Hailing from Nashville, TN, Joel and Luke Smallbone, the brothers behind the chart-topping Christian group For King & Country, are taking their music to new heights. Known for their powerful live performances and deep connection to faith and family, the duo is now making history by bringing their holiday show, A Drummer Boy Christmas, to movie theaters nationwide. Fans everywhere can rejoice—this cinematic concert experience is sure to sell out as quickly as their live performances.
The idea for A Drummer Boy Christmas Live: The Cinematic Concert Experience came during a pivotal moment for Joel Smallbone. After reading a newspaper article about how cinema thrived in 2023 thanks to classic films, religious dramas, and concert films, Joel had a lightbulb moment. With major artists like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Beyoncé’s Renaissance dominating the box office, why couldn’t For King & Country follow suit?
“We’d never done a full-on, proper, live concert film before,” Joel explained. “We’d toyed with the idea of filming our A Drummer Boy Christmas shows in the past, but we always thought it would be too difficult to pull off.”
But as fate would have it, an opportunity arose. At the time, the brothers were in the middle of filming Unsung Hero, a movie chronicling their family’s journey from Australia to the United States—a story of hope, perseverance, and faith. The thought occurred to Joel: Why not use the same film crew to capture a one-of-a-kind cinematic version of their beloved Christmas concert?
It was a bold idea, but Joel and Luke were up for the challenge. With only one more show left on their 2023 A Drummer Boy Christmas tour—December 17 at the Toyota Center in Houston—the brothers quickly sprang into action.
“I called the whole film crew and said, ‘Hey, are you available?’” Joel shared. “And they were all available. It was pretty stressful, but somehow we pulled it off, and we pulled it off with a little bit of charm and beauty. I’m deeply proud of it.”
The result? A stunning visual and musical masterpiece: A Drummer Boy Christmas Live: The Cinematic Concert Experience. The film, which will screen in theaters nationwide from December 5-12, is a first for the band. It offers fans a front-row seat to the magic, energy, and spiritual depth of For King & Country’s live performance, complete with breathtaking visuals and cinematic flair.
From Nashville Roots to International Fame
For King & Country has always been about more than music. Growing up in a musical family, Joel and Luke Smallbone first moved to the United States as young boys when their parents decided to start fresh in Nashville. Though the family faced immense challenges in the beginning, their faith and determination carried them through.
Those early struggles shaped Joel and Luke’s outlook on life and music. Since their debut, the brothers have become a defining force in contemporary Christian music, earning multiple Grammy Awards, chart-topping hits, and a devoted global following. Their passion for storytelling through music resonates deeply, whether it’s in songs like God Only Knows, Burn the Ships, or their now-iconic rendition of Little Drummer Boy.
“We always wanted our music to uplift people,” Luke said in a recent interview. “Our faith is at the heart of everything we do, and we hope our songs remind people of the hope and joy that come through the Christmas season.”
A Holiday Tradition Reimagined
A Drummer Boy Christmas has become a seasonal tradition for fans of For King & Country. Each year, Joel and Luke tour the country, bringing their unique spin on Christmas classics to sold-out venues. Their rendition of Little Drummer Boy is nothing short of electric, featuring dramatic drumming sequences, powerful vocals, and immersive visuals that captivate audiences of all ages.
Now, with the concert captured on film, fans who might not have been able to attend the live show can experience the magic on the big screen. A Drummer Boy Christmas Live combines the energy of a live performance with the artistry of a feature film. Every drumbeat, every harmony, and every moment is presented with stunning cinematic detail, making it an unforgettable experience for families and fans alike.
To coincide with the film, For King & Country has also released A Drummer Boy Christmas Live: The Cinematic Concert Album, allowing fans to relive the magic anytime, anywhere.
“There’s something about Christmas music that transcends time and brings people together,” Joel said. “With this project, we wanted to create a space where families could celebrate the season, experience the joy of the music, and hopefully leave feeling uplifted.”
Bringing the Message of Christmas to the World
While the film offers high-energy performances and cinematic production, its heart lies in the message of Christmas. For Joel and Luke, A Drummer Boy Christmas is about sharing the story of Jesus’ birth and the hope He brings to the world. It’s a message that feels especially timely during the holiday season.
“Christmas is a reminder of light in the darkness,” Luke explained. “We want people to come together and remember that hope, love, and joy are what this season is all about.”
Get Your Tickets Before They Sell Out
As one of the most anticipated holiday events of the year, A Drummer Boy Christmas Live: The Cinematic Concert Experience is expected to sell out quickly. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early to ensure they don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music, faith, and family.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of For King & Country or discovering them for the first time, this cinematic experience promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. Gather your loved ones, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be inspired by the sights and sounds of A Drummer Boy Christmas on the big screen.
For King & Country’s A Drummer Boy Christmas Live: The Cinematic Concert Experience will play in theaters nationwide December 5-12. Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary celebration of Christmas music and joy!
