Leading Christian Rock outfit. PETRA's self titled, Billy Ray Hearn produced debut saw a line up of vocalist / guitarist duo Bob Hartman and Greg Hough, bassist John DeGroff and drummer Bill Glover. The 1977 sophomore outing 'Come And Join Us' came courtesy of a trio comprising vocalists Hartman and Hough (also both on guitar) with bassist DeGroff. Further studio instrumentation was supplied by Glover on drums, keyboard player Steve McElyea and backing vocals from Greg Volz.

1979's 'Washes Whiter Than Snow' witnessed a radical shake up in the band as McElyea, DeGroff and Glover opted out. New faces were bassist Mark Kelly, drummer Keith Edwards and keyboard player John Slick.

1983's 'Not Of This World' found Hartman joined by Greg X Volz on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, bassist Mark Kelly, Keyboard player John Slick And drummer Louie Weaver. The band failed to maintain a stable line up for the next record with 'Never Say Die' finding Louie Weaver on drums.

Former HEAD EAST singer JOHN SCHLITT took Volz's place for the 1987 album 'This Means War'. Volz subsequently began a solo career. PETRA enlisted John Lawry on keyboards and vocals and Ronnie Cates on bass for 1988's 'On Fire'. During 1990 Kenny Holton, a drummer citing touring credits with PETRA, joined fabled Southern Rockers MOLLY HATCHET.

1993's effort 'Wake Up Call' had Hartman, Schlitt and Weaver teamed up with bassist Ronny Cates and keyboard player John Lawry. The 1995 set 'No Doubt' saw some flux in the line up as new recruits lead guitarist David J. Lichens and keyboard player Jim Cooper joined the fold.

'We Need Jesus', released during 1997, featured guest collaborators John and Dino Elefante of MASTEDON on production and FOREIGNER's frontman LOU GRAMM on back up vocals. That year marked the installion of guitarists Pete Orta and Kevin Brandow, bassist Lonnie Chapin and keyboard player Kevin Brandow. In 1999 PETRA acquired a new keyboard player in Trent Thomason but lost Brandow's services services. Brandow returned the following year as Bryce Bell took over the keyboard role and, in 2001, Mike Brandenstein became the group's latest bass player.

Keyboard player Bryce Bell and guitarist Quinton Gibson both exited in early 2003, the latter joining STRANGE CELEBRITY. Also out of the picture would be longtime drummer Louie Weaver, the band employing a temporary drummer, Justin Johnson, for live dates. Founder Bob Hartman, breaking a hiatus of some seventeen years, rejoined PETRA for their 2003 Peter Furler produced 'Jekyll And Hyde' opus, the band's twentieth studio recording. Newly installed on drums would be Paul Simmons. On 12th june the original PETRA membership of John DeGroff, Bob Hartman, Greg Hough and Bill Glover reunited to perform at the Oak Hill Campground and Retreat Center in Angola, Indiana.

PETRA announced their retirement in 2005, bowing out with a nationwide run of US shows in October and concluding live work in Brazil, Argentina and Columbia during December. A live DVD, 'Petra Farewell', recorded in in Franklin, Tennessee and seeing an onstage return of former vocalist Greg X, marked these final dates.