Tree63 Biography
Who is Tree63?
Tree63 is a Christian rock band from Durban, South Africa, formed in 1996 by John Ellis (vocals, guitar, piano), Darryl Swart (drums) and Daniel Ornellas (bass). Originally unnamed, the band became Tree in 1997 when performing at North Beach, Durban. John Ellis, standing under a tree, improvised the name before going on stage. The 63 was added in 2000 after a naming conflict with an American band and references Psalm 63, which inspired the band's second album. Widely regarded as one of South Africa's most successful Christian rock bands, Tree63 built a strong following at home before signing with Inpop Records and expanding internationally.
Their self-titled album "Tree63" (2000) earned the band a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year and established them as one of Christian rock's leading international acts. It was followed by "The Life and Times of Absolute Truth" (2002), "The Answer to the Question" (2004), "Worship Volume One: I Stand For You" (2005), "Sunday" (2007), "Blessed Be Your Name: The Hits" (2008), "Land" (2015), and "Voyage" (2026). Their rendition of Matt Redman's "Blessed Be Your Name" was named Billboard's No. 1 Adult Contemporary Christian radio single of 2004. John Ellis's "King" was also recognized as an ASCAP Song of the Year in 2004. Several of their albums also charted on the US Christian and Heatseekers charts. Along with "Blessed Be Your Name," Tree63 became known for songs including "Treasure," "King," and "Anxious Seat."
Following the release of "Land," which CCM Magazine named its Album of the Year, the band entered another extended hiatus while Ellis released three solo albums before reviving Tree63 for live performances in 2025.
The current lineup includes veteran South African musicians Angus Warden on drums and backing vocals, and Deon Knipe on bass and backing vocals, bringing seasoned energy and a fresh dynamic to John Ellis's vision for Tree63.
In 2025, Tree63 returned with their first new single in a decade, "How Much Longer?" Produced by John Ellis and Dave Langemann, the song previewed their eighth studio album, "Voyage." Inspired by those who pray and work faithfully for a world that reflects God's justice, mercy, and love, the track draws on the persistent cry of the Psalms: "How long, Lord?" Its urgent and uplifting tone reflects active faith, encouraging believers to persevere in hope and trust that God's Kingdom is advancing.
On June 26, 2026, Tree63 released their eighth studio album, "Voyage," their first full-length release in more than a decade, through Just Music, a label of Next Music Group. Exploring themes of endurance, renewal, rediscovery, and the lifelong journey of faith, the album reflects Ellis's belief that the spiritual life is "a perpetual voyage." He explains, "Tree63's essence remains unchanged. This new chapter is about bringing our songs about faith, eternity and God into today's world where these things often get lost in the chaos of life and world events. The spiritual world is still the only true source of peace. Music has the power to remind us of that."