Planetshakers, a contemporary worship music band, holds a significant place within the vibrant spiritual landscape of Planetshakers Church, nestled in the heart of Melbourne, Australia.
With a remarkable discography of over 30 albums, this band has not only touched the hearts of worshipers locally but has also embarked on annual international tours, making their divine melodies resonate across the globe. Their dedication to spreading the message of faith and spirituality has earned them nominations for several prestigious Dove Awards.
A Melodic Journey Through Time and Faith
The genesis of Planetshakers can be traced back to Adelaide, South Australia, where they were formed in preparation for the inaugural Planetshakers Conference held at Paradise Community Church (now known as Influencers Church) in 1997. Over the years, their spiritual journey led them to their current home in Melbourne, Victoria, where they are an integral part of Planetshakers Church, guided by the visionary leadership of senior pastors Russell and Samantha Evans.
Guy Sebastian: A Notable Chapter in Planetshakers’ History
One noteworthy chapter in the band’s history is the inclusion of Guy Sebastian as a member from 2002 to 2005. During his tenure, Guy served as a worship leader and contributed background vocals while recording albums for Planetshakers Church at Paradise Community Church conferences. His talents would eventually lead him to become the winner of the first Australian Idol, propelling him into the limelight as a highly popular artist.
The Michael Guglielmucci Controversy
In 2008, Planetshakers Church faced a significant controversy when it was revealed that Michael Guglielmucci, a pastor at the church and former bass player in the Planetshakers band, had deceitfully claimed to be suffering from a terminal illness. This deception led to financial contributions from well-intentioned supporters who believed in his battle against cancer. Notably, Guglielmucci had penned the emotionally resonant song “Healer,” meant to provide solace and hope to believers grappling with cancer. This track was featured in the album “Saviour of the World,” released in June 2007.
Subsequently, Guglielmucci explained his actions as stemming from a long-standing struggle with pornography addiction. The song “Healer” had also found its way into the Hillsong album “This Is Our God” before being later removed from the record.
Planetshakers is not just a worship music band; it is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the ability of music to inspire and heal. Despite the challenges and controversies that have crossed its path, the band continues to touch the hearts of countless individuals, offering them a spiritual journey through the harmonious language of music.