Alumnus Michael Tait to join Newsboys

Liberty alumnus and former dc Talk member Michael Tait performed to a packed crowd of students and alumni at Liberty’s Homecoming game on Oct. 25, 2008.

The hit Christian band Newsboys has announced Michael Tait will become its new frontman.

Tait was a student at Liberty University in the 1980s, where he met Toby McKeehan and Kevin Max, who formed the chart-topping Christian rock/rap band dc Talk. Before the band went on hiatus in 1999, it sold 7 million albums, including the double-platinum album, “Jesus Freak,” and won multiple Grammy and GMA Dove Awards. Tait officially formed his own band in 2000.

Tait returned to Liberty for last year’s Alumni Weekend, performing during halftime of the Homecoming game and in a special post-game concert.

The Newsboys last performed at Liberty for College for A Weekend in February 2008, for its “Go Tour” event.

According to the Newsboys website, Tait replaces lead singer Peter Furler, who will remain with the band doing songwriting and production and will make occasional special appearances.

The Newsboys have received several Dove Awards and Grammy nominations, producing five gold albums and more than 20 No. 1 radio hits.