Promoter Cancels Newsboys Tour, Citing ‘Serious Concerns’ With Michael Tait and His Controversial Departure

The company promoting the Newsboys’ upcoming Canadian tour has canceled their concerts, citing low ticket sales, lack of interest, and questions surrounding Michael Tait’s controversial and sudden departure from the band.

Faith Live Canada is a “Christian promotions company dedicated to bringing faith-filled music to communities across Canada” and who believe “Christian music is more than entertainment—it’s a tool for revival…Our mission is to uplift, inspire, and transform lives by sharing the hope of Jesus through music.”

They recently shared on Facebook that they were canceling Newsboy’s upcoming slate of shows, which were set to begin May 31, explaining “After much prayer, counsel, and discernment, we made the decision to step away from our partnership with the Newsboys. It wasn’t easy, but we felt God calling us to obedience over comfort—even when it didn’t make sense on paper.”

In particular, Faith Live alludes to questions surrounding the departure of former DC Talk member and lead singer Michael Tait as playing a major part role in their decision to scrap the event, both in drawing down interest from potential concert-goers, but also in other murkier ways. (Full statement posted at the end)

“While the initial excitement around the tour was strong-both from the general public and across Canada-the growing “lack of interest” and mounting questions came as a direct result of Michael Tait’s unexpected departure, which we were not informed of in advance. Since that time, additional information regarding the nature of his exit has surfaced. This information has come from sources we consider credible and trustworthy, and while we will not speculate publicly, we can say with confidence that what has come to light has raised serious concerns for us as a faith-based organization.

The handling of the transition lacked clarity and transparency, leaving both our team and the public in a difficult position.

Furthermore, we were instructed not to address any questions regarding the lineup change-an approach we do not believe served the best interest of our guests or partners. The resulting confusion led to widespread speculation, and as more information came forward behind the scenes, our conviction to step away only grew stronger.’

They later added:

While we are not here to make judgments, we do feel a responsibility to be open about the struggle we’ve faced, and the weight of discernment that led us here. Out of love and respect for our guests, we could no longer continue with something that no longer reflected the heart and integrity we first committed to. At the end of the day, Faith Live is not just an events company-we are a ministry called to steward truth, build community, and reflect the character of Christ in everything we do. Our commitment to integrity, and Spirit-led decision-making will never be compromised for convenience, popularity, or profit.

While unsaid, they are likely referring to unsubstantiated allegations that Michael Tait is a serial sexual abuser and a predator, a story which Protestia was told is been pursued by a large secular news organization.

Faith Live said that while the cancellation has come at a great personal and financial cost, they will endeavor to offer refunds and vouchers for those who bought tickets.

Newsboys also shared news of the cancellation, insisting “Faith Live has materially breached the agreement and failed to meet core obligations necessary to responsibly execute these events.” Some of these breaches include:

• Failure to provide required artist deposits and confirm payment to support acts,
• Failure to coordinate technical production and logistics with venues,
• Failure to maintain communication with venue staff, artist management, and tour partners,
• And admission of an inability to refund ticket holders due to prior financial commitments.

Without referencing any of eeh concerns Live Faith Canada had with their former lead singer, they conclude:

We entered this agreement in good faith, relying on Faith Live’s representations of professionalism, stewardship, and readiness. Sadly, those expectations were not met. Our team consistently provided timely information and assets, riders, marketing support, updated marketing materials, and complete transparency. Yet even the most basic tasks required of the promoter were neglected or abandoned.

…We are heartbroken for our Canadian fans who were looking forward to these nights of worship and revival. We truly believe in what God is doing across Canada—and we remain committed to returning when the right doors are open and trustworthy partnerships are in place.


OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: NEWSBOYS CANADIAN TOUR CANCELLATION

This is not a decision we made lightly or without heartache. It comes after prayer, wise counsel, planning, financial sacrifice, and an unwavering desire to see lives transformed through worship and community. We invested not just resources, but our hearts-believing this tour could be a powerful move of God across our nation.

While the initial excitement around the tour was strong-both from the general public and across Canada-the growing “lack of interest” and mounting questions came as a direct result of Michael Tait’s unexpected departure, which we were not informed of in advance. Since that time, additional information regarding the nature of his exit has surfaced. This information has come from sources we consider credible and trustworthy, and while we will not speculate publicly, we can say with confidence that what has come to light has raised serious concerns for us as a faith-based organization.

The handling of the transition lacked clarity and transparency, leaving both our team and the public in a difficult position.

Furthermore, we were instructed not to address any questions regarding the lineup change-an approach we do not believe served the best interest of our guests or partners. The resulting confusion led to widespread speculation, and as more information came forward behind the scenes, our conviction to step away only grew stronger.

We have spent months in prayer, seeking discernment and godly counsel to determine the right course of action. And while this has been one of the most difficult decisions we’ve had to make, we believe it is one that reflects our deep commitment to walk in truth, humility, and obedience. We move forward not out of fear, but out of faith-anchored in the values we stand for as a ministry.

Despite these significant shifts, expectations around pricing, promotion, and production remained unchanged. We strongly advocated for adjustments that reflected the new reality-but with a new lead singer, no updated content (songs, videos, or public engagement tools), and virtually no support to reintroduce the band, we were left to carry a disproportionate burden. We were forced to quadruple our marketing efforts just to try to bridge the gap, but it quickly became clear: the public didn’t know this new lineup, and the artist they had expected to see was no longer present. While the new vocalist is undoubtedly talented, this was not the individual audiences had connected with over the years-and to assume the same draw and momentum without building that trust was unrealistic. Unfortunately, our efforts to address this respectfully and collaboratively were not met in the spirit we had hoped for.

While we are not here to make judgments, we do feel a responsibility to be open about the struggle we’ve faced, and the weight of discernment that led us here. Out of love and respect for our guests, we could no longer continue with something that no longer reflected the heart and integrity we first committed to. At the end of the day, Faith Live is not just an events company-we are a ministry called to steward truth, build community, and reflect the character of Christ in everything we do. Our commitment to integrity, and Spirit-led decision-making will never be compromised for convenience, popularity, or profit.

To our guests: we are committed to doing what is right. All ticket holders will receive communication within the next 30 days regarding compensation. Please bear with us as we work through this process with care and thoroughness.

To our sponsors, volunteers, and partners: thank you. You stood beside us, and we do not take that lightly. Our hearts are full of gratitude for your belief in what we were building together. This may not be the outcome we envisioned, but we still trust that God will use it for good.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

“Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.” — Job 17:9

Thank you for standing with us.

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8 thoughts on “Promoter Cancels Newsboys Tour, Citing ‘Serious Concerns’ With Michael Tait and His Controversial Departure

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  2. I do wonder if there is also a component of Canadians boycotting US companies as a result of the tarriffs and Trump’s 51st state rhetoric? Newsboys isn’t exactly an Australian band anymore, but they are a Nashville CCM band with roots in Australia. This could be driving down Canadian public interest in seeing the band, leading Faith Live to back out of the deal but blaming it on Tait.

    1. As a Canadian and involved in this whole situation….This has zero to do with international politics! Why is this even a question that is raised?

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