Currently resident of Franklin, Tennesee, Duncan Phillips, Newsboys' drummer was originally from Nambour, Australia. Although that may be of no surprise to you (his accent sorta gives it away), it might surprise you to learn that Duncan was not always the drummer while in the Newsboys. (who doesn't know that?)
Duncan played the drums and some keyboards all through highschool. He says with a laugh, "I trained in classical piano for several years, although you'd never know it now." In his young-lad highschool years, Duncan didn't live too far from Peter, so they saw eachother occasionally and did friendly stuff, like surfing. Their friendship was a good one - with a little rivalry in the mix. Duncan was in one band, while the Newsboys were just starting out as "young punks" in another The two bands were competitors for the Aussie turf.
Once out of highschool, Duncan worked in construction, but dreamed of playing music full time. Luckily for him, he was picked up by a band, and taken to America. Yet, like many bands do when its energy is totally spent, the band split. Duncan doubled-back, looking to see if he had missed God's will somewhere. He was sort of out of work. While picking up some gear in Nashville, someone told Duncan "Hey, the Newsboys' keyboardist just quit," and then somehow told Peter "Hey, Duncan Phillips is over here!" Naturally Pete was like "NO WAY!" - the two were reunited.. and Duncan went into audition.
The scales tipped in Duncan's favor: not only could he play the keyboards excellently, but he could also play the drums - when none of the other auditioners could. Plus, there was that old Aussie connection. God surely wanted Duncan to be where he is now!
After being officially added to the group, Duncan spent some time trying to burn the songs into his head. He didn't do too badly during his first show in front of the Creation '93 crowd of 60,000. To Duncan transitioining from the "percussionist" (bongo playing maniac) going to the drums was probably a little different. And surely Peter felt uncomfortable (I mean surely he couldn't compete against Johns's Dancing!!!!) But it all worked out in the end!