Phil Yates was Newsboys second guitarist, joining in 1987. He joined as the successor of Newsboys' first guitarist, George Perdikis, who left. He co-wrote all the songs on the Read All About It album. He stayed until 1990. Since then, he has worked various guitar jobs, including: Yates also has released two solo instrumental guitar albums, "Midnight Guitar Moods" and "Romantic Guitar Moods", both released on January 5, 2001.