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Audio Adrenaline

From Alfawiki
Audio Adrenaline
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1986
Headquarters
Grayson
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles

Audio Adrenaline was a Christian rock ensemble originating in 1986 at Kentucky Christian University located in Grayson, Kentucky. The band rose to fame throughout the 1990s, securing two Grammy Award honors alongside several Dove Awards. Numerous singles from the group reached the summit of Contemporary Christian music charts. They regularly appeared at prominent festivals such as Creation Festival, Spirit West Coast, Agape Music Festival, and Alive Festival. The group ceased operations in 2007, prompted by lead vocalist Mark Stuart's battle with spasmodic dysphonia.

In 2012, Audio Adrenaline reunited with bassist Will McGinniss as the sole original member remaining. This refreshed lineup introduced former DC Talk singer Kevin Max and released the album Kings & Queens in March 2013. Max exited in June 2014, succeeded by Josh Engler from Abandon, who was later replaced in February 2015 by Adam Agee of Stellar Kart.

Following McGinniss's departure in 2015, the band no longer included any founding members. Their initial single featuring this configuration, "Love Was Stronger," was part of their tenth and concluding studio release, Sound of the Saints.

1986–1990: Origins as A-180

Initially named A-180, the group formed in 1986 at Kentucky Christian University with Mark Stuart on lead vocals, Barry Blair handling guitars, Will McGinniss playing bass, David Stuart on keyboards, and Phil Vaughan on drums. After a short pause during Mark’s studies in Haiti, the band reassembled with Ron Gibson taking over drums. They quickly became a well-known regional act, performing over 100 shows and independently releasing two albums: You Turn (1989) and Reaper's Train (1990). The track "DC-10" from Reaper's Train was later featured on their first major-label album.

A significant shift occurred when Bob Herdman joined as a songwriter after presenting "My God," a composition merging heavy metal with rap elements. Herdman taught himself keyboards and guitar to contribute more extensively. The demo for "My God" gained radio play and attracted attention from dc Talk’s Toby McKeehan, resulting in a contract offer from ForeFront Records. The band adopted the name Audio Adrenaline, which Herdman had initially proposed.

1991–1993: Signing with ForeFront and early releases

Upon signing with ForeFront Records, the group concentrated on crafting songs akin to "My God" to align with the label’s hip-hop-oriented vision, which led to the departures of Dave Stuart and Ron Gibson. Mark Stuart described this era as an experimental period aimed at finding a balance between label demands and their artistic identity.

Their self-titled debut album, Audio Adrenaline (1992), incorporated drum machine rhythms and hip-hop influences, including "DC-10" featuring live drums. Although it sold approximately 75,000 copies, the band felt it did not fully capture their authentic sound. Barry Blair expressed dissatisfaction despite its commercial achievements.

The subsequent album, Don't Censor Me (1993), contained their breakthrough single "Big House" and sold around 250,000 copies, significantly raising their profile. It also included "We're a Band," a track that became popular during live performances. While adopting a more rock-driven style, some tracks were not favored within the group. Nonetheless, this album earned them a Dove Award for Long Form Music Video of the Year along with a nomination for a Billboard Music Award.

1994–1999: Growth and Achievement

After the success of Don't Censor Me, Audio Adrenaline supported DC Talk during the Free at Last Tour and joined Newsboys on their Going Public Tour. Despite these opportunities, the group aimed to carve out a distinct identity separate from these collaborations.

In 1996, their third album, Bloom, signaled a return to their rock origins, moving away from the rap styles explored in earlier works. Critics applauded the album for reflecting the band's artistic development, and by 1999 it had become their sole RIAA-certified gold record. This release was also guitarist Barry Blair's last with the band before he transitioned to focus on music production, driven by his enthusiasm for songwriting and studio work rather than touring.

To fill Blair's role, Audio Adrenaline briefly brought in Brian McSweeney of Seven Day Jesus, who ultimately remained with his original group. Subsequently, they added 17-year-old Tyler Burkum as guitarist, who contributed to their subsequent album, Some Kind of Zombie (1997). This record also marked the arrival of Ben Cissell as the permanent drummer.

The band’s fifth studio effort, Underdog, was released in 1999. Songwriter Bob Herdman described this project as having a "more fun" vibe, while bassist Will McGinniss highlighted its creative fusion of elements from earlier albums. The record included a swing-inspired reinterpretation of "DC-10" and reached #76 on the Billboard charts. Following its launch, Audio Adrenaline once again toured as an opening act for DC Talk during the Jesus Freak World Tour.

2000–2007: Final Albums with Founding Members and Disbandment

After a short break, Audio Adrenaline issued their first greatest hits collection, Hit Parade, in March 2001. This compilation featured standout tracks such as "Big House," "Hands and Feet," "We're A Band," along with a collaboration titled "Blitz" featuring The O.C. Supertones. Around this period, Herdman departed to assume the presidency of Flicker Records, which he had co-founded alongside Stuart and McGinniss.

In November 2001, the band released Lift, widely regarded by critics as their finest album. This release showcased guitarist Burkum sharing lead vocal duties with Stuart. Their ninth studio album, Worldwide (2003), earned them their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album in 2004. That same year, the band collaborated with Herdman to launch the Hands and Feet Project in Haiti, establishing an orphanage.

The tenth studio album, Until My Heart Caves In (2005), featured Burkum predominantly as lead vocalist and secured a second Grammy Award in 2006. The track "Clap Your Hands" gained notable exposure through its use during football highlight reels on ESPN.

On January 18, 2006, Audio Adrenaline announced their retirement prompted by Stuart’s vocal cord injury. Their final performance with the original lineup took place at the Creation Festival on July 27, 2006. Shortly after, on August 1, they released Adios: The Greatest Hits, a farewell compilation including two new tracks.

During their concluding national tour in early 2007, Audio Adrenaline opened for MercyMe on the "Coming Up to Breathe Tour". Their ultimate live show occurred on April 28, 2007, at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, Hawaii. The farewell project titled Live From Hawaii: The Farewell Concert, released on August 28, 2007 as a live CD–DVD set, received recognition by winning Long Form Music Video of the Year at the 39th GMA Dove Awards.

2008–2011: Subsequent Endeavors

After the group disbanded, its members explored diverse projects. Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss initiated the Know Hope Collective, a collaborative ensemble with rotating musicians who performed worship music and shared personal stories. Both remained deeply involved with The Hands and Feet Project in Haiti. Tyler Burkum contributed to several bands and formed his own ensemble, The Leagues. Ben Cissell transitioned to managing a youth ministry venue called Rocketttown before pursuing opportunities in filmmaking. Bob Herdman shifted his career toward project management roles based in Nashville.

The band briefly reunited for a live appearance at Easterfest '09 held in Queens Park, Toowoomba, Australia.

2012–2017: Revival and Vocalist Changes

In 2012, Stuart and McGinniss, accompanied by new manager Wes Campbell, revived the band with an updated roster. They brought on board former DC Talk member Kevin Max as lead singer, who described joining as an obvious choice. The refreshed lineup also featured Dave Ghazarian on guitar, Jared Byers on drums, Jason Walker handling keyboards, and McGinniss on bass, while Stuart took charge of production and songwriting.

The album Kings and Queens was released on March 3, 2013, achieving No. 70 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 4 on the Christian Albums ranking. Critics lauded it as an exceptional return that resonated with both loyal followers and new listeners.

In 2013, Ghazarian and Walker exited the band, with Dwayne Larring from Sonicflood stepping in as their replacements. By June 2014, Kevin Max departed amicably due to differing artistic directions; management sought a worship-centered approach aligned with events like Acquire the Fire, while Max favored alternative and indie pop rock styles.

Max explained his exit was due to creative disagreements and the band's evolving focus toward worship leadership.

Josh Engler of Abandon temporarily assumed lead vocal duties. Early in 2015 saw drummer Jared Byers leave, followed by departures of Larring, Engler, and founding member McGinniss, who wished to dedicate more time to the Hands & Feet Project. Consequently, no original members remained in the lineup.

On February 10, 2015, Adam Agee (previously with Stellar Kart) was appointed lead vocalist, joined by guitarist Brandon Bagby, bassist Dave Stovall, and drummer Jack Campbell. That same day, they unveiled "Love Was Stronger," a track from their album Sound of the Saints.

Following their tour in 2017, no further announcements were made regarding the band's status, though no official breakup was declared.

In 2019, Mark Stuart authored Losing My Voice to Find It, reflecting on his time with Audio Adrenaline and his vocal health challenges.

By 2023, Adam Agee had joined the Newsboys as bassist and guitarist and was set to become their lead vocalist in 2025 after Michael Tait's departure.

Band members

  • Will McGinniss – vocals, bass guitar (1986–2007, 2012–2015)
  • Mark Stuart – lead vocals, guitar (1986–2007)
  • Barry Blair – guitar, vocals (1986–1996)
  • Dave Stuart – keyboards, vocals (1986, 1991)
  • Phil Vaughan — drums (1986–1988)
  • Ron Gibson – drums (1988–1991)
  • Bob Herdman – keyboard, guitar, vocals (1991–2001)
  • Ben Cissell – drums (1995–2007)
  • Tyler Burkum – guitar, vocals, keyboard (1997–2007)
  • Dave Ghazarian – guitar (2012–2013)
  • Jason Walker – keyboards, vocals, guitar (2012–2013)
  • Kevin Max – lead vocals (2012–2014)
  • Jared Byers – drums, vocals (2012–2015)
  • Josh Engler – lead vocals, keyboard (2014–2015)
  • Dwayne Larring – guitar, vocals (2013–2015)
  • Adam Agee – lead vocals (2015–2017)
  • Dave Stovall – bass guitar, vocals (2015–2017)
  • Jack Campbell – drums (2015–2017)
  • Brandon Bagby – guitar, vocals (2015–2017)

Touring musicians

  • Brian Hayes – drums (1993–1995)
  • Jon Knox – drums (1995 substituting for Brian Hayes on select dates prior to Ben Cissell's arrival)
  • Brian Whitman – guitar, vocals (2005–2007)
  • David Stuart – keyboard, vocals (1986–1991)
  • Ron Gibson – drums (1988–1991)
  • Jonathan Schneck – backup guitar, backing vocals (2003–2005)
  • Brian McSweeney – guitar, vocals (1996–97 replacing Barry Blair; filled in for Tyler Burkum during final shows in 2007)
  • Jared Byers – drums (filled in for Ben Cissell during final performances in 2007)
  • Mike Biddle – keyboards, backing vocals (2009)

Timeline

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 id:vocals            value:red         legend:Vocals
 id:guitar            value:green       legend:Guitar
 id:bass              value:blue        legend:Bass guitar
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 id:keys              value:purple      legend:Keyboards
 id:album             value:black       legend:Album

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BarData = 

 bar:MS     text:"Mark Stuart"
 bar:KM     text:"Kevin Max"
 bar:JE     text:"Josh Engler"
 bar:AA     text:"Adam Agee"
 bar:BB     text:"Barry Blair"
 bar:TB     text:"Tyler Burkum"
 bar:DG     text:"Dave Ghazarian"
 bar:DL     text:"Dwayne Larring"
 bar:BBA    text:"Brandon Bagby"
 bar:WM     text:"Will McGinniss"
 bar:DST    text:"Dave Stovall"
 bar:DS     text:"Dave Stuart"
 bar:BH     text:"Bob Herdman"
 bar:JW     text:"Jason Walker"
 bar:RG     text:"Ron Gibson"
 bar:BC     text:"Ben Cissell"
 bar:JB     text:"Jared Byers"
 bar:JC     text:"Jack Campbell"

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 bar:WM        from:01/01/1986 till:04/28/2007   color:bass
 bar:WM        from:01/01/2012 till:02/08/2015   color:bass
 bar:DST       from:02/09/2015 till:end          color:bass
 bar:MS        from:01/01/1986 till:04/28/2007   color:vocals
 bar:KM        from:01/01/2012 till:06/04/2014   color:vocals
 bar:JE        from:06/04/2014 till:02/01/2015   color:vocals
 bar:AA        from:02/01/2015 till:end          color:vocals
 bar:BB        from:01/01/1986 till:02/20/1996   color:guitar
 bar:TB        from:08/01/1997 till:04/28/2007   color:guitar
 bar:DG        from:01/01/2012 till:09/11/2013   color:guitar
 bar:DL        from:09/11/2013 till:02/08/2015   color:guitar
 bar:BBA       from:02/09/2015 till:end          color:guitar
 bar:DS        from:01/01/1986 till:12/31/1986   color:keys
 bar:DS        from:01/01/1991 till:12/31/1991   color:keys
 bar:BH        from:01/01/1991 till:12/31/2001   color:keys
 bar:JW        from:01/01/2012 till:09/11/2013   color:keys
 bar:RG        from:01/01/1988 till:12/31/1991   color:drums
 bar:BC        from:01/01/1995 till:04/28/2007   color:drums
 bar:JB        from:01/01/2012 till:02/01/2015   color:drums
 bar:VC        from:start till:end                color:vocals

PlotData= 

width=3 
bar=WM        from=01_01_1986 till=04_28_2007    color:vocals 
bar=WM        from=01_01_2012 till=02_08_2015    color:vocals 
bar=TB        from=08_01_1997 till=04_28_2007    color:vocals 
bar=BH        from=01_01_1991 till=12_31_2001    color:guitar

LineData = 

layer=back 
color=album 
at=04_17_1992  
at=10_01_1993 
at=02_20_1996 
at=11_18_1997 
at=09_14_1999 
at=11_20_2001 
at=02_25_2003 
at=08_30_2005 
at=03_12_2013 
at=05_04_2015

</timeline>

Additional Endeavors

On September 1, 2003, the group published its inaugural book titled Dirty Faith: Becoming the Hands and Feet of Jesus through Think Books. Co-authored with Mark Matlock, the publication explores outreach efforts toward those in need and highlights the work of the organization Mission Year.

In 2003, Mark Stuart took on the role of Petrov in the rock opera !Hero, a contemporary retelling of Christ's narrative. The production also starred Michael Tait as HERO, CCM singer Rebecca St. James portraying Maggie, John Cooper from Skillet as Kai, and rapper T-Bone in the part of Jairus.

The band released another book on September 5, 2006, entitled Hands & Feet: Inspiring Stories and Firsthand Accounts of God Changing Lives via Regal Books. This work documents their house-building initiatives in Haiti and provides insight into the establishment of The Hands and Feet Project, an orphanage serving underprivileged children. It also introduces Drex and Jo Stuart, parents of lead vocalist Mark Stuart.

In 2007, Stuart partnered with Will McGinniss to create "Audio Unplugged" (also referred to as "Audio Talks"), a speaking engagement series launched after their retirement. This venture combines personal testimonies, classic Audio Adrenaline tracks, and worship sessions to offer inspiration.

Discography

Original period

Reboot period

Grammy Awards

Year Award Outcome
1997 Best Rock Gospel Album for Bloom Template:Nom
1999 Best Rock Gospel Album for Some Kind of Zombie Template:Nom
2000 Best Rock Gospel Album for Underdog Template:Nom
2003 Best Rock Gospel Album for Lift Template:Nom
2004 Best Rock Gospel Album for Worldwide Template:Won
2006 Best Rock Gospel Album for Until My Heart Caves In Template:Won

GMA Dove Awards

Year Award Outcome
1996 Long Form Music Video of the Year for "Big House" Template:Won
1998 Modern Rock Recorded Song of the Year for "Some Kind of Zombie" Template:Won
2000 Rock Recorded Song of the Year for "Get Down" Template:Won
2002 Rock Recorded Song of the Year for "Will Not Fade" Template:Nom
2003 Group of the Year Template:Nom
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for "Ocean Floor" Template:Nom
Rock Album of the Year for Lift Template:Won
2004 Rock Recorded Song of the Year for "Dirty" Template:Nom
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year for Worldwide Template:Nom
Long Form Music Video of the Year for Alive Template:Nom
2008 Rock Album of the Year for Live from Hawaii: The Farewell Concert Template:Nom
Long Form Music Video of the Year for Live from Hawaii: The Farewell Concert Template:Won


Additional resources

External links

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