Captured In Time & Space

Joining the MTV world, Petra also recorded its first music video, for Beat the System's title track, then went on tour again, playing what was considered "the biggest Christian rock tour of its time." Petra ultimately played to more than 500,000 people in the yearlong world tour, which ranked second in all of Christian music only to Amy Grant's. To capture the energy of the tour, the band recorded performances in Tennessee and South Carolina over three nights in November 1985 and released the final product on vinyl and VHS shortly after, dubbing it Captured in Time and Space.
The album was a farewell to Petra's first era of popularity and the sound it had cultivated with Volz's distinctive vocals. As constant touring took its toll on the band, Hartman and Volz began to disagree about Petra's future, both on stage and off. The tour, while it drew more fans than ever, was expensive, and it left Petra hurting financially. Increased competition from other Christian rock bands, for whom Petra had paved the way, led to lower-than-expected showings as the tour went on. As Hartman told CCM Magazine in 1986, "If I had to put it in a nutshell without getting too deep, I would have to say it's business. Greg and I agree on just about everything except business."
In 1985 Volz announced he would leave the band to pursue a solo career upon completion of the tour and release of the live album, leaving in doubt the future of the world's biggest Christian rock band.
Recorded At:
Civic Auditorium, Knoxville, TN - November 21, 1985.
Memorial Auditorium, Greenville, SC - November 22, 1985.
Township Auditorium, Columbia, SC - November 23, 1985.

Lineup

Greg X. Volz (E-Band, Classic Petra, CPR) - Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Percussion
Bob Hartman (Classic Petra, II Guys From Petra) - Guitar
Mark Kelly (Classic Petra) - Bass/Keyboards
Louie Weaver (Randy Matthews, Fireworks, Classic Petra, CPR) - Drums
John Lawry (Forerunner, Classic Petra, CPR) - Keyboards