“Never Been Any Reason” LIVE by Petra Lead Singer John Schlitt | Jukebox | Huckabee

[@ptrborys]

John sounds fantastic and Wow! Governor Huckabee thumping a beautiful Rickenbacker bass! Who knew?!!!!

[@billsimmons5186]

Huckabee 😃 tearing that bass up !!! John still killing it !!! This is Greattttt !!! Love this song!!!

[@jeffell]

If you grew up in 1970's Midwest, you knew about Head East!

[@trollhunter6934]

First band I saw live was Head East when they played at our local roller skating rink when I was a kid!

[@sunnyramsey2753]

Seen them so many times. Always a good show.

[@BenHLiles]

First time I heard this song I was a little boy... At 50 it's aged well... So, when I found he joined Petra in 1988 I was so stoked!! Even ran into my cousin at Six Flags over Texas where Petra performed in Dallas that same Summer of 1988... It was so cool!!!

[@JDDupuy]

The Midwest radio stations put them on the map. This song was always on the radio!

[@lynettedeckard1707]

Loved Head East! Saw them live in Tulsa with Fleetwood Mac in 1979 or 80(?) Had a Head East t-shirt I wore completely out...

[@HeadEastMusic]

At age 73 John Schlitt has the best voice of any singer from his era.

[@willbowen1679]

Really, Ric Emmett or Roger Daltry

[@johnshepherd7340]

@@willbowen1679 Glenn Hughes John Elefante

[@geetee2694]

Alan Parsons

[@Holestic_Honesty]

Glen Hughes held up better imo.

[@joebagodonuts8119]

He still sounds the same.

[@Jimb151]

John is gifted singer & has the anointing of the Holy Spirit on his voice and singing, you can tell instantly!!! ♥️✝️👍Full of life, hope, kindness, and power!!! When first hearing this in the mid-1970s along with many others prayed God save this good man is he isn’t already and draw him to sing for Your glory. What a wonderful man and testimony!!!

[@waynemilles366]

I got to see Head East before they were famous as a kid. They were playing at a swim park in Evansville Ind.

[@timmahony3307]

I was a volunteer "roadie" for a Petra event in an outdoor ampitheater in KC. Semi was stuck between two trees, and it looked like we weren't going to get the stage setup in time. John Schlitt was the epitome of coolness, calmness, and clear thinking. We got it done, and the concert was amazing. He definitely was on my top tier for "nice guys" in the recording industry.

[@markflynn9950]

Was at that concert at Sandstone as A1 to the FOH. It all came off and still remember the venue well.

[@timmahony3307]

It wasn’t Sandstone. It was outside of a church just north of the southern part of 435 that had an outdoor amphitheater. “Kansas City Baptist Temple (?)

[@chucksgarage7165]

John Schlitt, still rockin it at 73!!

[@tamishapiro4022]

BETTER THAN MCCARTNEY..eh?

[@FranciscoJavier-rz7uo]

⁠@@tamishapiro4022Of course, Paul is good, but John Schlitt is next level!! His voice is very special!!

[@freepatriot6313]

@@FranciscoJavier-rz7uo… sounds feminine…. When it came out ,I thought it was a singing duo between a woman and a man.

[@FranciscoJavier-rz7uo]

@@freepatriot6313 Sure, for that reason John's voice is much more special than Paul's, Paul is good, famous (for belonging to the Beatles) But nothing more. 😅

[@tzimmer38]

Schlitt was one of the most underrated vocalists of the 70's. Head East never got the recognition they deserved. What a great live band! Somerville and his black Les Paul, great harmony vocals, and their 70's albums are priceless🤘

[@williammitchell1785]

They were a one hit wonder and I dn't understand because they had the talent to follow up this song was most requested when I played but its missing the two part vocal

[@dwightswan2265]

Alice Cooper tried very hard to get them recognized on several tours.

[@Antien-q1z]

very much agree

[@durrgruver]

I have 4 of their albums and their Live CD. Loved the 70s.

[@KK96303]

He got wrapped up in the god-rock bandwagon and was peddling the lie of religion,....that's why.

[@johnkelly6942]

That song was played at every party I attended in college from 1977-1981. Good times.

[@milesjohnson9542]

That's my former Governor Mike Huckabee rockin' th bass!

[@Badhands55]

Sure is!

[@bweber6256]

He's still got a great voice,great scream, and great energy. Even kept his hair! Nice to see him out there still entertaining and enjoying himself. Gave us boomers some great music and great memories.

[@francesshelton1358]

I love this song and this singer. He gave up drugs and alcohol and became a Christian. Thank God.

[@rickjurado2398]

I love this song, but couldn't understand why the bass player needed sheet music or tabs. Really.

[@dystopian..]

Ahahahahahaahajajajaja.

[@rockyholl1092]

And was thinking suicide

[@eightpenny6379]

I never knew Petra was Head East. Wow now I can hear it.

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Not precisely. Head East was the mainstream pop Rock band John Schlitt was lead singer for 1972-80. This song "Never Been Any Reason" was their biggest hit. By 1980 John's drug habit was SO bad the band let him go. After 6 years of going sober & becoming a Christian - and thinking "I'll never sing Rock music again" - John hears that famed Top Christian band Petra has parted ways with it's former & first lead singer (Greg X Volz) and auditioning for a new lead singer. Well John tries out & gets the job and stayed for the next like 23 albums from 1986 onwards ! Petra fans endlessly argue WHOs the better lead singer but fact is both are / were tremendous. They're friends & it's all good. If you're curious on Greg X Volz work, look up the "Classic Petra - Back to the Rock - Reunion Concert" (2010) with Greg & the original lineup. It's a flat out gem of a concert.

[@helgaritter1230]

@@psalm2forliberty577 many thanks for this infos ! I am a christian woman from Germany, 66 years old and love Rock--Music !!!

[@danielevans9379]

They may have been a “one hit wonder” but that tune is one of the great songs of the 70’s 👍

[@kenthawley5990]

In southern Illinois, they were anything but a one-hit wonder.The local stations would play "Love Me Tonight," "Jefftown Creek," "Ticket Back to Georgia," and the Russ Ballard-penned "Since You Been Gone" (which I think is better than the Rainbow version).

[@danielevans9379]

@@kenthawley5990 I’m sure they have some other good songs, but if you’re known historically for really just one song that makes you a one hit wonder. I’ve never considered that term an insult though, how many people in the world would love to have that be a part of their story?? 👍

[@Davidg1t1]

@@kenthawley5990true story! I’ve seen Head East many times back in the day. Always a great show!!!

[@Jessica_Roth]

Technically, they were a ZERO-hit wonder, as they never reached the Top 40. The interesting thing is that this only their *3rd-best* charting single, peaking at #68, whereas "Love Me Tonight" went to #54 and their version of "Since You Been Gone" topped out at #46. (Head East actually had the most successful version, in the US. Rainbow only went to #57 with theirs, but it did get to #6 in Britain. Hard to complain about Graham Bonnet getting his props, but unfair to HE.) But this is the one that still gets played. Better one than none, I suppose, but still.

[@GregoryKeithe]

They were all over FM Rock radio in the mid/late '70s! ..or AOR as they called it then ( at least where I lived ). That was back when a band could gain some regional popularity. And rock radio didn't care if it was a single anyway, they were playing the album cuts Never Been Any Reason must have been a big regional hit (middle off the country), because the single is RIAA certified gold 🟡 not too shabby for a rock debut single, #68 peak on the Hot 100! Head East had 7 albums that charted, 3 made it into the top100. They were a solid rock band. ✊ Their version of Since You've Been Gone is THE version for me. They had a good thing going... should've kept releasing songs with the word Been in them 😅🤣

[@Robert-pt9br]

He sounds great for an old man.One of the few who still has his voice.

[@TWTexasA1]

One of the best songs ever written….pure rock n roll 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@markmartin6436]

absolutely my fav

[@hillbillybeerdranker6678]

Mike Huckabee rocks on the bass. I never knew

[@tracyclark4162]

Gust a great performance from all of them. Keeping Head East music alive for everyone to enjoy. What an honor to Head East.

[@QuadeQuick]

John Schlitt is better than ever, both as a vocalist and a child of God. Awesome job, y'all!

[@charlescraigwells]

Saw Head East at the Exit Inn (Nashville) back in the day. A large time was had by all.

[@elfman5176]

When you sound this good Keep Rocking Still Got It

[@bernieanderson8118]

If this is the True Elfman This will be be an easy lyric to identify " Dead leaves always give up motion !" Thought you gave up your channel ! I follow many of the bands you do, you have great musical taste !

[@mrstinkytit]

One of my favorite songs of all time. It’s still a great rocker!

[@TheProfessorOfLife]

Wow! Great classic song and John still has the pipes too! Bravo!

[@jpsworldofwrestling]

Correction. He's STILL the lead singer for Petra, as they are on their 50th anniversary tour.

[@peggyarnold7425]

I remember 3 rockin Petra shows in early 80s with greg volz? Do i have the nsme right? Loved his voice and stage presence. Was certain petra would fizzle. Glad to know schlitt carried them on!

[@jbetnar]

​​@@peggyarnold7425yes, Greg X Volz. He still has a great voice too. He did some reunion shows with Petra around 5 years ago. Look for Classic Petra live videos.

[@petegregory517]

Hershey PA, late ‘80’s, half the sound system went down. Technician’s ran about the whole concert trying to get it right, never did. First time I ever saw how many techs there were. They (venue) had to have called everyone they could think of, those guys looked like they jumped in a pool. Still a great concert. Took my girlfriend, now wife. Petra never looked flustered or upset, just got it on.

[@scottnugent4791]

I will always be a big fan of John, but this version did not do it for me. The raw sound from the 70's was fantastic. I miss the original members. I had lunch with Dan Birney in 84, and he shared the impact that substance abuse had on him. RIP to the members of Head East that have passed away.

[@Jimb151]

Love Petra!!! ❤️👍✝️"Love" "Beyond Belief" and others!!!

[@sigshooter128]

Man, He still has his voice, That is one of my top 3 all time songs...... Good Job John, Glad you do the gosple rock also.

[@SteveEdwardCooper]

This is a song that is meant to be played at a high volume on excellent speakers. I am speaking from decades of experience listening to this song.

[@Eron55555]

My Warfedale Linton's do a dandy job.

[@georgemartin5612]

Excellent performance unbelievable live sound great vocals ROCK ON

[@judya8392]

One of my favorite songs of all time!!!! And he still sounds amazing!!!!!!!!

[@MISANTHROPE1964]

Midwest rock and roll. John still hitting the high notes..👍

[@Amen.22]

I had the Petra movie, Beyond Belief, on VHS. I wore it out and I tried to find it on DVD, but I couldn’t. Now I found it on KZbin. It’s good to hear this again.

[@lizard944]

I played in a band about twenty years ago and we opened for Head East . Very small corner bar that only held about 250 people. We hung out for about an hour and a half after closing. Unforgettable!

[@scottnugent4791]

The real Hesd East was already long gone 20 years ago.

[@lizard944]

@@scottnugent4791 Well, Roger Boyd and Mike Somerville were there so close enough.

[@Guitarmissy-wf2vr]

John Schlitt nailed it. So freaking great all around!!

[@berniesallee5324]

From one bass player to another, the Huck Meister getting down on that Rick. ❤️

[@MegaCraptacular]

I saw Head East three times, never wanted to see them even once. True story.

[@lyndraski4152]

this is a great performance - one of those times where it all comes together

[@glenbateman5960]

Head East was criminally underappreciated.

[@billfowler2867]

Mike Huckabee tearing it up on bass!

[@donquihote6023]

Wow. He kept the Pipes. Missing the.old days when we were a nation of reality and Hope.

[@COOLBREEZE1976]

Sounds just like he used to!! Love that album.. Flat as a pancake.

[@pamelahughes341]

Rockin song With Cow Bell....what more can you ask for?!!

[@ericlofroos2405]

One hit wonder from Head East! His voice hasn’t changed a bit. I always liked this song. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidkost418]

One of the best rock n roll songs of the 70s!! They used to tour a lot and had an awesome live show! Ahhh good memories!

[@rollinontwojohnny3586]

HEAD EAST! One of the best concerts I had the pleasure of taking in as a teenager! WOW, 72 years young. What a voice!

[@philmccrevis4493]

Same here. I was a teen in Normal IL. We loved Head East.

[@steveshannon8961]

still sounds amazing!

[@christiansmakingmusic777]

That was about the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time. John touching his roots again. Way to go brother!

[@philipwalker7535]

Great to see Governor Huckabee playing bass with Petra.

[@frankgomez7549]

Hats off the Mr. Huckabee!!!!!!!

[@aandpman]

I grew up during the era of Head East and Petra, and was a fan of the early CCM artists. I NEVER MADE THE CONNECTION! HOLY SMOKES!

[@fredcampbell4536]

Huckabee RULES!!!!! Smoking bass

[@radio1370]

I had the pleasure of meeting John at the Lucas County Fair in Ohio. What a great guy! I was always a Hwad East fan...and became a huge Petra fan after seeing him. Terrific story of no matter how deep you sink, Jesus will save you!

[@barrys5435]

Absolutely amazing i loved it ❤

[@user-pq7ej9dw3l]

Head East. Never been any reason. From "Flat as a pancake". Been listening to this song since it came out. Rock on boys.

[@skipsmith743]

the huskster bassin out for sure ... love it

[@steveb9151]

Huck's got the pluck, rockin' out on his Rick!

[@ArtHilliker]

AWESOME !!! I LOVE seeing a band that has so much fun BELTING IT OUT like the old days !! WELL DONE !! BRAVO !!!!

[@ezktime7]

didn't know Huckabee can play bass! surprises before Heaven.

[@dean828]

A bona fide Classic R&R tune... John Schlitt still has the pipes of his youth... a blessing from God... and yes, it has the line... "better than a white line..." - the Love & Salvation of Jesus Christ is far superior to any drug, amen!

[@thereaction18]

I can't remember what that line was changed to for the radio version back in the day.

[@markgoodwin7967]

Saw them in concert some years ago they are great from the time frame of groups like Boston !!!!!!!!!

[@jessstone7486]

@@thereaction18 As a rock n roll DJ from that time, I don't believe that line was ever changed.

[@thereaction18]

@@jessstone7486 Well in that case it makes sense why it would be so hard to remember. I feel better now.

[@mrbill4499]

Great performance ! Nailed it !

[@nmjazz09]

Head East and Foghat Vet's Auditorium Des Moines circa about 1976. Amazing!!

[@josephine-j1p]

GREAT stuff.....and check out the Governor!!!!!! WOW!!!!

[@dougbunch5687]

My first real concert was Rush and Head East in Knoxville in 1978 or 1979. Then I was part of the volunteer crew when they played the old gymnasium at Tennessee tech and maybe 1982. I remember having to go into town and pick up dry ice that they needed for their fog machine. Awesome shows both times!

[@saxonsteve]

I only found out about Petra, when I took Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior! ❤They are great! Awesome job on this song 🎶!!!

[@andrewchristensen6295]

Remember STRYPER?

[@saxonsteve]

Stryper is awesome!

[@jerrydillard2430]

I enjoyed the heck out of that!!

[@christinejohnson5564]

I met John decades ago when i visited a friend back home asked me take a quick ride to dunes to go meet up with someone As we were walking down steps My friend Brad says Hey did ya know we’re in the presence of a rock star! I turn around look at John He had the sweetest blushed face I’ve ever seen to this day So humble Think that was right when he first joined H.E. He had on white overalls with one side unlatched looked like a painter lol I’m a artist

[@paulkcormier]

tears rollin dowm my face i grew up on this music this brings me full face back to everything iver ever reaped and sowed no words - other people reading this will know and feel same thing and im so sorry for my life of sin ill always know what the truth was even if didnt walk the walk --sometimes i even tell people about headeast band how that guy went from despair to eternal life in his music ----this has always been the benchmark of how you can change your life for real this like having jesus doing a song for you to top it all seeing mike playing bass oh wow --i pray god lets me see this many more times in my life there are many people who need to see this i will lead them back to this

[@Nicky-hr1qz]

Hallelujah hallelujah praise jesus christ

[@powlperc]

southern Illinois, another exceptional Illinois band Head East was….had more than just this one good tune 👍

[@lorcazola]

Gettin' Ready for Jubilee Celebration ! Here comes the Roaring 20's !

[@YepTriedToTellYou]

I saw Head East in concert in Charlotte, NC in 1977. They were the front band for Styx that night. It snowed a blizzard but both bands refused to cancel and showed up. It was one of the best nights of my youth. “Never Been Any Reason” was their opening song and their greatest original hit.

[@alandurham6863]

Saw John at a Head East reunion a few years ago in Missouri and his voice was fantastic.

[@Superczar1-sh3bk]

That was awesome

[@mrzee1958]

WOW! I never realized that Tre' Corley was THAT GOOD! Just like John Lawry!

[@Glexmusic]

❤ John Schlitt, greatest Vocalist and still alive and well….

[@WaynJul]

What a great voice.

[@evoddubb]

One of my all time favorites. Just a great rock n roll ,driving around,windows down tune. How many guitar players they have,?

[@sms9106]

Soooo good

[@1005618]

wow he,s sounds real good,i head east decades ago when this came out and he still got it

[@debbieedwards711]

I bought this album. Love this song.

[@douglasyoung3686]

Nice to see Johns still rocking

[@andrewchristensen6295]

I remember PETRA, back in the 80's

[@Johnny5]

Just met John in Padukah KY for the Petra Reunion!! My favorite singer and such a personable man who cares about everyone! GOD Bless you John Schlitt!

[@COOLBREEZE1976]

I missed that somehow. I'm like 2 hours from Paducah. 😢

[@rishz7857]

​@@COOLBREEZE1976mid 70's saw Petra in small church in Owensboro. They played like 2 hours.

[@sirluke7]

This makes me very happy! Peace to all !

[@rayhart777]

I saw,Head East back in the 70's. I've always liked this song, but never knew John Schlitt from Petra had been in Head East until recently.

[@trollhunter6934]

👏👏👏👏👏 Head East was the first live band I saw when they played at our local roller skating rink near Seattle!

[@dougcreekmore3930]

Swear to God! First ever stadium concert was Petra! Went with church group! They were awesome! He still sounds great!

[@rishz7857]

Saw Petra in a small western KY church in the mid 1970's.

[@dougcreekmore3930]

@@rishz7857 yeah! They were so good!

[@iplaymytele]

Born and raised and grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, about 40 minutes south of Champaign Urbana… I got to see ( head east ) , REO Speedwagon, Dan Fogelberg, and Starcastle…, each a few times, I think the most I ever paid was $15 for a seat….🎶👍🏻🙏🏻👍🏻🎶

[@Pabst62]

I've loved this song for 40+ years! The band, Huck on bass, and JS with that incredible voice - Awesome! 😎

[@audiovertigo]

Then you would love the Sekulow band!

[@Pabst62]

I love the JSB concerts, great band! @@audiovertigo

[@ahmednaim1017]

Waoooo ! What a band ! Cristal gold music ! The keyboard , thé Singer, all in one... I feel myself in the end of thé seventies... Chicago ، Manfred man, scorpions, uria heap, all those came to m'y mind. Stay safe

[@michelelaraia7358]

Uriah Heep and Manfred ManN. Add Sweet too.

[@eric2147]

I loved this song (and the whole side of the album) and when I came to Christ I went to a Christian book store and asked the kid to give me some music because it was very important to me. He gave me Petra and DeGarmo and Key. When I heard Petra I couldn’t believe my ears. What a distinctive voice!! I thought it was soooo amazing that one of my favorite singers was a Christian too and leading a rock band for Jesus!! God puts things together to bless and encourage you. John was and is one of those blessings.

[@crbraue]

Raw... Real... and Raucious!! How life is supposed to be!

[@vito9674]

"Save my life I'm going down for the last time " ❤ No matter the Year! A GREAT Song is ALWAYS a GREAT SONG ! This is One of them ! ❤

[@terrysmith1957]

Was lucky to see him play with Head East at a reunion concert a couple of years ago. Got to meet and got pictures with him. He is actually going to play one more concert with Head East this fall in Steelville Missouri.

[@michaelholliday5545]

Growing up in central Illinois I knew all about Head East. John I believe is from Lincoln Illinois.

[@crcoord]

Huck is killin it on the bass! lol

[@markschmidt3996]

Saw them so many times playing bars in Wisconsin back in the day. Still some of my fav tunes

[@sparkygreen6298]

Fire it up 2023!! Great bunch of talented musicians !!!!

[@cowboy4010]

Great Singin and Playin Brother ! GOD SPEED BROTHERS !! Cowboy … !!

[@yoymama7]

I wanna be like that when i grow up! I watched dazed and confused in HS and this song was in it!😂

[@janethouse1779]

John sounds amazing!! I was fortunate enough to play with John's bandmates from his band Johnny, after he left Head East -- Jimmy McNeely (drums) and Don Collucci (keys), as well as Mike Willis. If you're curious you can find John singing with them on youtube on a song called "Mama". Top flight musicians -- I played Never Been any Reason with them many, many times, what a thrill to play that great song. Never got to meet Johnny, but from what they say his story is incredible and he's a very nice fella, not to mention talented. Thanks to whoever posted this video.

[@fredcowles3299]

Just doing an excellent job on this, he sings right on it, great band and backing vocalist.

[@paulsmith1317]

I ran sound for John in the late 80's at an Airforce base in San Antonio and with Petra in Austin. He was and still is one of the most humble great guys in music. I remeber hanging out talking and he actually would look you in the eye when you talked to him. He listened, unlike many people who look around and look to see whos looking at them and not rrally paying attention. Great guy.

[@paceflchick]

I interviewed him, 1976ish, Clayton Woods Elementary school, for the newspaper. Ballwin Missouri, he was married to my brothers 2nd grade teacher. I saw them at 6 flags often too.