I have been reading the boards for about two years. I almost never post.
But, during this time I have noticed, and especially noticed concerning a recent
post, that attitudes regarding GVB are primarily negative. I am curious as to why this is!
I will have to tell you, they are the reason I became a fan of SG in the first
place! I fell in love with them, and southern gospel. Because of the message I
heard, and the amount of worship that goes on during their concerts my life has
been changed!
I realize there are many groups out there, and there does seem to be some
jealousy. But I believe there is a place for GVB and related groups, and they
are changing lives for God! I have been to twelve concerts now and have never
seen or heard anything that was not appropriate and Godly!
I am just curious as to the attitudes I have noticed on this board. I am not
trying to be critical in any way, or cause any kind of a fuss!!!!! Thank you for
giving my post your attention. Confused
Well, I just might fight ya for the title #1 gvb fan!!! I think there are quite a few gvb fans on here, they simply aren’t as vocal (pun intended!) as the non-fans.
I’ve followed Bill Gaither’s groups in one form or another since the early 70s when it was the Bill Gaither Trio - Bill, Danny and Gloria. Hubby and I used to go to Praise Gathering in Indianapolis until it ended several years ago. This year we went to Family Fest in Gatlinburg, TN. That will be the only time we do that, but that’s because of the traffic in Gatlinburg and not the concerts.
Love the harmonies and singing of GVB. Oh, yes - have most of the videos/dvds. It was the videos that drew us into following SGM.
I’m going to make an educated guess here and say it is largely envy or professional jealousy that causes MUCH of the negativity towards the GVB.
Now that I’ve said that, I expect people to come out of the woodwork to say that’s not it, that they just don’t like them. But I’d be willing to bet that 99 people out of 100 would jump at the chance to audition if Mr.Gaither gave them a call.
I’m going to make an educated guess here and say it is largely envy or professional jealousy that causes MUCH of the negativity towards the GVB.
Now that I’ve said that, I expect people to come out of the woodwork to say that’s not it, that they just don’t like them. But I’d be willing to bet that 99 people out of 100 would jump at the chance to audition if Mr.Gaither gave them a call.
As far as I’m concerned, GVB is the cream of the crop! You won’t get any negative comments about them from me! I love their current lineup and would love to be able to see them more than once a year. It’s just fine with me that Bill Gaither isn’t a strong bass. He sure knows how to surround himself with great talent and he produces great music!
I am probably the one who gets the most defensive when someone is critical on this site. I would agree that for some may be jealous. I would also say that people have a problem with their look. Yes, I am going there. I think some people are so close minded that the fact Guy has long hair and Wes or Marsh wear jeans on stage they don’t “belong” in the SG world. As Bill has always said GVB really falls into their own category. They are a little SG, CCM, Traditional, all in one.
I would tend to think that those that don’t like GVB are your more traditional SG fans. The ones that think SG quartet singing is nothing more than 4 guys all wearing matching suits.
I am a self proclaimed GVB expert and would say that in all the years I have been around GVB it was this way when Michael was there because he was too rock sounding. Mark was not serious enough for people and David didn’t dress right. Guy has long hair, and it goes on and on. People have always tried to pick apart the group. I will say this, Bill knows good talent when he sees it and is a genius. This week is the GVB reunion show, that will be great!!!
I first heard GVB on the Gaither Trio tour when they were the “New Gaither Vocal Band.” It inspired me to buy the accompaniment tracks to their first album (a real rarity at that time for original tracks to be released, and as a full album set at that). I formed a quartet and used their material. Then, I was blown away at a concert with Larnelle and Jon Mohr on the “New Point of View” tour. Though I drifted away a little during their most contemporary phase, “A Few Good Men” and probably my personal favorite, “I Do Believe” (a major encouragement during a time of personal struggle) brought me back into the fold. I have personally harvested more songs that I use in my solo and group singing from this group than any other.
Thanks to Bill for knowing how to surround himself with top-notch talent and choosing songs that minister. (Now if he would just quit doing so many “covers” of the group’s old songs, and find more really great new material.)
I am one of the “tradition guys” that like the suits, etc…. but… I also recognize that I don’t make the rules for everyone.
I was at NQC when Guy hit the stage for the first time, and a GASP came from the crowd as they saw that HAIR! Then, he sang his first note, and I looked around and saw everyone looking and nodding to the person beside them and saying, That hair ain’t THAT bad”...
His spirit immediately took over that auditorium, and he has shown consistent living for Jesus ever since…. and THAT is what makes fans.
GVB is a great group, whichever configuration hits the stage. They are not my personal favorite (Go Triumphant Qt!) but they are definitely way up there. I am excited that they will be back at NQC this year!
I am a fan of their’s, though not crazy about everything about them, such as the long hair (not the place here, but I do believe the Bible has something to say about that), I think they could look a little more clean-cut, and I’m not crazy about their last CD, but they are still one of the best groups vocally out there, no matter who is in the group, they maintain the same great sound.
I believe one of the problems people have had with GVB is the fact that all members that leave go into CCM.( Just like thier hearts are not into SG music.) Thats not my belief though. I have observed and these guys love the Lord. I dont know one that left to go into secular music. I believe 995 out of 1000 like the GVB. Good grief I knew SG fans that didnt care for the Goodmans or the Florida boys. Im with those who made remarks about Guy and how wonderful a person he is. And how loyal. Every once in a while a person comes along and breaks the mold we have set for chrisianity. I am conservative myself, however if I ever desired to sing next to a good lead singer, that was dedicated,loyal,trustworthy. And had developed the character traits as a christian and as a friend. Well I would pick Guy.
A good subject——GVB! I love their music, as a whole. One good thing about their music, is the variety—-all their songs don’t sound the same, as with some groups. As someone else said, Bill doesn’t HAVE to be the best, lowest bass. He knows how to surround himself with three other excellent singers to make up a QUARTET. Not a BASS and three other back-ups. I’m a Gaither Vocal Band Fan!!!!! Keep giving us good music, Bill!
Musicman_andy mentioned that this week is the GVB reunion taping!!! Wouldn’t you just LOVE to be a fly on the wall?!!!!
Can I get an “A-MEN”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I remember seeing the tracks available in cassette or reel to reel form for around $50. each around 1987 when I first discovered the group. I wish I had gotten them now, but I was a teen and didn’t really have the cash for that as I recall.
I have all of the GVB CD’s and tapes, many, many tracks, videos etc. I would like them with a great bass, but in some ways I am not sure if the change to their sound would work with some of the things they do. I loved McSpadden, Larnelle, English, Lowry, Murray, Mohr and many with them.
Musicman_andy mentioned that this week is the GVB reunion taping!!! Wouldn’t you just LOVE to be a fly on the wall?!!!!
Can I get an “A-MEN”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a fan of GVB but wasn’t always. It seems in the beginning they leaned towards Contemporary Christian music a little too much but since the Homecoming videos have started I’ve watched them become more & more SG & that’s what changed my view of them.
Not a huge fan, I enjoyed the old GVB (80’s) more than the current one, but my fav group was when Mark and David were there. That was as well rounded of a group and performance that they ever had. When you went to hear them you could go away completely satisfied. Even ministered to, (if I can say that here.) We all like to be entertained and they were very good at it. Deon and Encore are right on the money. Those that bash them are just envious and I believe that is sin. Those that don’t care for them, simply don’t care and don’t spend their time bashing them, they just listen to something else. Keep in mind, just my opinion.
LoveGodLovePeople