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

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

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!

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.

John Schlitt on the Babylon Bee podcast? Beyond Belief!

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

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

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...

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!!!

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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!

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