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Belfast band conquers America, and they’ve never even been there

Friday, 6 March 2009

A rock band from Belfast have just become the biggest selling Christian artists in America — even though they’ve never even played in the United States.

The new album from Bluetree has topped the Christian Retail Chart, by outselling every other Christian act in the US.

The band are now poised to launch their own charity — Stand Out International — to save children from involvement in the sex trade in Thailand.

Bluetree grew out of the Christian Fellowship Church in east Belfast, the church where Duke Special cut his musical teeth, and home to gospel rocker Brian Houston, who recently returned from a White House breakfast meeting with President Obama.

It was on a mission from their church to the Thai sex-trade capital of Pattaya that Bluetree composed one of their key tracks, entitled God of This City. A line from the song gives the album its title, Greater Things.

Singer Aaron Boyd said the song came to the band while they performed worship songs in a Pattayan sex bar.

The impact of that trip convinced the band they had to do something to help children as young as eight who’ve been sold into the sex trade.

“It’s the darkest place you could go to”, said Aaron.

“To see children of primary school age exploited and for sale makes you seriously mad. Forget about the Christian thing, you just get raging.

“You properly get raging when you see that happening, you know.”

Bluetree are scheduled to play next month at the biggest Christian music event in America — the Gospel Music Awards in Nashville. During a recent tour of Canada they raised half a million dollars to sink wells in poverty-stricken areas of Africa.

Journalist and broadcaster Mike Rimmer describes Bluetree as “one of the great bands of this generation, with a stunning debut album.”

Bluetree are part of the new Exchange Church Belfast, about to open in the former YMCA building in Templemore Avenue.

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30 Comments

the proof is in the pudding, just look how well the guys are doing. Gods work will go on no matter what and he is no respector of persons! Bless you guys in all you do.

Posted by D McClennon | 10.06.09, 14:56 GMT

there's alot of silly, bitter people here...... hmmm

Posted by anonymous | 02.06.09, 15:08 GMT

Hi Megan,

Not sure what you mean about a covers band... from memory the only song they did not do from their album was Happy Day by Tim Hughes so not sure what you are talking about really.Im not interested in silly debates but simply those people who have cut the backs out of these guys should really stop. In does not honour God those people who still take the opportunity to gossip (what does the bible says about that) will in fact answer for what they say. Bluetree are kingdom guys go for it!

Posted by William | 20.05.09, 15:50 GMT

bluetree are just a covers band now - rubbish!

Posted by Ernie | 16.05.09, 17:11 GMT

Great work guys! I was at the charity launch, and think what you guys are doing is fabulous! The band sounds amazing, greater things to come for bluetree.

Posted by Tom | 11.05.09, 16:40 GMT

I was at the waterfront concert, it was a good night but it's true the band aren't as good as they were before which is a shame. William you mustn't have seen the old band they where way better. Sort of like a covers band since all the others left but was ok I guess, just was weird. I used to go to mannafest and those were the days when the band were really really good.

Posted by Megan Hill | 10.05.09, 08:35 GMT

William is Aaron Boyd hahah!!!!!! thats too good pleese make this the news!!!!

Posted by Laura Collins | 06.05.09, 14:56 GMT

Goodness me. I was at the waterfront last night and Ihave to say that Bluetree were absolutely fantastic. the new line up are way better than the old guys and they sounded absolutely world beating. It's the best I have ever heard them. It's probably time the former members were honest about why they left. I'm a member at their church and I have heard nothing but lies and back chat associated with them. That saddens me. As you say rick, god gives and takes away. I think that's what happened here. Your attitude and deceit has probably cost you three, ian and andy the opportunity if a lifetime. Ashes? On what we saw last night God has his hand all over this band. They are on the move, affecting change and doing it all for the glory of god. I'm so excited for them and disappointed that I let myself listen to the lies told about them by people in my own church. God forgive me.

Posted by William | 02.05.09, 15:52 GMT

Just noticed Rick, the ex guitarist said "PS A fortune in Africa? News to me!"

Quote from the report above... "During a recent tour of Canada they raised half a million dollars to sink wells in poverty-stricken areas of Africa"

I heard about this trip to canada, i think it was around september time - I was so glad to hear Bluetree had a heart for doing more than just touring around leading worship but doing something for those that really really need it! I may be wrong but at that stage the original Bluetree line up was still together and they all went on that trip - including Rick?

James

Posted by jamesmcv | 27.04.09, 18:40 GMT

Hey guys, just spotted these comments and wanted to add a little comment to you all. I'm Rick, and I used to play with Bluetree - Aaron told me he 'accepted my resignation' in Dec 08 and I'll not go in to details as to why, and I'll not answer any questions about it either, but speculation isn't helping.

It's true that Pete Comfort, Ian Jordan, and Andy McCann who played on 'greater things/God of this City, have also left Bluetree. But if the band are moving in Gods will then leave it to God to bless, and if not then God will remove them from it - He gives and takes away.

Yes, it's a shame that the original lineup are no longer together, it breaks my heart. I believe that original group were anointed, not any particular one above the other - that's not to say that the new group are not anointed. But we all need to be gracious and hope that God is able to make something from the ashes of whatever band they may start from this point on.

PS A fortune in Africa? News to me!

Posted by Rick Bleakley | 15.04.09, 00:52 GMT

aww i miss des guys @ mfest! they were class! I cant believe the keyboard player has left tho! i heard ther was a big court case or somethin and half the band left.bring bac the happy song!

Posted by Mannafest Jemma! | 30.03.09, 00:48 GMT

Bluetree, you guys just continue to amaze me. I also snatched up your album here in the states and I can’t stop listening to it! I have watched this album bring peace and hope to many people, including myself. Keep it coming!!!! I can’t wait to see what plans God has in store for you all in the coming years.

Posted by ongaclac | 16.03.09, 21:28 GMT

Bluetree, you guys are doing some amazing work for the Kingdom....keep it up! I picked up your album here in the states, and it hasn't left my CD player! Musically, the thing is unreal! Our praise team also plays God of This City in our services, and it has become the anthem theme song for the new ministry direction our church body is taking in 2009. Such an inspiring, refreshing song! Thanks for all that you do!

Posted by Blake | 16.03.09, 15:17 GMT

Bluetree I just want to encourage you in this. God has called you guys to something BIG. Never let anyone tell you different. I actually think that all this critisism is total confirmation that you are on the right path... Keep strong in the faith, never loose sight of what God has called YOU to, dont listen to what the critics are saying in it all and run full steam ahead... And always laugh at those who try to bring you down, its the only way to stay sane in all this. Theres alot more critics to come, believe me! Greater things to come for Bluetree.

Posted by DaveM | 12.03.09, 23:39 GMT

Again this is a classic case of people thinking they are "something" .. in the grande scale of things.. Bluetree or any other band, are the smallest dot on Gods masterpiece, they play a very small roll in Gods masterplan. Bluetree realise this. I 100% agree with what "BelfastWorshipper" said about if this is a God thing it will last, and if its not it will crumble. Regardless of who is in the band, it really means FLIP all... drop the ego " certain people were the real talent"

Posted by Anon | 12.03.09, 23:30 GMT

Some folk's glasses are always half empty, they are just looking for negativity even in the most positive of places.
So far the band has raised a fortune to help impoverished human beings in Africa, and now they are turning their attention to the plight of children in Thailand.
Why should anyone feel the need to talk about how rock n roll is going to corrupt or whether the band members are original or not?
Good luck and well done all.
Keep up the good work.

Posted by Don Anderson | 12.03.09, 22:48 GMT

Interesting to read some peoples comments about people leaving and about the band not sounding like this and like that! Surely we have lost whats most important things in this article and thats that a local band have hit it big in America - and to think they've did it for Jesus. People you need to stop being bitter and move on! Things change in time and only the people involved know the reasons why. Is it not better to look at whats important for this bands future. As local people we should be behind this local band who have came from nothing!

I wish them the very Best for the future. May you continue to shine your light and prove the people who think you cant that you really can! God is good and he's certainly gave this band wonderful gifts! Shine for him!

Posted by Hollie | 11.03.09, 00:38 GMT

Mark,

Without a doubt, it's supposed to be about God.

And if you think that praying for the protection of a band from the temptations of a rock n roll lifestyle is pious and hypocritical, you may want to re-examine your own heart. We're supposed to love, care and look out for everyone, including our brothers within God's family.

Posted by Belfast Worshipper | 10.03.09, 15:59 GMT

Interesting to read that Rick and Jordy were the band, yet I seem to remember four other members... Wow, they must be the laziest four guys ever, cuz this revelation means that Rick and Jordy did everything and Pete, Aaron, Andy and Pete (later Johnny) did nothing...

Lazy gits. I'll give them a peace of my mind later!!!

Posted by Here's me | 10.03.09, 13:33 GMT