Via Kyle Boreing’s blog, there is a press release on SGN that states Guy Penrod is taking “a few weeks” off from the Gaither Vocal Band. According to the release, his part will be manned by a combination of Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Jason Crabb. Phelps really intrigues me, I wonder if he will actually sing Guy’s part and thus below Hampton, or will he sing tenor and Hampton drop down to the lead part?
Penrod is now the longest tenured member of the GVB apart from Gaither himself, so if anyone has earned a break, it’s definitely GP. Best wishes to him for a nice, restful time away. Those of you readers who happen to catch the GVB while Guy is away, report back here and let us know how “the replacements” work out.
i thought he looked tired a month or so ago at a homecoming concert…..
Just wondering if he is sick. Does anyone know?
He is one of my favorites, he will be missed!
Didn’t he faint in South Africa? Could be related…
From everything I’ve heard, he is not seriously sick or dealing with any major vocal issues.
I REALLY LIKE GUY PENROD AND HOPE HE COMES BACK TO THE GAITHER GROUP!! I’VE BEEN WATCHING AND LISTENING TO THE GAITHERS FOR YEARS AND I THINK THE GROUP WITH GUY, WES, MARSHALL AND BILL HAS BEEN THE BEST IN ALONG TIME. GUY, HOPE YOU COME BACK TO THE GROUP SOON!!
I agree the GVB was the best ever with Guy, Wes, Marshall and Bill. It’s just not the same with Guy and Marshall gone. I’m not thrilled with the new GVB, why bring back the ones that left for better things? I hope Bill will try to get Guy and Marshall back, it’s the best group ever!
I had heard there was an unfortunate situation. I am not one to spread rumors but lets pray that if it is true that personal things will be worked out. I heard this from someone in the industry. It is being kept very quiet and with all respects should be. This is a personal situation and may God help him and his family during this period.
I did attend the GVB concert in Austin on 10/17 with David Phelps as a sub, and I’ll tell you, it was fantastic. But, Guy was sorely missed. David did indeed sing lead tenor (Guy’s part) on a lot of songs, such as Heaven’s Joy Awaits. But David did sing his usual part on a few songs too, most notably, Let Freedom Ring.
I am very, very worried about Guy. I just saw a video at gaither.com, recently taken at the GVB reunion taping, and Guy did not look well at all. Very gaunt, not his usual sparkle in his eye, and his voice didn’t sound the same either. I hope he is well!
Has anyone heard an update on Guy? I called Gaither
Resources and noone there could give an answer as
to when he will return.
Attended a Christmas concert in Indy this month, it was
ok, but Guy was certainly missed! The concert wasn’t
the same without him.
I am very worried and praying for his family during
this difficult period of time.
wow. Guy is gone. This is a really, really big change. I’ll miss Hall too…
You gotta wonder if maybe there was some sort of disagreement in the group. For him to be there for 14 years and then take a break and then all of a sudden leave. Usually when an artist turns in his or her notice that they’re leaving a group the news is out long before it happens. I hope Guy does well as a soloist. I’m glad to see Mark coming back to the Vocal Band though
Guy will really be missed a lot. Only hope, we can get his solo CDs and DVDs SOON!!! Please let us know when they are released.
What exactly will Marsh be doing? Sorry he left.
Hope to see them all at Homecoming Concerts and tapings (as we are not in US).
Just keep on singing, the new Vocal Band, Guy, Marsh and all the friends.
Luv.
I am sorry to see Guy Penrod leave, but not Marshal Hall.
We will truly miss Guy and Marshall. When these 2 gentlemen sang it was obvious that it came from their hearts. Did Marshall leave on his own terms or did Bill just want to make changes. If the latter was his reason, I think he made a mistake.
Bill will never have a quartet as good as the one he had with Guy!! What a blessing he was to my family. We will pray he can come back one day.
Sorry to see Marshall Hall is leaving GVB. With no explanation like was given Guy Penrod, can’t help but be concerned for Marshall. Enjoyed the GVB with Guy, Marshall, Wes and Signature Sound. Travelled 180 – 600 miles to 3 concerts. Marshall deserves a kind release also. He certainly sang for his Lord.
What is moderation?
I am a huge fan of the Vocal Band. The best they ever had, in my opinion, was Bill, Guy, David and Mark. I’m glad to see Michael and David and Mark back. I really liked Marshall but never cared much for Wes. I’m sure he’s a great guy but he just didn’t have the “ummphhh” that David had. I do wish them the best in this new “direction” as Bill calls it.
I was so sorry to hear that Guy left the band. hope he is not sick. I admired that man for having all those boys and then having a little girl. Maybe he’s just plain tired.
Surprised about the change. Yes, the best combo that GVB has ever had ( and I’ve heard them all) was Bill, Guy, Mark, and David. Hope nothing’s wrong. Wonder if he’ll do solo work?
I doubt I will ever buy another GVB item now that Guy Penrod is gone. They just are not the same. He was so genuine — and his vocals were fabulous!
I’ve been to a number of Gaither concerts and the best blend of voices would be David, Guy, and Marshall. Marshall’s singing voice is much better than Mark’s. Bill’s bass is okay.
I am sorry to hear Guy Penrod will be leaving GVB. I
miss seeing Guy and David Phelps sing together. I
loved the reunion shows. I bought the DVDs.
Hope Guy isn’t sick. Love his voice. Glad David Phelps
is back. He has a beautiful voice. Any new, please let
me know.
I’m sorry that Guy will be leaving. He was my favorite singer, I think it will be hard to find somebody as good as he is. Hope he’ll be back soon. Pray for him and his family and wish him all the best.
Wow! I wasn’t aware of these changes! Why did Marshall leave?
I have to say that one of the most depressing bit of news I received (other than the Cathedrals retiring) was Mark Lowry and David Phelps leaving the GVB. I’m thrilled to know that David is back where he belongs! Is he going to be staying long or only temporarily filling in?
I’m sure Guy will be back when he’s had his rest. Does anyone know how permanent this change up is??
Attended a cocnert in Jackson, MS 3/21/09 not knowing that Guy Penrod and Marshall Hall were gone. It certainly wasn’t worth the 36.00 per seat. Crowd was very small and every one was asking the same question “Where is Guy?”
The general mood of the audience was one of disappointment.
Think Bill may have done himself in this time.
If anyone knows where Guy can be seen, please post.
I attended the Lovin’ Life Tour March 12, 209 at the Fox Theatre in Michigan. WOW was it fabulous! I felt like I was in heaven… on earth. Missed Guy Penrod tremendously and missed Marshall Hall. I didn’t know he was gone until the day before, however, unlike the comment above, the concert was fabulous! What an undescribable blessing!!! The house was packed and at $52.00 per ticket… 4 hours of music… WOW! Bill Gaither, you and Gloria are God’s gracious people and we thank you forever for putting together all those Homecoming videos and keeping the awesome songs we grew up with and many new ones going! Love the reunion DVDs.. Love it all! God’s richest blessings to ALL of you!!!
Wow!!! Is this Christian Music? Sorry to have to say this but the attendance was up from the last time the Vocal Band was there. I just don’t understand.
Why can’t they just tell us why Guy and Marshall left?
I agree. How can he just disappear? Marshall was good but Guy was an icon. All this speculation over whether there was an unfortunate situation or whether Guy was sick, or just plain tired. With eight children and a non-ending schedule, who wouldn’t be tired. I wish Guy all the best and will pray for him and his family.
Apparently what has been said all along that Guy is pursuing a solo career might just be all that it is. Guy is listed to appear in Branson MO in late August at the Music City Centre. I for one can’t wait. I understand he’ll be doing country music which is another favorite of mine, right after Southern Gospel.
Bill and Gloria have always been criticized when there is a change in the vocal band but each and every time it turns out to be wonderful, as I’m sure this one will too.
I miss Guy as well but will never give up the Gaither music as it is the best!!!! Saw them in Little Rock 2 weeks ago and it was awesome. I missed Guy and wish there had been more notice that he was not going to be there as I was schocked. I also was disappointed that there was nothing more that a one sentance note about his leaving. Seemed a little for 14 years of service. Guy, if there is really an issue, would someone please come forward and tell us as we are divoted fans of all and we spend our hard earned money to see and hear all of you and we shold hear the truth! My husband divote each Saturday evening to all of you and I have every CD. Tell us please if you can, where are you and what happened!
I’m wondering where Guy is as well and what has happened? It just isn’t the same without him!!!
The last GVB group was the best ever-won a Grammy, right! I too am disappointed that Guy is gone and March also. Recently went on the cruise and it just wasn’t the same without Guy. I believe he was the heart & soul of the GVB. Yes. he will be performing in Branson 8/30/09 at the Music City Centre. Tickets are $25. and are going fast. Theatre only holds 700 people. Other southern gospel singers will be @ Silver Dollar City in Branson for around 10 days-worth a trip!
i am heart broken that Guy and Marshall is not with the gaither vocal band any more. I love mark and micheal and David but it will not be the same. I was in concert with them on the give it away tour in Ft. Wayne Indiana and i never saw any one more humble as Guy and Marshall. The new song that Marshall sings on their last C.D. is totally awesome. May God keep his hand upon both of them and Put surrounding angels all around them. i love them dearly and will always miss them with the GVB.
If you would like to see Guy in concert again along with several others, visit http://www.rhshelpinghands.org. The concert info should be there soon. Tickets go on sale May15th.
There is no one like Guy! Judging from the Gaither website he has more fans than any of the other singers.
GUY PENROD IS MY FAVORITE PART OF THE GVB. IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM. I HOPE HE WILL RETURN SOON. I TO WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHY HE LEFT.
I was at Gaitherfest in Gatlinburg and was very dissapointed Guy Penrod was not there. To me he was the vocal band. It was not the same without him
Also think there should have been something said about him.
I have appointed myself to be Guy’s one-person ad campaign (since it is so difficult to find anything on the ‘net about him).
For all of you fans who have been blessed by his special talent and faithful heart, you can hear him again and support his new career effort at his first solo concert at the Music City Centre in Branson, MO on August 30. I understand the genre is part gospel – part family-friendly country (we all know he can do both equally well!)
I’ll miss him with the GVB but intend to be at the concert for sure. See you there!
Imaginations work overtime, when nothing at all is said about a member of the GVB dropping out of sight. Silence seems unfair to the fans and everyone concerned.
I was devistated to hear Guy was “out” of the Gaithers group. I totally agree, Guy “carried” the Gaithers group with his talent, looks and “close” relationship with our Lord.
My heart tells me that something happened within the Gaithers group that gave Guy “No choice” in staying or leaving. This is heart breaking to Guys’ fans because he is a special human being and deserves better. But, everyone can rest assured that our Lord knows what happened and he will “take care” of this situation. Guy, if you are reading this please know that all christians love you and are praying for you and your family.
No offense, but the Gaither Vocal Band was around before Guy came on, and it will be around after he is gone, Lord willing and Bill decides to keep it going. Now, I am a big Guy Penrod fan. I am a big Michael English fan. I have liked most of the combinations and members there (I am talking sound and skills, not as human beings meaning that I don’t dislike personally the few I didn’t care for as much musically.)
The fact remains, no one person totally makes a group. Some contribute a whole lot. Guy, Michael, David and Mark all had / have huge contributions to their success, but I would say most, if not all contributed to some degree, of course. When a member changes, the group isn’t the same. We all have our favorites and not all combinations are as good as others. Not all members are as good as others. Some do certain styles better than others. It appears that the excitement is back for the GVB. Now, whether this will be sustained or is because of the newness and reunion aspects is up to each to decide. Although I hated to see Guy and Marsh to leave (especially as it appears to have been done) I am thrilled at Michael, Mark and David being back. Do we really have to give up if one or two favorites leave? I was really upset when Michael left, as well as other members such as Gary McSpadden, David and Mark (who replaced McSpadden) yet I stuck with them and there has been good music since. Different, but good.
honestly since ive started watching and listening bvb vocal band, i like the group of guy,wes, marshall, and bill. i can see the unity in the spirit. i like guy he is a humble man. hoping that this group will meet again.