Christian hard rock mainstays Red have confirmed that longtime vocalist Michael Barnes will be leaving the band after nearly two decades – but not before one final performance later this spring.
In a joint video message shared by co-founding brothers Randy Armstrong and Anthony Armstrong, the pair addressed mounting fan questions and confirmed Barnes‘ departure, calling the decision bittersweet but understandable.
“You’ve all been wondering what’s going on. We’ve been getting your messages and your emails and I just want to thank you guys for your love and support. I can tell you we’re all happy and healthy and that’s the good news,” they began.
They continued, revealing the reason behind the split: “The bad news is about a year ago now Mike Barnes, our lead singer, approached us and said that he’d like to step away from Red permanently to focus on his family. And after 19 years, going on 20 years this year, it’s something that we completely understand.
“We’ve given up a lot to be out there on the road doing what we love, but our families have also sacrificed and given up so much to allow us to be on the road, so it’s something that we completely understand and we will honor and respect his decision.”
The Armstrong brothers emphasized there’s no bad blood – only gratitude.
“We had an amazing 19 year run together and we’ve been friends since we were in third grade so we love Mike very much and we look forward to what he does next. We’ll love and cherish him forever. These moments we’ve made on the road with Michael are countless. There’s just so many things we’ve done in the last 20 years. So we love Michael so much and we’re gonna miss him.”
Despite losing the voice that defined their sound since 2006’s End of Silence, the band made it clear they are not calling it quits. “Losing a lead singer is difficult. We did a lot of soul searching and we are not going anywhere guys,” they assured fans.
They also confirmed some lineup updates: Dan Johnson is returning to drums after a four-year hiatus, while AJ Reingardt of OHKAYA will temporarily step in on vocals as the band searches for a permanent replacement.
The revamped lineup will hit the road this May and June for a 20th anniversary celebration of End of Silence. And in a move sure to draw longtime fans, Barnes will reunite with the band one final time on Friday, June 5 in Dallas, Texas.
“We’re gonna play through End of Silence and all the other songs that you guys love and you’ve got one more chance to see all of us together. We’re gonna celebrate that night and say farewell to Michael and be in one of our favorite cities in the country to tour in and just have an awesome night.”
Check out the full list of tour dates below and get your tickets here.
5/9 Daytona Beach, FL Welcome to Rockville 2026
5/11 Fort Myers, FL The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon
5/12 Savannah, GA Victory North Savannah
5/14 Greenville, SC Radio Room
5/16 Reading, PA Reverb
5/19 Asbury Park, NJ House Of Independents
5/20 Warrendale, PA Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
5/22 Leesburg, VA Tally Ho Theater
5/23 Columbus, OH The KING of CLUBS
5/24 Lakewood, OH Mercury Music Lounge
5/27 Sturtevant, WI Route 20
5/29 Flint, MI The Machine Shop
5/30 Ringle, WI The Q & Z Expo Center
5/31 Sioux Falls, SD Bigs Bar
6/2 Lincoln, NE Bourbon Theatre
6/4 San Antonio, TX The Rock Box
6/5 Dallas, TX The Bomb Factory
6/7 Houston, TX Scout Bar
9/17 Louisville, KY Louder Than Life 2026
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