The following are commentaries from those who have seen John in concert as a SOLO artist. These solo concerts are usually performed with tracks (pre-recorded music), and contain a mixture of tunes off his own projects plus a wide variety of Petra hits. When touring in support of new albums, John performs with a full band. To submit your commentary on John’s solo performances, please email the Content Administrator.

I saw John solo in June of 98 in Beford, NH at Faith Fellowship church. The crowd was full. The church's band was there and John sang with them for "Show Your Power" and "Lord I Lift Your Name On High."

My wife, Stephanie, and I got there early so we saw him do sound checks. We talked with him a little bit before the show. They had a time of praise and it was cool to see John and his wife sitting in the front row near us, just worshiping with everyone else.

He did just fine on his own. He did both Petra songs and his own stuff. We were right in front about 10 feet away from him and due to my wife and I both being legally blind, that was great. He didn't miss any words and he sang for a long time. We talked with him some more after the show and he signed our tickets and gave us his email address and said "Please don't be mad at me if I don't reply right away because I do get busy and other people complain about it too." I think I enjoyed that concert even more then the 4 times I saw Petra with a full stage show. Why? It was much more personal. In a lot of ways I think when John speaks he sounds more like a pastor than someone who used to be a rock star. If John couldn't sing He definitely could preach/teach... Gary Hurd, age 34

I saw him speak once a looooooong time ago, and John is an all around great guy, and when he speaks... he does it with it sincerity; John really sings and speaks out of his heart, not just for the show of it. I like John solo and with Petra... Kevin Barnett

I saw John perform solo at a benefit concert at La Sierra University in Riverside, CA right after the Wake-Up Call album came out. While wearing his then-signature white shirt and black pants, he displayed an enthusiastic energy and level of showmanship that's never been matched by another Christian rock singer! His voice and invitation at the end were passionate and gave real credence to the concept of Christian rock... Mark Peabody, age 24

I saw John perform in San Juan, Puerto Rico on the tour for his "Shake" album in 1996. Amazingly, he used a band composed of the best Christian session musicians in the Island. I am a guitar player myself; I have been in the business with my bands since 1994, and I honestly think it sounded just like the record. He had a lot of energy and the audience sang along to every single tune of his solo album. The lead guitar player was my good friend, and he told me that they did not have a rehearsal time with John, but instead they were given copies of "Shake" to learn note by note, and man I tell you - it was a very professionally done show. John even took the time to congratulate the band for their effort, and recognized that he was nervous about playing with an unknown band, but that he regained all confidence after hearing those first riffs just like the recording. As always he sang several Petra tunes with the aid of a tape deck, including "Beyond Belief" and "Dance," plus others. In summary it was another great unforgettable experience!...Felipe

In the last concert I was blessed with, John Schlitt exuded all the charisma and showmanship of an experienced rock star, yet truthfully speaks in heartfelt humility before God. His testimony is really unlike any other in Christian rock music today, as far as where he was, where he could have given up, and where he was redeemed! I can truly see his love for God, and his sincere concern for every soul when he introduces each song. And the voice, what a blessing it is to really hear John's passion in every song. Having a band is just a bonus! God has truly given John Schlitt a lot. Its great to see him using this talent for Him... Jonathan Gamble, age 20

I saw John in Concert solo for the first time in Wausau, WI in July 2000, and again in Sheboygan, WI in August 2001.He has a strong ministry, shares from the heart and what God's teaching him, is genuine and sincere. He really spoke to my heart both times! His concerts are energetic, fun and they rock, big time. He keeps your attention, gets you involved and you find yourself having a good time. In the songs (lyrics) themselves he has a solid, no bones about it, stand upon Christ Jesus, and the music itself is just awesome rock! He shares about His faith openly and where He stands with Christ, and gives all glory to His Savior. He is definitely a minister after God's own heart... Sam Scales, age 43

I was able to go to one of john's solo concerts in Chicago, IL promoting "Shake." The concert was a mix of Petra and his own songs. It was great, even though no band was there live. He is just great!... James Brewer Jr., age 28

In two sentences: "God is too big. Nothing is impossible to God." I saw him at the Pethead Convention on August 25, 2001 at Sheboygan, WI. I was speechless. Yeah I was dancing but in those moments I didn't know what to say to God. "Thank you" wasn't enough. John motivated me to dance to Him with my whole heart. I felt it was a dream. I was seeing in person this man of God that I admire a lot. I could see God through him. When John sang "Inside of You," I started crying. I almost fell down on my knees. I could hear God sing that song - God through John. God always sang it with me in Mexico but then I listened for Him for first time. Before I only could hear my voice. Now I was listening my voice and His voice through John's voice. The Holy Spirit really touched me through John's solo concert. This man doesn't just sing, he enjoys the lyrics. He rejoices with the music. The music touched him at least once and now John is reflecting what God put in his heart when he sang it for first time... Elo, age 17

The only time I have seen John since his Head East days was last weekend, Aug. 25, 2001 at the WOW festival. At first, I thought it would be rather odd with just John and the DAT backup band. But John has the charisma and stage presence to make this situation work well. He can really pull you in to the performance, and has fun with it himself - which just makes it that much more enjoyable for me. It is a wonderful, feel-good show, but at the same time, you really learn where John stands on things when he speaks between songs. His performance opens you up for his message... Tom - OTD, age 41

Two or three years ago he came to my province to perform for a youth convention of 1100-1300 teens (sadly I had to miss it). I talked to some of the teens from my church who really hadn't even heard of Petra. These kids aren't heavy into Christianity, so they wouldn't appreciate the spiritual content of the show. They thought John was very good and carried the show fine. They were challenged by his message and really got into the show... Chris, age 30

I've seen John in concert during his "Unfit for Swine" tour. He had a band, a very awesome band: Kevin Brandow, Pete Orta, John Thorne, and a guy named Jay on the keyboards. I don't remember the drummer. Shortly after this concert Pete and Kevin joined Petra. It was totally awesome. I was fired up for days after this concert!... Rocky Pinson, age 31

I was attending La Sierra University in 1994 at the time and the graduating class decided to have a "fund raising" concert with John Schlitt as the featured soloist. I decided to go.  My  roommate, Tom (yes, his real name), came a little later. Tom, at the time, was doubting there was even a loving God. I thought to myself, "Pay attention, doubting Thomas." Now, at this time in my life, I couldn't stand heavy metal style music so I was hesitant about staying when John started singing.  I decided to stick it out.  As John was clapping his hands and getting everybody  riled up and excited, I reclined in the chair (keep in mind, front row, center), crossed my arms and legs, and just stared at John.  Well, John walks up to me, crosses his arms, and just stares back, much like the cover photo for "Shake". That got me laughing and clapping so I joined in the fun. Well, just before John's closing number, he told the sound guys that he felt he needed to change the last number.  He told the story of Doubting Thomas and then sang a song with a message that my roommate, Tom, needed to hear.  You should have seen the look on Tom's face completely change when John changed the song. After the concert, Tom and I talked with John at the table where he was signing autographs.  The three of us talked for about 20 minutes.  John was so personal, so real, so full of God's love as we talked.  It was amazing.
Tom and I went back to the dorm, both of us with huge smiles on our faces.  That night I went to bed loving Petra's music and Tom, well, he went home no longer doubting… Joe, age 29