Newsboys Share Message With Music

Roaring in the Arena two Sundays ago was a huge production complete with an elaborate light show, pounding music and plenty of energy.

No, it wasn’t Kiss, but the excitement of the show closely paralleled many of the concerts I have witnessed. Through song and spirit, the Newsboys became the heroes of the day with their vivacious yet touching music.

The Newsboys are a Christian rock group that is fairly well known in the music industry. Their music is highly energized rock ‘n’ roll with a hint of funk. All of their songs deal with some aspect of Christianity and they try to act as a medium through which people can experience God.

Personally, I had never really heard of the Newsboys until I saw they were coming to Spokane. My first thought was, “Are these guys any good? It’s not everyday that a Christian band plays at a venue as large as the Arena.”

A few of my friends introduced me to their latest album, “Take Me To Your Leader.” Initially, I thought the album was weird, with a picture of an alien ship on the cover and a picture of an alien on the inside of the CD. I eventually listened to the music, liked it and decided that I would go to see them live.

The concert started off great with Plankeye and Geoff Moore and the Distance as opening bands. Both bands were excellent and their music really got the audience enthused.

One of the coolest entrances I have seen on a stage was accomplished by the Newsboys. Three huge platforms rumbled to life, floating down toward the stage while white lights flashed beneath the floating saucer-like objects. The six members of the band appeared in the blackness with lights acting as their eyes. Images of a space-aged planet appeared on a huge screen behind the stage. Suddenly, the music burst forth like fire from a dragon’s mouth and the audience jumped to its feet. The Newsboys had begun to rock the Arena.

After the opener, the concert increased in intensity with each passing song. I looked around at the people next to me and saw that everyone was dancing to the thumping rhythms and pulsating sounds. The Newsboys were busy blasting the audience while images of each member flashed above them on the three platforms, which were now acting as screens for live camera shots and filmed footage.

After the barrage of lights, pictures and sounds excited the audience, the band slowed the music and explained that the next few songs were actually prayers that each member had written in musical form. Mellow tones combined with the harmonizing vocals really added a beautiful aspect of the Newsboys to the show.

Meanwhile, pictures with religious significance such as doves, crosses and Jesus being crucified were displayed on the three screens. The audience became mellow and seemed to concentrate and reflect on the meaning of the music. I really enjoyed this part of the evening.

Of course this show couldn’t end on a somber note and the band got the crowd back on their feet. A few more driving songs were played, including a monstrous drum solo.

The final songs of the night were extremely blistering in both volume and energy and they caused fans to dance fervently. During “Shine,” the singer jumped off of the stage and began walking around in the audience encouraging everyone to sing out the lyrics as loud as they could. By this time, I was excited by the energy the band put out along with the energy flowing among the audience. I felt everyone in the Arena was connected.

The most memorable part of the concert was when the lead singer talked about the purpose of the night’s performance. He addressed the actual driving force behind the music and the message - God. He also said, “We’re just a band playing the music. God is who created us all.”

Even if you are not Christian, you can still have a great time at a Newsboys concert. Their music is energetic, lively and really fun. If you are a Christian, it is very easy to relate to the band’s message and experience their energy through powerful music.

It seems as if most of today’s rock artists gain prestige by conveying messages of hatred, destruction and rebellion. The Newsboys give a perfect alternative to this dreary side of rock ‘n’ roll by providing positive songs and lyrics.

The best part is, your parents will probably never tell you to turn off the Newsboys, even if you are playing them at a high decibel level.