Your Christian Rock Music News, as reported on our October 5th broadcast:

POD To Include PS2 Game With New CD

NEW YORK CITY, October 1, 2003 – P.O.D. are set to fulfill any Playstation Owner’s Dream. The band, Atlantic Records, and Sony Computer Entertainment America Incorporate have announced plans to create the first-ever combined CD/PlayStation®2 videogame release. The first one million copies of P.O.D.'s eagerly awaited new album, "PAYABLE ON DEATH," will include an exclusive bonus PlayStation®2 DVD containing a custom videogame track from the critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 music game title, Amplitude. The PlayStation 2 disc will feature loads of other goodies, including a newly recorded, non-album P.O.D. track, "Space,” a 50-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, "Inside P.O.D. Culture," and a special feature on Daniel Martin Diaz, the artist who created the paintings and sketches for the "PAYABLE ON DEATH" package.

P.O.D. lead vocalist Sonny commented, quote: "This idea came out of us wanting to do everything possible to give back to our fans. With all the talk about downloading and CD prices, all we've ever cared about is giving our fans the best” unquote.

The "PAYABLE ON DEATH" music CD itself will also include enhanced elements, including excerpts from the "Inside P.O.D. Culture" documentary, plus a "key" to unlock a special bonus web site which will allow consumers exclusive access to download the song "Space."

As a further bonus for purchasers of "PAYABLE ON DEATH," each of the first million copies of the album will include one of three "art cards" created by cover artist Daniel Martin Diaz. In addition, approximately 1,500 cards (500 of each design) have been hand-signed by all four band members and will be randomly inserted into the production run.

Due in stores nationwide on November 4, the album will be stickered with the PlayStation 2 logo, quickly calling the retail consumer's attention to the unique multimedia elements of "PAYABLE ON DEATH."

New Delirious Track

The brand new Delirious? track Majesty is fresh out of passport control and ready to take up residence in your subconscious. Go to www.sporknews.com to download the track for free. The new Delirious? album, “World Service” won’t follow for a few months, but if you need another hit of the good stuff then check back with sporknews on November 1st when the second in a series of teaser tracks, Rain Down, will be available for download.

Apologetix New CD News

Christian parody band, Apologetix wants to give its listener’s a new appreciation for the oft-repeated story of Adam and Eve. So it’s featuring them, along with others from the book of Genesis, on a brand new CD entitled “Adam Up” The album’s name has other connontations as well. It seems Apologetix has released so many albums over the years, the band members have forgotten precisely how many are in their discography. So don’t ask the band, unless you’re prepared to “Add ‘em up”. Adam Up should be available before the Christmas shopping season.

Here is a picture of the Apologetix jamming out at Acadia Fest in Ellsworth Maine this Past August. Check this event out every year across the road from Wal-mart. See your favorite local and national bands at the same time! You can't beat that!

TobyMac and Kirk Franklin Tour

2003 marks the 40th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic "I Have A Dream" speech, and tobyMac and Kirk Franklin hope to commemorate the occasion in a special way. In association with E.R.A.C.E. Foundation (Eliminating Rascism and Creating Equality), the two will embark on "I Have a Dream-the Tour," which will visit some fifteen major markets beginning October 16 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Franklin and tobyMac say their tour will share more in common with King’s vision than his now legendary “I Have a Dream” speech. Like the great civil rights leader, they are committed to teaching our nation’s youth to love and accept each other’s differences, and to showing them that racism does not have to limit what they can be.

His fall tour may still be a week and a half away, but TobyMac has already made plans for 2004. He’ll be crisscrossing the nation with Third Day starting next spring. Maine fans of the two groups, mark your calendars: the tour will make its way to Portland next October. Keep checking up at www.thirdday.com for updated tour information.

Switchfoot Extras

Switchfoot’s fourth album may be titled “The Beautiful Letdown” but the band members are clearly intent on keeping their fans happy. The band is off on a 36 date nationwide tour, but their Internet home, www.switchfoot.com , has seen new updates recently. You can check out new concert photographs plus videos, complete tour dates, and a link to intriguing Rolling Stone interview. Also, all web surfers are invited to mp3.com where a Switchfoot track from THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN can be legally downloaded and sent out to friends for free.

Big Dismal Video

While you’re online, head over to www.BigDismal.com to check out the new video for "Reality." The video features behind-the-scenes footage and clips of the band tearing up the stage at Soulfest 2003. Tune in to TVU's Fund Drive on October 10th to catch the video's television premiere.