Tree63 is a South African three-piece rock band from Durban, South Africa.
History 1996–2000: Formation and initial years The band was formed in 1996 and originally, it was unnamed. In 1997, the band had to come up with a name before performing at North Beach, Durban, and came up with "Tree". They added the "63" part of their name in 2000 due to a naming conflict with an American band.Christian Music Daily . Interview with John Ellis of Tree63, 2007. Retrieved 2009-11-25. 63 had been the name of their second album, which was named in reference to Psalm 63.
2001–2009: Popularity and move to America
Their first album released in the United States, Tree63, won the GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2001."Dove Award Recipients for 2001 ". Published by the Gospel Music Association. Retrieved 2007-02-21.
Tree63's recording of Matt Redman's "Blessed Be Your Name" peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard Christian Songs chart,Billboard Christian Songs Chart dated August 21, 2004 and helped to spark the song's popularity. This recording was featured on the 2005 edition of WOW Hits and was nominated for two Dove Awards. On a 2 February 2007 broadcast of 20, The Countdown Magazine (special edition, Praise and Worship), guest Chris Tomlin described Tree63's rendition of "Blessed Be Your Name" as "...the definitive recording of one of the most all-encompassing songs in the entire world of Christian music." The song was then announced as the number 3 Praise and Worship song of all time.20 The Countdown Magazine
Tree63 parted ways in 2009, and John Ellis returned to South Africa, where he started his solo career. His debut solo album, Come Out Fighting, was released in June 2010.
2014–2015: Reunion with Ornellas and Swart
Splashy Fen Music Festival announced that Tree63 would be part of their line-up in 2014.
In November 2014, Tree63 released previously unreleased songs from 2006 which were recorded during the sessions for their Sunday! album.
After reconvening in 2014 for a series of celebratory South African concerts, talk of a new album and resumed live work resurfaced and the band began work on their new album in Nashville in November 2014. Land was released in November 2015.
2024–2025: New members, shows and recording In 2024, John Ellis relaunched the Tree63 brand with new members Angus Warden (drums, vocals) and Deon Knipe (bass, vocals), both accomplished and seasoned musicians.
The band is touring through 2025 and plans to record new material for global release in 2025–26.
Band members Current John Ellis — vocals, guitar, piano Angus Warden — drums, backing vocals Deon Knipe — bass, backing vocals
Former Darryl Swart — drums Daniel Ornellas — bass Thinus Odendaal — drums Jon Randall — bass Martin Engel — bass
Discography Studio albums + List of albums, with selected chart positions, sales and certifications Title Details Peak positions US Christ. US Heat. Overflow Release date: 1997 Label: Independent Formats: CD, digital download — — 63 Release date: 21 March 1999 Label: Kingsway Music Formats: CD, digital download — — Tree63 Release date: 24 October 2000 Label: Inpop Records Formats: CD, digital download — — The Life and Times of Absolute Truth Release date: 22 October 2002 Label: Inpop Records Formats: CD, digital download — — The Answer to the Question Release date: 9 March 2004 Label: Inpop Records Formats: CD, digital download 32 29 Worship Volume One: I Stand For You Release date: 22 November 2005 Label: Inpop Records Formats: CD, digital download — — Sunday Release date: 25 September 2007 Label: Inpop Records Formats: CD, digital download 32 47 Blessed Be Your Name: The Hits Release date: 27 May 2008 Label: Inpop Records Formats: CD, digital download — — Land Release date: 11 September 2015 Label: Fuel Records Formats: CD, digital download — — Voyage Releasing: 26 June 2026 Label: Just Music Formats: Digital download, streaming colspan="2"
EP UNFINISHED DREAM – Songs from the Sunday Sessions
Singles + List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name Year Title Peak positions Album US Christ. US Christ. AC 2002 "Be All End All" — — The Life and Times Of Absolute Truth "Anxious Seat" — — 2004 "Blessed Be Your Name" 2 2 The Answer to the Question "King" 22 21 2005 "Maker Of All Things" 33 33 2006 "I Stand For You" 15 14 Worship Volume One: I Stand for You "All Over The World" 5 3 2007 "Sunday" 14 12 Sunday 2015 "The Storm" — — Land "Standing On It" — — 2025 "How Much Longer" — — Voyage 2026 "Voyage" — —
Awards Tree63, won the GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2001.
References