Worship Star by Shekelback - a light-hearted look at the Worship Music Industry

READ THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG HERE - IT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU!

This cheeky comedy version of a well known secular rock track is intended to make you smile, rather than get on your soap box! If you know the original song, it is a cartoon parody of the 'rock star' lifestyle through the eyes of a wannabe - this is takes that idea and applies it to the worship industry i.e. it doesn't tell it like it is, it is a cartoon parody of how many wannabes perceive their life will be if they become a famous worship leader. It's about the wannabes NOT about worship leaders or famous Christian bands. Just want to make that clear before I get a barrage of complaints from worship leaders!! Here's the story behind the song...

I wrote the lyrics after meeting some kids after a show by my rock band in Bristol, UK. They said they were in a band. I asked them - So are you a rock band like us, or do you do praise and worship? Their reply took me by surprise. They said - Oh definitely worship; our youth leader told us that if we want to be famous and make a lot of money, we need to be a worship band.

So this song is dedicated to them and their youth leader and to any other bands who are tempted to cross over into worship music with mixed agendas. Its also challenge to myself and every other Christian musician to worship God with integrity and leave any egos and rock star tendencies behind when we stand before a congregation. I love to lead and/or play guitar in Worship and I fully support worship leaders the world over, in case you were wondering!?

I'm sure you'll appreciate the sarcasm, but just to to clarify things: this song is NOT an attack on worship artists who have become successful. Ive had the privilege of playing guitar for certain worship leaders on the big stages and have met many of the big names including Martin Smith, Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Martyn Layzell and Vicky Beeching. Without exception, these guys are authentic worshipers with integrity and genuine humility. Maybe that's why God has raised them up to where they are now? This song is NOT about them; this song is about the wannabe rock stars (you probably know at least one from your local church!) who join the worship band as a means to live out their rock star fantasies! (and yes, that used to be me when I was younger, before I sorted out my attitude!)

...and before anyone comments - the vocals on this track are supposed to be ropey - I think it adds to the comedy value! I'm not a singer, never have been, never will be - this is just my best impersonation of an earnest American rock singer (Chad Kroeger, anyone?!) and yes it is my real hair and mustache!

Oh, and one more thing? Why is it that in England, worship leaders all seem to adopt certain worship leaders accents when they sing? You know the one - Martin Smith's Essex Boy meets Ramsay Street, South Coast drawl.

So enjoy this video and share it with others who'll 'get it'. If you want more cheeky songs with an irreverent look at church culture, check out myspace dot com forward slash bunkbedrule.

I've had a few negative comments by people misunderstanding my motives or not really getting the 'joke' (mostly people who haven't read this info text, before judging). Honestly, I'm a nice guy and I love sung worship - my aim was just to make a video that made a couple of my christian muso friends laugh, I had no idea it would go viral! I'm really sorry if you get offended by this video, none is intended, and if this video is having a negative effect rather than a positive effect, I'll take it down. The good news is that most people seem to find it funny - I even got an email from the wife of one of the Delirious guys saying how their tour manager sent them the link and how they thought it was really funny and spot on, which was really cool of them.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• worship
• music
• contemporary
• christian
• star
• shekelback
• comedy
• tomlin
• smith
• hughes
• redman
• vineyard
• hillsongs
• soul
• survivior
• passion
• united
• praise
• dove
• awards
• hawkins

[superpurplerobot]

Great stuff. (Except Chad Kroeger is Canadian... from Hanna, Alberta.)

[markcguitar]

@superpurplerobot oh yeah! You're right! I have lots of Canadian friends, so if I want to live a long and happy life, I won't make that mistake again!

[RhinoReturns]

Hmm. I guess I'm somewhat inexperienced because I didn't realise that this is how Christians perceive other Christians in the music industry. Sad. Still, there are many genuine bands out there who do a pretty good job of honouring God and the Lord Jesus Christ, given the pressures that must come with the job. What I'D like to see as a parody is the clichéd Christian lingo that many of us use. It can make me cringe!

Very cleverly written, by the way.

[markcguitar]

Don't worry, this isn't how Christians perceive other Christians in the music industry! Read the story on the side bar - it's not about those in the industry, it's about the motives of some of the wannabes! Oh, and it's a joke, not a soapbox! Glad you enjoyed it.

[cliveloseby]

Mate, this is the funniest and best thing I've seen in years! I was in the scene back in 1991 and nothing's changed. You have nothing to aplogise for, I appreciate your sensitivity in your extensive disclaimer but, from my POV, the only people likely to get offended are those that this find this too close to home.

Genius mate, well done... one other thing, why are everyone's postings under pseudoyms?

Are they all afraid of being driven from their Churches?

Well done again... :-)

[TheMezzanineFloor]

This is so accurate that it actually hurts to watch it!

Nice one man.

[TheCatholicExaminer]

Ha yes. agrre with @TheMezzanineFloor.

[liveloud77]

Not offensive at all, just very true! (and funny)

[DIVINESOTERIOLOGY]

2 Samuel 23:5 Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant.

[elect7777]

@markcguitar Really VERY funny! I love it, please, I hope you don't have to take it down. One thing though, you've made me self concious about my south london lilt. Don't worry, I'll get over it when I've made my first melion darluz.

[xAgonisx]

@markcguitar Your Intention Noted. I understand what you mean, and I totally agree although I havn't seen one that is a wannabe but there was this one time during a Hillsong United Conference when the band kept reminding us all that we are here to worship but not to listen to them sing. And that they are here to lead us with their talents, skills and good music that is blessed by God so that we can have a good time of worship. Appreciate your song. Shalom =D

[MODERATECALVINISM]

Ephesians 6:16

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

[abzz47]

great video lol so funny :) 

[csmdeg]

very true...too many like this

[sophieburch]

HIlarious!! its brilliant, just light hearted fun.. made me chuckle a lot!

[YorkshireKaren]

This made me smile, has a ring of truth which certainly didn't offend me. Thanks!