Yes he can, if Greg tried to sing like John does he'd tear a vocal chord! Can't people just accept that they are both amazing? Greg has an incredible belter-tenor voice , and somebody try and find me a rock vocalist with the range and emotion of John. Petra was an awesome band and they were so lucky to have both men fronting the band.
I was in High School when I saw them perform this song during the Beat the System Tour in the early 80s. I was blown away. No one realizes that we didn't have music like this growing up. I so appreciate what these guys have done for the gospel. Thanks Petra!!!
One of the few times in rock history where a band changes one iconic singer for another and is equally impressive. They are different in their styles and strengths but both guys are phenomenal.
This was probably recorded before 'back to the street' came out, Volz left in the middle of the tour. Also I don't know what you people are hearing, but John Schlitt nailed this song, he every note perfectly, very few men can duplicate this high notes of Greg X. Volz, so give credit where it's due.
I saw these guys live when I was a kid. It was right around this time, I think. (Back to The Street had just come out) and I remember being totally blown away! I never imagined Christian music could kick so much ass!! I've been a fan ever since...
3. My teenage nephew has been developing his own music takes, and I'm so glad Petra is at the top of his Best Lists. He knows eventually he'll inherit all of my Petra stuff. I'm sure Petra's music will live on for a long time even though they're not touring anymore.
Wow. That is the highest I have EVER heard John sing (towards the end of the song)! That hurt MY vocal cords! Bob, Mark and Louie all look the same as they did during the Beat The System tour... John looks so out of place here. BUT, he pulled it off very well... sounded awesome. Thanks for putting this video up.
Wow. That was impressive. To this day Adonai is one of my favourite Petra songs. I highly prefer John over Greg, but I honestly never thought he'd be able to do this song justice. But he clearly does.
Menuda pedazo de canción y de vocalista!. Este es el auténtico rock cristiano.Ya le hubiera gustado a muchos cantantes seculares de la época tener el talento para hacer canciones como ésta!.Y encima alaban al Señor! En los 80´s poder escuchar este disco en España fue un gustazo! Me sigue encantando Petra.
Greg left the band after the spring of 1985. During the late summer and fall of 1985 John came in and finished out the Beat the System tour. Greg left because he did not want to be on the road doing 200+ dates a year as Petra was doing then. I am not sure where this video was shot but the stage looks very different from what they toured with on Beat the System and Back to the Street at least in the USA.
John nailed this. He did a fantastic job, and yes, I'm familiar with Greg's version. They're both great. Comparing the 2 is silly: 1's a studio version, the other a live 1; 1 is performed by a long time, established member of the band, the other by a total new comer -- "Back to the street" wasn't even recorded yet. John had big shoes to fill, and he did it with a great deal of heart, soul, excellence, and devotion to God. Works for me. 😊😊
While i was DJ ing on College Radio i used to play John on the air in a rock band called Head East, and a song Oh Elijah, and when i got saved i got turned to Petra w him in it. So it was as if God knew ...it helped me early on.
In a 1986 (or so) interview on GMN (Gospel Music Network), John admitted he didn't want to sound like Greg in the first place. They're BOTH incredible and distinct.
If I remember correctly, John's first concert with Petra was in Rapid City, SD... which was an event I attended. I don't remember this set up... but, then again... I could be wrong. None the less... an amazing video of an AMAZING time in Christian Music... THANK YOU for posting this!!!!!
@thesunriseband81 back in the '70s i wanted desperately to sneak out just to see and hear head east live because i love this guy's voice and love head east. then as fate? would have it, i later was REintroduced to PETRA in the late '80s and had it not been for the ministry of petra and john schlitt with them, i honestly don't know how i would have been reached. they have done so much for me. thank you god!
1. Boy does this ever brings back the memories. John had just joined when I had the chance to not only see them play but to also meet all of them but one in Melbourne Oz (they said had gone tram hopping and managed to get lost but they'd have him back in time for the performance). They were at a Christian bookshop in the centre of Melbourne (Oz).
2. It seemed like such a smooth transition between Greg and John, I think a lot of people didn't even realise at that time that Greg had left. But I'm sure nobody was at all disapointed, I know I wasn't.
Greg and John both are great singers. Greg has a range of four octaves, more than John but in this particular song John managed to hit the really high notes similar to Greg's. Not quite there but pretty close. Yes, he also was out of tune in the beginning but then caught up and sung in pitch throughout the song. Background vocals were mostly out of tune tho. John's voice was better for the later hard rock music he sang while Greg's was good for the classic rock back in 70's and 80's.
@whatchamacallitful Schlitt (as lead Vocalist) and Elefante (as co-producer with his Brother Dino) both started their career with Petra on "Back to the Streets". John Elefante & Dino co-wrote a little with Bob Hartman, but Bob was the primary writer. John Elefante sang backups in the studio but he was never the lead vocalists of Petra. He did share vocals with Schlitt and Lou Gramm (of Foreigner) on "We Need Jesus".
@BactaBeast Actually, John Elefante's career started before that when he joined Kansas on the "Vinyl Confessions" album. He then had a song on the St. Elmo's Fire soundtrack called "Young and Innocent". His brother Dino was working with Randy Thomas (the guy who wrote "Butterfly Kisses with Bob Carlisle) on the last Sweet Comfort Band album and told Randy that he would start a band called "Allies". Of course he did, and after that John and Dino started working with Petra.
Ditto. John actually sounds pretty rough on this, but such was the nature of his first year or so with Petra. He got better as time went on and as they started doing songs tailored for him.
I first saw Petra at Creation 86' in rural Pennsylvania, all my friends had seen them before and were surprised when John Schlitt took the stage, they did not know about Greg's exit. it was pretty cool for me, I had just become a Christian, but, had met and talked to John at a Head East concert in 1980. I thought the irony was pretty God-Like...
This is one of my favorite songs... And John performed very well. Replace Greg was not easy but I think John did it well, though I think Greg is a better singer in general
oh, bless john, why did they make him sing that song? i think another choice might have been better but he did a pretty good job and i am so glad that he took over gregs spot and led them to such great success. but no one can sing like greg, to me hes the best, always will be (and i grew up in elvis time). i am so glad both of these men sang for the Lord, what a sad world it would have been with out them!! i was blessed by both men and everyone in the band!! Greg left the band to spend time with his family, every concert i saw him at after he would mention it.
Gred did what? There is no such word as "acopello". A capella means only voice, no instruments, so this is not what you meant. And Greg and John are both great singers, each is different so it's not really fair to compare them
John is clearly struggling thoughout the song. Obviously most of the people here who are christian will say that both are amazing singers and yadda, yadda, yadda. The blatant truth is that Greg is one of the best singers I've ever heard in my entire life! He reminds me of the late Brad Delp. Greg has such a beautiful voice and he sings effortlessly with ease, whereas John sings out of tune sometimes and his voice is kindda annoying. Don't get me wrong here guys, I'm just being fair. . .
You mean falsetto, no acopello. And John is the one that is singing falsetto practically on every high not. Greg was a much more quality singer when it came to high notes.
John was awesome on back to the streets album but they should not have tried to do Greg's songs with John. They should have just stated over with new music. John just don't do Greg songs very well.
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John handled this song awesome. Petra fan since 1983 as a young child. The master reigns
Yes he can, if Greg tried to sing like John does he'd tear a vocal chord! Can't people just accept that they are both amazing? Greg has an incredible belter-tenor voice , and somebody try and find me a rock vocalist with the range and emotion of John. Petra was an awesome band and they were so lucky to have both men fronting the band.
John is incredible. 😮
I was in High School when I saw them perform this song during the Beat the System Tour in the early 80s. I was blown away. No one realizes that we didn't have music like this growing up. I so appreciate what these guys have done for the gospel. Thanks Petra!!!
I wish John had done more of Greg's songs for a while longer. The music and lyrics are amazing. It always makes me rejoice.
One of the few times in rock history where a band changes one iconic singer for another and is equally impressive.
They are different in their styles and strengths but both guys are phenomenal.
These lyrics...it doesn't matter who sings them. If sung from a grateful, forgiven, worshipping heart, it's always a joyful noise.
This was probably recorded before 'back to the street' came out, Volz left in the middle of the tour. Also I don't know what you people are hearing, but John Schlitt nailed this song, he every note perfectly, very few men can duplicate this high notes of Greg X. Volz, so give credit where it's due.
+kyokushinkuma John sung the high notes perfectly, it was the verses that were a little weaker, but overall a good job
John did a fantastic job! I was surprised they did this song with him. But...wow! Nicely done!
I was two years old during this concert. haha. Grew up listening to these awesome guys. I think this song sounds AWESOME with John!
I saw these guys live when I was a kid. It was right around this time, I think. (Back to The Street had just come out) and I remember being totally blown away!
I never imagined Christian music could kick so much ass!!
I've been a fan ever since...
Love Adoni! I think John would want us to focus on the content not his voice.. but It is truly a gift from Adoni!
wow this video is amazing john does have the best voice!
3. My teenage nephew has been developing his own music takes, and I'm so glad Petra is at the top of his Best Lists. He knows eventually he'll inherit all of my Petra stuff. I'm sure Petra's music will live on for a long time even though they're not touring anymore.
Wow. That is the highest I have EVER heard John sing (towards the end of the song)! That hurt MY vocal cords!
Bob, Mark and Louie all look the same as they did during the Beat The System tour... John looks so out of place here. BUT, he pulled it off very well... sounded awesome. Thanks for putting this video up.
Wow. That was impressive. To this day Adonai is one of my favourite Petra songs. I highly prefer John over Greg, but I honestly never thought he'd be able to do this song justice. But he clearly does.
John really was a good fit for the band. Wow.
Menuda pedazo de canción y de vocalista!. Este es el auténtico rock cristiano.Ya le hubiera gustado a muchos cantantes seculares de la época tener el talento para hacer canciones como ésta!.Y encima alaban al Señor! En los 80´s poder escuchar este disco en España fue un gustazo! Me sigue encantando Petra.
Back to the street tour. Saw them in junior high school 86.
Greg left the band after the spring of 1985. During the late summer and fall of 1985 John came in and finished out the Beat the System tour. Greg left because he did not want to be on the road doing 200+ dates a year as Petra was doing then.
I am not sure where this video was shot but the stage looks very different from what they toured with on Beat the System and Back to the Street at least in the USA.
John nailed this. He did a fantastic job, and yes, I'm familiar with Greg's version. They're both great. Comparing the 2 is silly: 1's a studio version, the other a live 1; 1 is performed by a long time, established member of the band, the other by a total new comer -- "Back to the street" wasn't even recorded yet. John had big shoes to fill, and he did it with a great deal of heart, soul, excellence, and devotion to God. Works for me. 😊😊
this is such an awsome song of praise Praise God! Hallelujah!
I remember heaing this song live on the Beat the System tour. Thats the first time I ever remember being in complete awe about God's love and power.
While i was DJ ing on College Radio i used to play John on the air in a rock band called Head East, and a song Oh Elijah, and when i got saved i got turned to Petra w him in it. So it was as if God knew ...it helped me early on.
In a 1986 (or so) interview on GMN (Gospel Music Network), John admitted he didn't want to sound like Greg in the first place. They're BOTH incredible and distinct.
John is the best
If I remember correctly, John's first concert with Petra was in Rapid City, SD... which was an event I attended. I don't remember this set up... but, then again... I could be wrong.
None the less... an amazing video of an AMAZING time in Christian Music... THANK YOU for posting this!!!!!
@thesunriseband81
back in the '70s i wanted desperately to sneak out just to see and hear head east live because i love this guy's voice and love head east. then as fate? would have it, i later was REintroduced to PETRA in the late '80s and had it not been for the ministry of petra and john schlitt with them, i honestly don't know how i would have been reached. they have done so much for me. thank you god!
1. Boy does this ever brings back the memories. John had just joined when I had the chance to not only see them play but to also meet all of them but one in Melbourne Oz (they said had gone tram hopping and managed to get lost but they'd have him back in time for the performance). They were at a Christian bookshop in the centre of Melbourne (Oz).
2. It seemed like such a smooth transition between Greg and John, I think a lot of people didn't even realise at that time that Greg had left. But I'm sure nobody was at all disapointed, I know I wasn't.
Greg and John both are great singers. Greg has a range of four octaves, more than John but in this particular song John managed to hit the really high notes similar to Greg's. Not quite there but pretty close. Yes, he also was out of tune in the beginning but then caught up and sung in pitch throughout the song. Background vocals were mostly out of tune tho. John's voice was better for the later hard rock music he sang while Greg's was good for the classic rock back in 70's and 80's.
Petra’s first concert with John is in Australia
Wow!! Excelent Video!! God Bless you brother!!!
@whatchamacallitful Schlitt (as lead Vocalist) and Elefante (as co-producer with his Brother Dino) both started their career with Petra on "Back to the Streets". John Elefante & Dino co-wrote a little with Bob Hartman, but Bob was the primary writer. John Elefante sang backups in the studio but he was never the lead vocalists of Petra. He did share vocals with Schlitt and Lou Gramm (of Foreigner) on "We Need Jesus".
@BactaBeast Actually, John Elefante's career started before that when he joined Kansas on the "Vinyl Confessions" album. He then had a song on the St. Elmo's Fire soundtrack called "Young and Innocent". His brother Dino was working with Randy Thomas (the guy who wrote "Butterfly Kisses with Bob Carlisle) on the last Sweet Comfort Band album and told Randy that he would start a band called "Allies". Of course he did, and after that John and Dino started working with Petra.
Ditto. John actually sounds pretty rough on this, but such was the nature of his first year or so with Petra. He got better as time went on and as they started doing songs tailored for him.
I first saw Petra at Creation 86' in rural Pennsylvania, all my friends had seen them before and were surprised when John Schlitt took the stage, they did not know about Greg's exit. it was pretty cool for me, I had just become a Christian, but, had met and talked to John at a Head East concert in 1980. I thought the irony was pretty God-Like...
Great video bro!This brings back memories.John sounds better than Greg on this song.I am not knocking Greg though,he was an awesome singer also!
This is one of my favorite songs... And John performed very well. Replace Greg was not easy but I think John did it well, though I think Greg is a better singer in general
it was the 80s buddy... personally i loved every minute of it! =) sure miss the good days ya know?
I was thinking if john could reach the same notes tha greg...
and he did!!
that's impressive...
=]
Wow John hit the hi notes very well. Didnt think he could.
Ronnie Cates or Mark Kelly? I've seen them both with Petra in concert. On the same tour, no less. I always wondered whatever happened to Mark.
The reason for Greg's departure have never been made public. I've heard rumors, but since they're just rumors I won't repeat them here.
oh, bless john, why did they make him sing that song? i think another choice might have been better but he did a pretty good job and i am so glad that he took over gregs spot and led them to such great success. but no one can sing like greg, to me hes the best, always will be (and i grew up in elvis time). i am so glad both of these men sang for the Lord, what a sad world it would have been with out them!! i was blessed by both men and everyone in the band!! Greg left the band to spend time with his family, every concert i saw him at after he would mention it.
@whatchamacallitful Are you talking about John Elefante? He sang lead for Kansas for awhile than he and his brother produced Petra.
Gred did what? There is no such word as "acopello". A capella means only voice, no instruments, so this is not what you meant.
And Greg and John are both great singers, each is different so it's not really fair to compare them
I think he meant Falsetto, and Greg did sing Falsetto. His natural range is not that high. Johns on the other hand was that high.
uniqimage,
Uhhh, where have you been since 1985? Greg left after the "Beat the System" tour.
John cant hold a candle to GREG
John is clearly struggling thoughout the song. Obviously most of the people here who are christian will say that both are amazing singers and yadda, yadda, yadda. The blatant truth is that Greg is one of the best singers I've ever heard in my entire life! He reminds me of the late Brad Delp. Greg has such a beautiful voice and he sings effortlessly with ease, whereas John sings out of tune sometimes and his voice is kindda annoying. Don't get me wrong here guys, I'm just being fair. . .
I like Greg a little better, but man John Schlitt is really gifted!
John did a pretty good job singing this song, Greg song though so I think Greg sounds better on this song.
Easy Bro, like Petra to you!! JAJAJA
you are aware that greg sang acopello for the high notes while john could actually hit those notes. John is a much better singer in my opinion
You mean falsetto, no acopello. And John is the one that is singing falsetto practically on every high not. Greg was a much more quality singer when it came to high notes.
Not bad. I still prefer Greg though.
John was awesome on back to the streets album but they should not have tried to do Greg's songs with John. They should have just stated over with new music. John just don't do Greg songs very well.
Sorry, but Greg X Volz has such a better voice for Rock. John was too Pop.
Said nobody ever