Peter Furler is best known as the charismatic frontman of Newsboys, a band he co-founded in Australia during his teenage years. For decades, he was the face and voice of the iconic Christian rock group. However, in 2009, Furler made a significant decision that surprised many fans: he stepped down as the lead singer of Newsboys. This article delves into the reasons behind Peter Furler’s departure from Newsboys, exploring his journey and what led him to embark on a new chapter in his life and career.
A Pilgrimage in an RV: The Seeds of Change
The decision to leave Newsboys was not a sudden impulse but rather a gradual realization that unfolded over two years. Peter and his wife, Summer, had adopted an unconventional lifestyle while Newsboys toured relentlessly across North America. They chose to live in an RV, traveling to every concert date. This experience, covering over 110,000 miles, became a period of introspection and simplification for the couple.
Peter described this time as a “pilgrimage,” a deliberate effort to simplify their lives and assess their direction. Living on the road provided ample opportunity for reflection and conversation. It was during this period that Peter began to sense a shift in his calling. He felt God was prompting him to “let the ground rest,” to allow both his creative energy and musical output to take a pause. This wasn’t a feeling of discontent with Newsboys, but rather a sense that a new path was being laid out for him.
Stepping Back to Move Forward: Seeking a New Creative Rhythm
After years of the demanding schedule of touring and album production with Newsboys, Peter felt the need to step off the “merry-go-round.” He had dedicated over a decade to a cycle of writing, recording, and performing, often doing over 100 shows annually. While he cherished his time with Newsboys, he recognized that this relentless pace was unsustainable and perhaps hindering a deeper creative and personal growth.
The desire for a change led to significant life adjustments. Peter divested himself from his shares in Inpop Records, the successful label he had co-founded, which had launched the careers of artists like Mat Kearney and Shane & Shane. He and Summer sold their house, their cars, and most of their possessions, keeping only his essential studio equipment. They relocated to the Gulf Coast of Florida, a place Peter felt resembled his native Australia and where he had proposed to Summer years prior.
This move symbolized a shedding of the old and an embrace of the unknown. Peter confessed he had “no clue” what was next, but he welcomed this uncertainty. For the first time in his adult life, he experienced a sense of open-ended time, free from deadlines and constant pressure. Simple choices, like mowing the lawn or visiting Home Depot, became significant and enjoyable, representing a newfound freedom and a slower pace of life.
Rediscovering Joy in Creation: From Music to Painting
This newfound freedom allowed Peter to reconnect with his creative spirit in different ways. He realized that his artistic purpose extended beyond the demands of performance and production. He articulated this realization with a powerful metaphor: “God didn’t make the horse to win at the races, but for his pleasure – to watch it run.” This insight shifted his perspective towards creating for the sheer joy of it, rather than for external goals or pressures.
With surfing as a pastime in Florida, Peter also rediscovered painting, an artistic outlet he had always been drawn to. This return to a more personal form of expression was liberating. Simultaneously, songwriting never truly ceased, but it transformed. Instead of forcing the creative process, songs began to emerge naturally, often during walks. He would capture these nascent ideas on a recorder, without any immediate plans or expectations.
This period of creative exploration led to a reunion with longtime friend and producer Steve Taylor. Taylor, upon seeing Peter’s burgeoning collection of songs, suggested a collaborative studio project. This informal collaboration, involving Jimmy Abegg and John Painter, was driven by pure enjoyment. Peter initially took on roles like background vocalist and drummer, relishing the playful and unpressured atmosphere, reminiscent of his early musical experiences.
A New Chapter: Solo Music and “on fire”
The joy of creating music without the weight of expectation reignited Peter’s passion. These relaxed jam sessions not only sparked the Steve Taylor and Some Other Band project but also fueled Peter’s own songwriting. Word of his new music reached Nashville, and Sparrow Records (EMI CMG) expressed interest in distributing what was evolving into a solo album.
Initially hesitant to re-enter the business side of music, Peter ultimately felt a sense of divine guidance. He saw this as “another part of my journey,” free from prior expectations. His primary fulfillment was already achieved – the joy of making music itself. This new venture culminated in the album “on fire,” featuring collaborations with Taylor, Abegg, Painter, and former Newsboys bandmate Phil Joel, along with producer Seth Mosley.
The album’s hit single, “Reach,” resonated deeply with Peter, emphasizing the personal nature of God’s care and connection. “on fire” as a whole, became an expression of his renewed freedom, joy, and faith. It showcased a blend of vibrant pop melodies and worshipful anthems, reflecting a man who had found peace and purpose in his new creative landscape.
Embracing Purpose and Freedom
Peter Furler’s departure from Newsboys was not a rejection of his past, but a conscious step towards a richer, more intentional future. He sought to simplify his life, reconnect with his creative core, and pursue music and art with a renewed sense of joy and purpose. He entered a phase of life where external validation became less important, replaced by a deeper understanding of his identity and calling.
Peter describes himself as feeling like “Forest Gump” in this journey, running into the unknown for the sheer discovery of it. By shedding the tethers of constant planning and external pressures, he embraced a life of greater adventure and creative freedom. “on fire” is a testament to this journey, music born from a life lived with intention, faith, and a deep-seated joy in the act of creation itself. His reasons for leaving Newsboys were ultimately about personal and spiritual growth, a quest for a more authentic and fulfilling path, which ultimately led to new and exciting artistic horizons.
