Perry And The Poorboys are from Vancouver, BC.
Perry Springman, a native of Saskatchewan, Canada, was born into a Jewish family where, thanks to his motherâs love for music, there was always music to be heard somewhere in the home. After completing his Hebrew studies Perry completed his Jewish faith by accepting Christ. He later went on to bible school and started playing guitar and piano, and composing songs.
Growing up in a conservative Jewish home, Perry's decision while in high school to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah brought considerable grief and division into his traditional family. Perry later enrolled in the "Lutheran Bible Institute Of Seattle." Though this decision caused a great degree of alienation from his family, Perry faith in his Lord had a God-breathed outlet....his music. Out of his struggles and sorrow resounded the beautiful and powerful lyrics that would later be featured on future albums, and sung in thousands of churches, town squares, halls, prisons, high schools and youth camps across North America, Europe, Russia and Australia.
After graduation from bible college Perry accepted the position of youth director at a Lutheran Church in San Diego, California. It was here that "Perry And The California Cool Rays", as they were first called, began. With humble yet spirited origins the band agreed to a visit to communist Russia. What they experienced there challenged Perry to create songs that would touch lives instead of merely entertaining audiences. A switch to full-time music ministry followed, and to date, the group has now played in over 20 countries!
John Lassen of Denmark YFC comments, "I have never met a band or a person, who was able to connect that immediately with a crowd of kids...Perry has a gift to communicate. The band has the integrity and calling to be appealing, direct and fresh into teenagers lives, and they succeed at living it out."
Some of the events the Poorboys have played at include The Alliance Music Festival and The Flevo Festival in Holland, Sonfest in Vancouver, Rock Summer in Estonia and TomFest in Washington State. They have shared stages with Bob Geldoff, Michael W. Smith, Six Pence None the Richer, The Newsboys, PFR, the 77s and Carolyn Arends.
Over the past five years the band has played at a number of the District and National Youth Gatherings for both the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) including the 2003 ELCA Gathering in Atlanta and the LCMS Gathering in Memphis. They also tour regularily through many European countries, Australia and the USA.
In April of 2000 the band was invited by Youth For Christ to Venezuela. They helped to raise funds for aid and distributed care packs to forlorn citizens after a flood and mud-slides killed more than 100, 000 people within a few weeks. ✠Despite their losses the people gave us a warm welcome and encouraged us. All we could give them was some supplies and clothing,â쳌 says Perry. This trip, along with outreach visits to prisons and homeless shelters in various countries continued to refresh his faith in our God who can grant peace even through calamity.
Perry and the Poorboys, now with eight albums to their credit, have gained an extensive international following. In fact, the 4th album POOR IS BETTER, (on vinyl) recorded in Estonia, (a former Soviet republic) sold more than 30,000 copies; an exceptional accomplishment for an âun-signedâ band. Further success was found on the albums NO FEAR IN LOVE and SATURN LIGHT.
DEEP BLUE SEA marked a fresh colourful turning point for the group with a more acoustic-style pop sound. Some of the songs found their origins in biblical passages, while all songs are based on biblical values. Produced by Mike Roe, (The 77's) they also enlisted the late Gene Eugene (Adam Again, The Lost Dogs) for some additional recording and in the mixing of this absorbing collection of unforgettable songs.
And now, their newest release, entitled Half Way Aroundâ, recorded and produced by Ryan McAllister of Dakona (Maverick Records) tatkes the band (and Perry...) in a new direction yet again. This record is more organic and honest in nature and shows off some really great song-writing with friendly production!
âœBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.â쳌 Matthew 5:3
We play all over the world including Europe, Australia, Canada and The U.S.
It's like Elvis Costello meets REM meets God!
Gibson Guitars, G &L guitars, Westone In-ear monitors
