The Union of Sinners & Saints The Union of Sinners & Saints

• 1Rise Up04:40
• 2Brother to Brother04:16
• 3Now not Never03:51
• 4Independence Day04:31
• 5Lone Soldier05:10
• 6The Things we Do03:48
• 7Old Guys Rule03:13
• 8The Call04:18
• 9My Offering04:24
• 10Beyond Belief04:24
• 11Bittersweet04:16
• 12Christ the Lord is Risen Today03:02
• Total Runtime49:53

Info for The Union of Sinners & Saints

The Union of Sinners & Saints features members of Petra, and Whiteheart, two of the best-selling Christian rock bands of all time. Though a new band, The Union of Sinners and Saints combines members from two of the best-selling Christian rock bands in history. Petra and Whiteheart collectively have sold more than 12 million records, charted 25 No. 1 songs and garnered numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. In addition to the musical histories, the band also merges the friendship between Schlitt and Smiley.

'John and I got together last Fall and started writing some songs and discussed both of our histories and journeys,” Smiley said. “After seeing the chemistry and friendship that developed, we were excited with the new material we were creating, and started brainstorming about taking this out on the road this year.”

“It only made sense to feature Petra and Whiteheart favorites along with some of the new songs we were writing in the studio.” said Schlitt. “We realized we had a lot of new ideas swirling around in our heads that we wanted to share, both musically and lyrically, songs that were on our hearts and minds. And yet we also wanted to celebrate with all of our friends and fans some of the memorable songs, moments, and performances that they have been a part of over the years.

“The album and live events,” Schlitt said, “will incorporate the kind of artistry and ministry that will remind (fans) of the early years of Christian Rock, but also usher in a new energy and excitement.”

„Whether it's a blazing cover of the classic hymn 'Christ the Lord is Risen Today' (in the tradition of the Petra Praise series) or a stable of entirely new originals, the guys aren't shy about their faith or witnessing to the world at large. And even with more than a dozen million album sales behind them, Schlitt, Smiley and the band sound as musically hungry as ever with a straight ahead melodic rock collection that ranks right up there with either co-leader's best work.' (Andy Argyrakis, CCM Magazine)

John Schlitt, lead vocals
Billy Smiley, guitar, keyboards, vocals
Jason Fowler, guitar, vocals
Jonathan Crone, vocals, guitar, keyboards
Anthony Sallee, bass
Jon Knox, drums

The Union of Sinners & Saints
Featuring Members of Petra and Whiteheart. John Schlitt, lead singer of Petra, and Billy Smiley, guitarist, singer, and founding member of Whiteheart, are excited to announce a new album and world-wide tour for 2016. Targeting main stages of festivals, theme parks, fairs, and special events, the guys have put together an album and historical show with some of the most memorable songs from both groups and introducing some dramatic new compositions.

The Union of Sinners and Saints will feature members from 2 of the best selling Christian Rock Bands of all time. Selling over 12 million records between them, with more than 25 #1 songs, and with over 15 Grammy and 40 Dove nominations and awards, they will perform many #1 songs like Beyond Belief, Independence Day, The Coloring Song, The River Will Flow, Hit You Where You Live, Desert Rose, and a special Foo Fighters cover.

Schlitt says, “The idea of a new project really intrigued both of us. With our histories, it only made sense to feature Petra and Whiteheart favorites along with some of the new songs we were writing in the studio.” Thus, the name The Union of Sinners and Saints (U.S.S.)

Smiley adds, "John and I got together last fall and started writing some songs and discussed both of our histories and journeys. After seeing the chemistry and friendship that developed, we were excited with the new material we were creating, and started brainstorming about taking this out on the road this year.”

This smashup now results in the release of a new CD available exclusively at Lifeway Stores in June 2016 and digitally on ITunes world-wide. The project of eight new originals, and updated versions of Petra and Whiteheart classics will be a must for fans of both groups. John Ellis, lead singer from ‘Tree 63’, will also be featured on guitar and vocals. Along with bassist Anthony Sallee of Whiteheart, new artist Jason Fowler (whom Smiley produced) will also join the guys on the road.

While writing these songs Schlitt said, “We realized we had a lot of new ideas swirling around in our heads that we wanted to share, both musically and lyrically; songs that were on our hearts and minds. And yet we also wanted to celebrate with all of our friends and fans some of the memorable songs, moments, and performances that they have been a part of over the years.”

They both are in agreement, “We are anxious to do a rock event that is powerful and moving, one that long-time fans would appreciate and love enough to introduce and bring their kids to. The album and live events will incorporate the kind of artistry and ministry that will remind them of the early years of Christian Rock, but also usher in a new energy and excitement.”

The Union of Sinners and Saints will feature members from 2 of the best selling Christian Rock Bands of all time. Selling over 12 million records between them, with more than 25 #1 songs, and with over 15 Grammy and 40 Dove nominations and awards, they will perform many #1 songs like Beyond Belief, Independence Day, The Coloring Song, The River Will Flow, Hit You Where You Live, Desert Rose, and a special Foo Fighters cover.

Booklet for The Union of Sinners & Saints