formed in 1972 by Bob Hartman, Bill Glover, John DeGroff, and Greg Hough.

By the mid-80s, when lead singer Greg X. Volz left the band and was replaced by John Schlitt, Petra had solidified their place as the foremost Christian rock band in the industry with a string of hit albums and singles and strong touring.

The release of “Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out” marked a turn towards modern-sounding worship music that would soon explode into the modern worship movement.

Petra was nominated for and won numerous Grammy and Dove Awards.

In 1991, after the release of their acclaimed Beyond Belief record, Petra became the first rock band ever to win Group of the Year at the Dove Awards.

They were also the first Christian rock band to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Petra will end their United States touring this Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Maryville, Tennessee. The concert will be at Everett Hills Baptist Church at 6 p.m. Eastern. The group “Not Ashamed” will open for Petra.

As of November 4, 2023, only 60 tickets remained for the Maryville, Tennessee concert. To order tickets, go to petrareunion.com

Petra members include John Schlitt, Bob Hartman, John Lawry, Greg Bailey, and Cristian Borneo.

The concert will feature hits from the 50-year history of Petra, including songs like Beyond Belief, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, I Am On the Rock, Creed, Just Reach Out, No Doubt, More Power To Ya, Love, and many more.

This tour is a celebration of a band that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and uplift generations of believers. Their music has led countless individuals to be born again and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I had a chance to speak to the lead singer of Petra, John Schlitt. He was the lead singer for the secular band Head East.

I asked John what led him to join Petra:

John commented on some of his favorite songs are with Petra:

He has collaborated with the former lead singer of Kansas, John Elefante, on songs for Petra. John spoke about his relationship with Elefante:

John commented on what fans attending the Maryville, Tennessee concert can expect:

Whether they were the band you grew up listening to, or you just discovered Petra, you will not want to miss this concert.

Picture courtesy of Classic Christian Rock Magazine