John Schlitt of Petra Interview | Christian Rock, Winning Over Crowds, and Finding Jesus

On The Babylon Bee Interview Show, Kyle and Ethan talk to Petra lead vocalist, John Schlitt. They talk about the journey to frontman of Petra, almost getting swept out to sea, and his views on the top Christian music artists. John had a long road into becoming the lead vocalist of Petra that dealt with lots of hardship and an engineering job. John tells the story of how he landed being the frontman of Petra.
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[@awokecon157]

Petra, particularly the Schlitt era was hugely influential to me, growing up. 'Beyond Belief' is still one of the best pump me up songs ever made. 'Dance' is also a great tune to pump me up. So many great tunes in their prime. They were the real trailblazers for Christian Rock. Thanks for this interview!

[@bbowman105]

Schlitt has one of the finest voices in rock, Christian or Mainstream. The man is amazing.

[@mrssriplo1]

100% agree! And so unique too. You can immediately pick him out of the crowd.

[@kesoneiliekhro5374]

So true. None can compare with him. No disrespect to others.

[@KevinHalloran]

John Schlitt on the Babylon Bee podcast? Beyond Belief!

[@GlennRiccobono]

I'm All Fired Up

[@KevinHalloran]

@@GlennRiccobono This interview really hit me where I live

[@GlennRiccobono]

@@KevinHalloran I guess I'm ready willing and able to believe that

[@KevinHalloran]

@@GlennRiccobono I'm just glad there weren't audio issues or else John would have been Seen and Not Heard

[@GlennRiccobono]

@@KevinHalloran True, he probably would have had to break out some kind of Secret Weapon

[@lightenlynx]

Oh boy I am so pleased I found this interview. I am brazilian but Petra had a huge influence in my early christian life. I had the opportunity to attend to 2 concerts here in Brazil and, in one of them (actually in my home town, a medium-sized town) the band had a hard time because the event manager didnt pay the sound equipment or something like that, and the event was really delayed, the crowd started to get impatient. I was kinda involved in the organization and had full access to the stage, and I saw John Schlitt on his knees praying. That really touched me. He could be swaring or even mad at the organizers, but instead, he showed he is a christian before everything else. I would like to thank him for that example. Thank you John.

[@masterkalel06]

This is unexpected and a very welcome interview. 👌 John is a legend!

[@benbaxter2400]

Came to our Youth retreat in the mid 90’s and put on a concert for 2-3k kids. Incredible worship experience, unforgettable!

[@nathanastruthers]

I’m only 41 and I remember singing solos at church that were off of the “Beyond Belief” album. Petra along with DeGarmo & Key were both my first 2 favorite bands that got me into Christian Rock. I feel very lucky that I was able to see John in Petra at least once. It was during the Creation festival on the east coast.

[@fireheart_7]

True story- 1987 they bring this guy, the singer of some band to talk to us during our lunch recess at school. I was in middle school. Whatever. 1988- a buddy of mine loans me a cassette - Petra- On Fire. My mind was blown, they became one of my all-time favorite bands. The guy who spoke to us a year prior that we paid no attention to, that I could have walked up to and at least say 'hi' or what not... ? John Schlitt! Timing is everything...

[@wheelzwheela]

One of the most unique/instantly recognizable voices in rock and roll. Unbelievably talented guy. Never underestimate Bob Hartman either… the number of GOOD songs that guy has written is mind blowing. Many famous bands have only 1 or 2 listenable songs. Petra probably has 40.

[@lillyvba7635]

My forever beloved band! Been to two concerts in Brazil and now that Im married to an American and living in the USA for 11 years It will be the first time to see them here in DC area! Super happy about it! Petra forever!!!

[@cousinbryan3007]

I always wanted John Schlit to play at a Fuddruckers so I could listen to the Klove DJ's sweat every time they read the promo on the air.

[@democratpro]

You think jokes are FUNNY!!??

[@masterkalel06]

If only KLove played Petra. 😂

[@hojirick]

This is amazing

[@graemeh3284]

Babylon Bee are an absolute breath of fresh air gents please keep doing what you’re doing even my non Christian friends are subscribed because of the quality. Great interview with a real musician

[@graemeh3284]

Much love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@ampzamp]

This John Schlitt is a truly unique and iconic individual. He just cant shut up about Jesus!

[@stevehesselman]

This is incredible - thanks for this, guys... love John Schlitt and Petra!

[@bethanyh1637]

Petra makes up a large part of my playlist... but John Schlitt's Wake the Dead album might be my favorite.

[@masterkalel06]

YES. His solo albums are severely underrated!

[@michaelgross1324]

Underrated comment.

[@prairierprincess]

So much for not touring again! They are on tour right now and we were so happy to see them in Winnipeg, Canada. He (and the whole band) definitely still have it! They absolutely rocked it and were on fire for the LORD. It was an absolute blessing to see them.

[@robertbordevik5072]

I saw Petra in Norway 3 days ago 14/7-23 and not only did they kick some serious a**… I was amazed how Schlitt was able to not cut any corners with his vocals. He gave it his all and he still got it! What is he, 73? It was awesome. They ran through all their hits too. Unbelievable.

[@laracroftstan]

I'm among Petra's younger fans (just recently turned 22), but I gotta say, I absolutely love them! My dad used to be obsessed with them before he turned from Yahweh (unfortunately), but in doing so he left behind a couple of his Petra CDs. So I guess I gotta thank him for that, because I'd be sorely missing out if he hadn't shared them with me!

[@gwalchmai21]

Fantastic interview! Petra was extremely influential to me, and John's voice is part of the soundtrack to my life...This Means War was like a revelation to me as a youngster, and Beyond Belief was huge as well. Petra was always great to see live. Glad you guys could have him on the show!

[@InscoesAdventures]

I grew up listening to Petra. God used them to help and teach me so many times. Thanks for this amazing interview! Love you my brothers!

[@GlennRiccobono]

That was probably Bob Hartman on the phone trying to call John 🤣🤣🤣

[@masterkalel06]

Nooo. 😂Petra reunion canceled.

[@Cyberfender1]

Petra's " ON FIRE" Was great! Convicting and encouraging!

[@doofus.in.school]

Such a humble and funny and authentic Christian rock singer singing for THE ROCK, Jesus!

[@kennyzraht5804]

When it comes to Christian rock, it’s Petra, and the rest!

[@sneggleblech]

Petra sang Happy Birthday to me back in the '90s at an autograph signing with Code of Ethics. I wanna say it was my 15th birthday. Actually on my birthday; and the concert was that night. It was the No Doubt tour.

[@sharonfrank7412]

Imagine being adopted & finding your birth family & being told John Schlitt is your 1st cousin 😳 I was blessed to find him & his music & became an instant fan.

[@JonathanRossRogers]

17:43 My mom is a singer and has sung a number of Sandi Patti songs. I never rejected my parents' music, but discovering Petra was an important part of my musical appreciation journey. I hadn't realized until looking them up just now that both Bob Hartman and John Schlitt are several years older than my parents.

[@LFTDLorax02]

My favorite band growing up. I still subject my kids to this amazing music. I started on them all the way back to Greg and then rough John. And frankly they didn't skip a beat when they switched. Thanks for the interview!!!!

[@chinfuzzchet3616]

The Babylon Bee boys sure made this interview a Minefield for John.

[@dewuknowHIM]

IM 65 AND I LOVE PETRA....😅 I LOVE THEIR Praise Album !!!

[@weekendmom]

I remember when the guys from Petra called in to Fire By Nite's Blain Bartel while the show was being recorded to rebuke him for saying men who wore a single earring were all gay.

[@davidmcintosh3468]

that was fun! God bless you all!

[@adev1631]

Discovered these guys after committing to walk with Christ in the early 1990’s. Never thought I’d love a Christian band after a decade of secular heavy metal. But Petra’s album “Unseen Power” really rocked my world. The words were powerful and backed up everything I was learning in the Bible. These songs meant something deep and they are still in my heart. I really enjoyed this! Thanks guys for the great interview!

[@maplebob23]

Very fun. I saw Petra in ‘84 in Madison WI.

[@rebeccafelscia]

Wow ! Loved to hear from John Schlitt !!

[@MissionaryAdventures]

Petra was instrumental in my young Christian walk. Saw them in concert several times. God bless you John, Bob and a of the Petra members! :)

[@user-do9hl7gc6x]

Loved the phone throwing scene. Plus I checked out Petra and actually liked it. Ty.

[@en5788]

I definitely remember the cassette tapes of Petra and the rez band. And then I discovered Stryper.

[@audreyterry1428]

Man, I’d go see you. I loved Head East & met them in ‘75 in.Champaign. Found Petra on Christian Radio & fell in love. You’re awesome!!

[@MegaTechnoteacher]

I opened for Jphn Schlitt in Connecticut in the early 90's He told us we were rockin as he came out. God Bless Jon Schlitt! He's a really nice guy

[@rebeccaharden6018]

I loved Petra when I was in high school.

[@kathleenguth2193]

Love John Schlitt! Never heard of him or Petra until I found Dan Vasc. So glad John did a video with Dan. Still to this day Dan gets very emotional when hearing Beyond Belief. Which helped Dan with his mental trials. Thank you Petra for your emotional songs.

[@70stastic]

Petra and Glass Harp both really got me into Christian Rock. And Servant got me into Synthwave/Synthpop

[@andrewgrant2990]

This was a really fun interview- thanks for doing & posting this!

[@katherinem5532]

Petra was the first live concert I attended in high school.

[@elijahburnt5909]

Still one of my favorite bands

[@ampzamp]

that is an incredibly entertaining interview! When i was a kid, John Schlitt was da bom man. he truly was, and he still is. That story about shooting on a disappearing island, what a total crack up man! :) :) :)

[@richciervo266]

They came to Philly for a concert and my wife and I invited them over to our apartment and offered them my heavy duty Air Force coat. They might remember.

[@kaitlynmetzger8235]

YESSS I'm so excited you did this interview!! Petra is the BEST and John Schlitt is such an amazing, humble person. So much respect for them.

[@chinfuzzchet3616]

He could hit some crazy hghs back n the 80s...fool's gold for 1 John is about as personable as any rock star there is!

[@marksmusings670]

Looking forward to the interview!

[@wassup934]

Looking forward to this 😀

[@kituwahband]

Petra, Dc Talk, 4 Him, Michael W Smith, Point of Grace, and the list goes on -- are the bands i listened to in the 90s growing up. Good times!!

[@hardcastle4419]

Make Christian Rock Great Again...

[@HarHah]

🎵 Occupy!!! Occupy!!! 🎵 Standing firm.. lifting high the Holy Standard!!!

[@georgeherod4252]

I was just jamming out to Grave Robber, Petra was and always will be awesome!

[@rebeccaharden6018]

We would follow them from church to church. They came to. Our church in Charleston, SC

[@calcasieukid]

I love this interview!

[@AS__704]

I first heard Petra when I was 6 or 7 (K5 or 1st grade) and they were singing I LOVE THE LORD. I was blown away!

[@downlow0075]

John Cooper said the same thing in his interview. He was approached by a big music producer..mid you drop the Jesus thing you'll be a superstar. He declined

[@AS__704]

That happned to Flarfoot56... well they had it from both sides... the Christian label they wanted them out of the bars (but who needs the Word?) and then when they were searching for a new deal a big punk label told them to drop "the Jesus" they said no to both. And it is pretty cool to see angry punks become fans of FF56 and then God uses that draw them near and then they become followers of Jesus. It is amazing. God's ways are def not ours.

[@gladizasantiago9164]

Great interview! A legend!

[@kesoneiliekhro5374]

I love both Michael sweet n john schlitt. But john is being humble here about Michael sweet. Smeet high notes any high pitch singer can hit but john schlitt is a full package singer. He got the voice, the high notes, the skills, the energy n most importantly he got the faith. And yes he sings his heart out too. No one can compare with him. John is a master piece of God yes a rare one.

[@billleroy6736]

How do they compare to David Phelps?

[@discobikerAndRosie]

I saw Petra at WPF in Southbend, IN. 12-13 years ago. I stood in the autograpg line for over an hour to get their signatures on a 5x7 photo for my brother. He loved it, so it was worth the agony of the hot sun!

[@Mark_Spivey]

Absolutely awesome interview! I would love doing FOH for them.

[@samsontsuma8106]

Jesus am dreaming of you🎶🎶🎵 Sight unseen It's your destiny Mr. Shilt, Bob and Mr. Mickey the drumist.

[@sharonfrank7412]

Hallelujah Chorus on John’s Christmas Project album really emphasizes his vocal range. He’s amazing.

[@JonathanRossRogers]

I love John's voice. I hope he invests in a better mic and acoustic environment so we can better experience it in future interviews.

[@impalaman9707]

If Head East wanted to name their first album after a description of their home state, "Sea of Corn" would have been a better name, "Flat as a Pancake" could describe about 20 other states! As far as John--he looks REALLY well preserved for a 73 year old.

[@whaguitars]

Great interview and I love me some Petra. Dan Hartman is a great guitar player and songwriter.

[@MournfulMystic]

Dan?

[@whaguitars]

@@MournfulMystic Ooops!

[@johnwayne2642]

Head East. A great band.

[@RogueShadowTCN]

I really love that when you guys edit words out. You edit the word out. Not It's the exact same word, and sounds like the word. Why did you edit it at all? I have no idea what the word is. And that's how all "bleep"ing should be done.

[@dantaylormusicaurbana3014]

Genial saludos desde chile petra mi grupo favorito

[@JonathanRossRogers]

47:07 It would be surprising if John hadn't met Carman, since they collaborated on a recording in the early 1990s.

[@KS-vt5yw]

It’s Our Turn Now w/Carman

[@blaws6684]

I want to see the sekulow band live!!!!

[@AJKPenguin]

One of these Petra rocks is from Bryon, OH, home to Spangler Candy Canes, Dum-Dums, Etch-A-Sketch. Stumps, stumps, stumps, stumps. . .

[@davidacharles1962]

Toledo is a great city!

[@AJKPenguin]

Pizza is good there.

[@Shin-nr8ly]

ill Add the One being interviewed has Fruit I🙏 he might Shed Some light on yous

[@JonathanRossRogers]

38:26 BTW, a floor monitor was behind John.

[@unsolicitedsausage8620]

I am 39 and I had never heard of Petra til this interview. I looked them up and they have some ok songs in my opinion. Does Anyone have any other suggestions on bands similar to Petra?

[@TheDDD3DDD]

Whiteheart: powerhouse album is best, watchmen cry from highlands, whitecross: triumphant return

[@unsolicitedsausage8620]

@@TheDDD3DDD thanks

[@masterkalel06]

Whiteheart for sure. Also check out AD from Kansas's Kerry Livgren.

[@unsolicitedsausage8620]

@@masterkalel06 thanks

[@guardiangibbs2663]

White Cross: In the Kingdom

[@lizwinters7062]

Petra was the first tape I bought!!! Ray Comfort has FREE movies and interviews on KZbin! Hear the gospel message!

[@JonathanRossRogers]

22:13 Plans eroded And washing away to the sea

[@georgeherod4252]

This was an awesome interview. I would love to know what his normal singing voice is like, not his "heady" voice

[@ezzhammer]

Just to clear it up, its HEAD VOICE! It's not a FALSEtto voice. Training the higher register of your voice is not easy, especially being able to blend it with your chest voice. It's still your voice but controlled from your head register perse.

[@petramayes2564]

I was named after the band, and it's bizarre hearing people say my name cos it's not very common.

[@JonathanRossRogers]

39:37 I'm sure John said "stumps." BTW, what was Louie yelling?

[@chuckyspell]

15:09 I would do that too! 😂 😂 😂

[@danno4729]

Joe Walsh or Glen Frey maybe re the Eagles question?

[@Zayphar]

I'm more of a Jazz guy, myself. But hey, but you do you.

[@democratpro]

Thanks for your permission, boomer

[@Zayphar]

@@democratpro Listen, to this, then you can call me a 'boomer' kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5ucZKlvn5d0aqM

[@democratpro]

@@Zayphar no thanks boomer, i don't click boomer links

[@JacindaChamplin-dk4ey]

Jacundá Love you ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️😀☘️☘️☘️😀☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈😀😀😀😀😀😀🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@keepontrekkin4081]

Is he silver?

[@JonathanRossRogers]

15:47 BTW, John says that he used his civil engineering degree.

[@KentonTheKnight]

14:45

[@guntersgaminggroup]

I use to live in coos bay Oregon. Go bull dogs

[@EthanNicolle]

I was a bulldog!

[@guntersgaminggroup]

@@EthanNicolle knew i liked ya for reason

[@kennethpoole5354]

I think they did a video for I AM ON THE ROCK there in coos bay

[@richcodesweb]

71 !!!! what ??? theres no way John's that old!

[@Shin-nr8ly]

At 3:35 in this Clip i Fealt a great Grevence i sought the Lord & Got these Words I Dont Know them i agree i can see thay still live in Babylon look thays sell just as ther Non believeing channels do

[@Shin-nr8ly]

No one Born of the Spirit of God will ever do or say that So the King is Corect in Say that

[@nanaobx]

Falsetto is for the Bee Gees.😊

[@impalaman9707]

Brian Wilson and Frankie Valli had falsettos, too

[@TTZornes]

Next time, think of some better questions. "You've worked with a lot of musicians during your time ... so, which is the flakiest?" "Do you have any cool stories, like have you ever started a fire on stage?" Really??

[@JacindaChamplin-dk4ey]

Jacinda John plees send me sum Heer🤦Heer

[@pattydaffron285]

Will that shirt work for a 60 year old sweetheart?

[@michaelimhoff1588]

More old guys? I'm your man! I guarantee to help you add one more joke to your two other ones.