Petra's Farewell: The End of an Era

I first began listening to Petra about 20 years ago when John Schlitt (former Head East vocalist) joined the band. They had just released Back to the Street, their first studio album with Schlitt on vocals. Shortly afterward, I went back and began listening to Petra's previous releases from the Greg X. Volz era. Just as the band closed one era with the release of a live album (1985's Captured in Time & Space), they have closed thirty-three years of music and ministry with a second live album.

Farewell showcases many great highlights of Petra's history with a little something for Petra fans of all ages. It was great to have Volz and former keyboardist John Lawry return along with founder guitarist Bob Hartman to perform in this farewell show. The acoustic set with Volz and Schlitt together is great! The 80's were my favorite era with Petra, with albums like Never Say Die, More Power to Ya, Not of This World (from the GXV era), and Back to the Street and On Fire (with Schlitt). My favorite album from the Schlitt era of Petra is 1990's Beyond Belief.

Some of my favorite highlights on this CD include "Dance", "Creed," "Beyond Belief," and "He Came, He Saw, He Conquered" as well as the keyboard solo and the acoustic set. Farewell is a fitting send-off, a great end to thirty-three years of music and ministry which Hartman & Co. have shared with us through God's leading. Yes, I miss the band and the excitement of a new Petra studio album coming out, but this live CD makes a great collection of musical memories which any fan can treasure forever.