I didn’t know that Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline has been having vocal chord problems. I received an email today that announced he is was one of the guests at Randy Elrod’s Re:create Conference. One of the things he is going to talk about is his vocal chord challenges and what that means for his future ministry. I got to meet Mark several years ago. We got to go to dinner, hang out and just talk music. Long before I was having reoccurring vocal chord issues, I remember asking him that night how it was possible to be on tour, sing every night and still have a voice. He told me he didn’t know why he has never had problems with his vocal chords and relayed that Dan Haseltine, the lead singer of Jars of Clay, (which Audio Adrenaline toured with a lot) continued to have vocal chord problems and in fact had to cancel several concerts because of his voice. I remember Mark telling me (speaking of his own voice) that the more he sings - the stronger his voice gets.
On January, 2006, Audio Adrenaline announced that they were retiring from active music ministry. The band cited Mark Stuart's "ongoing vocal challenges" stemming from vocal chord damage after years of performing as the primary factor. On July 27, 2006, the band played at the popular Christian music festival Creation West for the last time. Their last album was a live recording from Hawaii entitled “Farwell.”
Some may say - Audio Adrenaline – they’re so yesterday. But, for all who have a limited musical pallet or your coolness gauge is permanently stuck on narrow, you have to respect that they have been one of the most successful and longest running bands in Christian music. Audio Adrenaline has made tremendous impact in the lives of their loyal listeners," says Peter York, EMI CMG Label Group president. "They have also been a strong influence and positive role model for many of today's emerging bands.” Since 1991, Audio Adrenaline has taken a full throttled blast of musical passion, melded it with a compassionate desire to impact the world at large and added members' rock-solid grounding in reality with their vulnerable, no holds barred songwriting. Thanks to earnest performances and undying appreciation for its fans, the group has sold over three million records and racked up 18 No. 1 singles. The band's Bloom recording was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1999 and they were awarded the prestigious "Song of the Decade" crowning in the 90s for "Big House" by CCM Magazine. With a prestigious GRAMMY Award for its 2004 recording, Worldwide, and four Dove Awards, Audio Adrenaline has consistently proved its relevance, artistry and heart.
I hope my schedule permits for me to attend this years Re:create Conference. Among other speakers, It would be cool to hear what Mark has to say. I secretly believe that Randy Elrod chose this topic because of a conversation we had this last summer about my personal challenges with my vocal chords. Thanks Randy, even if you want others to think you already had him booked before we spoke - it will be our little secret.
Audio Adrenaline video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_i2xsRiXDU&mode=related&search=
Recreate Conference –
Dennis... you have such a gift in leading worship. My prayer is that the Lord is using this period of your life to refine you! He's teaching you something and here... you've been given good examples of how God uses a ministry long after it's "farewell". Your contribution of your gifts and talents are cherished at ALC, and I hope the whole team will make a stand to support you in prayer during your "vocal strain!" My God is bigger than any amount of vocal strain! :)
Posted by: Lisa Sargent | September 29, 2007 at 10:15 AM