Grammy Award winning Australian singer-songwriter Rebecca St James arrived at Toowoomba fresh from hosting the American Gospel Music Association awards. This year, headline artists included Channel 10’s X-Factor winner Random, Hillsong’s Reuben Morgan, Queensland’s Soulframe, South Africa’s MIC, US metal band Pillar, UK DJ Andy Hunter and Ireland’s Robin Mark. He indicated that the increase in ticket sales was probably due to the growing reputation of being Australia’s largest “clean festival” and the elevated class of music acts. As long as we still have the infrastructure, we can continue to grow.” Mr Moody said that AGMF experienced a 100% increase in ticket attendance this year and plans have been made to accommodate even more growth in 2007. “We’ve been working to bring Newsboys to our festival for several years now and after months of negotiation we are honoured to have Newsboys as headlining artists at AGMF 06.” And it’s great to hear some Aussie accents in the crowd.”Įvent director Isaac Moody said securing Newsboys was a “huge coup” and set the bar high for the calibre of the 2007 international line up. “My parents have been coming to AGMF every year and call me up after and tell us we should play. “We’re so excited and honoured to be playing at Australia’s premier festival.” You get the feeling the band has been yearning to return to Australia. Lead singer Peter Furler admitted he has been anticipating playing at AGMF all year. The band that self admittedly started playing “tuneless music” in Mooloolaba in the late 80s has developed to become one of the biggest bands in Christian music. With more than 15 years of touring experience, Newsboys promised a monumental show and delivered. 20,000 tickets were sold and an estimated 20,000 people attended free events held outside the festival gates.Īustralian Christian rockers Newsboys headlined this year after US’s Superchic pulled out due to family problems. The Australian Gospel Music Festival (AGMF), Australia’s number one event for youth, children and families, happens every Easter (14-16th April 2006) in the heart of Toowoomba and this year attracted over 40,000 people. The catch? They are performing in front of 14,000 screaming Christians. They have been on the cover of Rolling Stone, nominated for four Grammy Awards, have a Billboard Music Award and six Gold Records. You thought the U2 tour had been cancelled? Which band could possibly stir up this much excitement? It’s the Newsboys. Chanting, clapping, cheering, the stage lights dim, the crowd jump to their feet and roar as the bright lights flash on. Fourteen thousand eager individuals wait for the band to begin playing.
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