Oct 01 2005
So there you are, surfing, trying to find your way back to that great site you saw last week about re-grouting bathroom tiles, when you find yourself here. We know what you’re thinking… something like: "my, what a fine looking web site. I must read on an learn more about this band and worry less about the state of my bathroom’s cladding.” And you’re right. You must. So read on...
iTunes download and single release
These days it's all about the 'i' whether it's pod, a book or some tunes, that little letter in front is a mark of quality and so much more. So we're all massively pleased that a little tune we've written is going to be getting the iTunes treatment on Tuesday October 11 th . And because we're extra excited, we've pressed 3,000 copies of the single to be sold exclusively in HMV and Virgin Megastores around the country from Monday 10 th October. Here's what Martin has to say about it:
"Some of you have already had your appetites whetted for the new album over the summer at different events. But the second exciting instalment is looming! 'Paint The Town Red' will be available for download and has a chance to chart along with all the other singles put out that week. Yes, it's time to have another crack at what we started years ago when we released 'White Ribbon Day' back in 1996. It's the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
For all the information you need follow this link and we will help you press the right buttons to download. Whether you're 7 or 70 years old it's time to 'Paint the town red with the blood of Jesus.'
Amen to that, brother Smith.
Oh yes, if you're wondering how it all happened, the story behind the song's a good one. Here's what Stu G has to say about it:
"Martin and Tim were invited to hear the great evangelist Reinhard Bonnke speak. One thing he said that stuck with them was "we're gonna paint this world red with the blood of Jesus." Martin scribbled this down and a few weeks later he had the bulk of the song written. Urgent lyrics need urgent music and so I went away and brought back a verse vibe that's forceful and definitely means business. A fitting anthem for this 'army of God that is ready to die.'"
New album - out on November 7th
I don't know why, but the title of the band's next album has been keeping itself out of the limelight of late. Well, now it's time to reveal all: it's called 'The Mission Bell'. You know what? It's good. So good that we're giving the first 2000 copies ordered at FierceShop.com a signed copy PLUS the chance to win a iPod nano. Again, here's the blonde one with more info:
"Life is good in the Delirious? household right now. Even after all these years a sense of well-being and fresh vision is flowing through our veins. We are proud to announce the birth of a glorious new set of songs that are about to take us on our next part of the journey.
If World Service was about grace then this record is about mission. A challenging set of songs that tackle the age-old issue of putting faith into action in the world we live in. Lifting our hands to God in worship is a beautiful, essential thing, but now is the time to put those hands on the plough and begin to change the landscape in our hearts, homes and cities.
Yes 'now is the time to shine' and we are all responsible for this great call. So after many months of band/bus deliberations the new record is to be titled 'The Mission Bell'. Time will reveal a Delirious? recording that begs us to stop and listen to a band whose wings have grown even more in their quest to 'take it wherever it goes'. From 'Miracle Maker' to 'Our God Reigns', 'Solid Rock' to 'Paint The Town Red' this is some of the most beautiful and poignant music we have ever made and we can't wait for November 7th for you all to hear it! Yes, that's the day the 'Mission Bell' will ring."
Home Corner
Want to know a little more about 'The Mission Bell'? Here's the fine print...
Stew on how the cover came about:
I'm not the sort of designer that likes to make a cover just look good. I like it to have a bit of depth. You see, it's not about art; it's all about communicating. Good design needs to tell you something about the album, to communicate something of the vision and heart of the artist.
Over the years we have used band images, bold graphic styles, heat sensitive sleeves, tin cans and even fluorescent clad band members to communicate something through that little 120x120mm square.
'The Mission Bell' is about calling the people together, rallying the troops to stand up and be proud of their beliefs. I wanted to communicate the emotions of hundreds of people pulling together after hearing the 'mission bell' ringing in the town square. But how to do it...?
A few months ago, as I flicked through the pages of another design magazine that was lying around the office, I stumbled upon a set of illustrations by a French illustrator called Benjamin Sauvignon. Wow. Beautiful. Was it art or design? It definitely communicated something of passion and sensitivity. The journey had begun.
To cut a long story short I managed to track Benjamin down and before too long, after a bundle of e-mailed briefs and discussions, the first set of illustrations arrived in my inbox. This was it! As you will discover when you get your mitts on the new album, not only is it a piece of art in itself, it does everything I hoped it would do. It reminds me of a master chef who puts together a classic piece of cuisine from the ingredients that you supplied.
Ladies and gentlemen, Delirious? brings you 'The Mission Bell'. I, for one, am ready to let my faith ring out to those around me, close to home and all around the world.
Stew, September 2005
Stu G gets technical:
Gear, gear and more gear we need more guitars, basses, pedals, synths, drums and computers in this world to make us happy...well to make an album anyway!!
We recorded 'The Mission Bell' at three locations. I.C.C. studios in Eastbourne, Martin's back room in Rustington and Chapel Lane Studios in Hereford. The tracks were also mixed at Chapel Lane.
Over the years we've worked with some brilliant and talented co-producers and engineers. To add to the list, this time round, we've had Sam Gibson at the helm.
Sam recorded us on his Protools HD3 rig. We went through his TLA M3 Tube Tracker, various old school Neve pre-amps (which belong to d:) and I.C.C.'s SSL Protools control desk.
He used many microphones along the way but the ones that shone out were the Blueberry and the Dragonfly made by Blue. He also had a lot of fun with a Sansamp Classic pedal and put it on anything that took his fancy!
Sam's fave gear is his Imperial Labs Disstressor and his STL Transient Designer both of which he believes to be the best in their league.
Sam was mixing while we were at Soul Survivor and so we were downloading a mix everyday, listening to it and tweaking over the phone...Sam was very patient!
We took a different approach this time around and went into the studio as a band at an early stage and formed the songs together. We squeezed into ICC studio one which is a large room but seemed to grow smaller as we had to separate our sounds as much as we could from each other. Below is a list of the gear that we took in with us.
Stew
Premier Gen-X white pearl finish drum kit with options on snares and kick drums.
Zildjian cymbals. Various tambourines, shakers and percussion bits and pieces
Jon
Basses: Fender Jazz, Musicman Sterling, Rickenbacker 4001 Amp: Ashdown King Combo
Synth: Jen SX1000
Other stuff: G4 power book with Reason software and intrusive webcam!Pedals/effects: loads!
Martin
Guitars: Mc Pherson acoustic, Gibson J45, Gibson Les Paul, Gretsch Tennessean
Amp: Vox AC 30
Other stuff: G4 power book with Protools and Reason, Roland D50
Pedals/effects: a few more than Jon
Tim
Keys and synths: Fender Rhodes, Roland RD500, Roland JV 5080, Korg TR-rack, Hammond B3, Yamaha Grand piano various soft synths
Other stuff: G4 computer, Logic and Reason software
Stu g
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Standard, Gibson 135, Gibson Les Paul Gold top Deluxe, Gretsch Duotone, Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Mc Pherson acoustic, Dobro,
Amps: Park 50 watt combo, Mesa Trem-o-verb, Orange AD30, Orange AD15
Pedals/effects: far too many to mention
Other stuff: Boomerang Loop sampler, Sony Laptop with Acid Pro and Reason software
All the above was ably transported in our white Transit van.
The string session was a day to remember with Tim Harries back in the arranger's seat and our good friend Gerard Le Feuvre bringing a world-class trio. The cello and violin were both over 200 years old and sounded incredible. My 1937 Dobro felt like a baby beside them.
Another highlight was the choir day when David and Carrie Grant brought a group of singers down from London. From gospel to Russian choir they morphed their voices for a whole day and then some! We also had a make shift boys vocal session with all the lads from the office.
So you see it's not just gear but people...if you were involved, we send you heartfelt thanks! If you weren't, we hope you enjoy and are inspired by the result.
Changes...
Martin writes: "This is an extraordinary time for us as a band and our thanks go to all who have supported us over the years and seen us grow in what we have been called to. 2005 has seen us visit 22 countries, some familiar but loads where we are taking the 'plough' to do some 'holy landscaping'. A year of two more babies in the D:quiver, Jackson Elliot born to Jon and Kristen and Ruby-Anna Peaceful born to Anna and myself. Life in Delirious? is always a challenge but a labour of love as we see God's kindness and power to change lives over and over again.
In 1996 we had a very clear mission and that was to take our music out of the four walls of the church and on to the radio. What were we to do? We needed help to see our vision come true. Just at the right time a very dear man crossed our path by the name of Tony Patoto who was driving a big black Mercedes and worked for a big record company in London.
Tony became a kindred spirit over that time and believed in us so much that he left his big salary and position to become our manager. It was a radical time in that he was solely responsible for setting up the first ever-serious Christian record distribution into high street record stores. He performed the miracle of getting our music into the hands of music buying people and it was a new day for Christian music in Europe and a doorway many have walked through since because of Tony's skill, determination and tenaciousness. However this is an exciting season for Tony, Terri and their 4 children as they feel the time is right to return to the US (Terri is American) for the next part of their lives.
We are so proud of him as he has been head hunted by EMI records to run a new label called Re-think records based in Nashville. They have asked him to be the general manager of the label and orchestrate the same thing in America as he has done with us in Europe. We are sad to have to say goodbye to a dear friend and companion but are proud to release one of our own to one of the most important jobs the world of Christian music has to offer.
Tony, we will be cheering you on as you continue to pioneer and will miss your smile as wide as the ocean at the side of the sound desk. For some reason you believed we could do it and that meant the world, the world is now your oyster, go and tear it up.
In the meantime our very own Mr Tim Jupp will assume the role of caretaker manager as we bring a new shape to our future."
Tours and things
The band are back on the road this side of Christmas. As well as the Michael W Smith dates you'll be able to see them om the "Paint the Town" tour in December - at the annual Christmas office party at Shepherd's Bush Empire on December 22rd - and the US at other times. Check the tour dates for all the latest, but for now, here's the skinny:
Paint the Town - Tour December 200
dec 09 05 ALC Bradford
dec 13 05 Bournemouth Opera House
dec 14 05 Carling Academy Bristol
dec 15 05 Carling Academy Birmingham
dec 16 05 Carling Academy Newcastle
dec 17 05 Liverpool Academy
dec 22 05 Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Support throughout will be from the delightful Kendall Payne
Trev's bit - monitor man
I've been asked to write a few words about life on the road with the D: boys. I've decided it will probably be best if I take you through a typical day.
I'll wake up somewhere either in a bunk on a tour bus, or a hotel room. We'll have breakfast, then travel to the venue and the backline, guitars and equipment will start getting loaded in at around 12 noon.
At this point, Smee and Jon will be out for their daily run, Stu G will be on a golf course, Martin will either be with Stu G if he got up in time, or running, and Tim will be in the dressing room trying to get a wifi connection, so he can 'take care of business'.
The band all wear in-ear monitors, so I've got five stereo mixes to run each night. Each band member has their own preference to what they want to hear, so I'll set that all up before soundcheck, and then check all the radio packs, making sure we've got no radio interference.
By now the backline will be set and mic's in place. Ian the tour manager will take to the stage and we'll check all our lines to make sure we're getting clean signals from stage to my monitor desk and the front of house console.
The band will arrive in at about 3 o'clock ready to sound check. They'll usually have had press and radio interviews to fit in as well. I'll already have some basic eq and compression settings dialed in, but I'll start fine tuning things now, starting with the drums and bass, and get the levels set for everyone's ears. Delirious are great at setting their own tones on stage, so that makes my job easier. When we've sorted our levels, the guys will run through a few songs, and we'll try to finish around 4 o'clock.
We'll grab some food, and then everyone starts preparing for the show in their own way. It's usually pretty relaxed in the dressing room. Smee says he gets nervous before each gig, but he always seems pretty chilled out to me. He'll be loosening up with a drum pad. Jon always has his bass back stage before the show. Stu G will be talking to everyone in French for some reason. He's recently been taking lessons (from "petit Dave"), and can now speak quite fluently although it's wasted on the rest of us. Martin will have his iPod on and will be warming up his voice with some vocal exercises, while Tim will still be trying to get a wifi connection. Ian will be counting down the minutes to standby. When standby finally arrives the crew take up their positions and the band will have a prayer time.
It amazes me, no matter how busy the tour schedule has been, when the guys take to the stage, it's energy all the way.
Throughout the concert, I have changes to make for different songs. I'll also be watching each band member to make sure they're hearing what they need. Occasionally they'll signal over for me to make a change. Everyone has their own sign language that I've learned to read. Sometimes the best gigs are the ones where everyone is really tired before hand. Sometimes the set list goes out of the window because God shows up, and decides to do something different. It's never just another gig.
Afterwards, I collect all my radio packs from the dressing room, pack up my monitor world, and then it's back on the bus and off to a new city, for the next show.
Life on the road can be tiring. Sometimes we'll do a run of shows where we wake up at a venue, somewhere in the USA, go in, set up, do a gig, pack down, get on the bus, wake up at the next venue, and do it all over again. Sometimes I'll leave my house at 4am, drive to the airport, fly to Germany for a gig, and fly back the same day. Sometimes I'll spend 2 days traveling to Australia for 5 shows where we're flying to a different city each day, and then stop off in the USA on the way back for 2 more shows. It can be tiring but never boring. Delirious are an exciting band to be around. They constantly remind me why I chose a job in music in the first place.
Au revoir
Trev
Tim's Birthday Surprise
On 5th January 2006 I will be 40. Thinking back I know that I have been so blessed with so much, with a great family who love me, great friends, a roof over my head and food on the table. So I want to use this opportunity to bless others, and I want you to be part of it. On December 2nd Delirious? will be in Durban, South Africa and I'm going to have my party there, along with 200 or more Durban street kids. Many of these precious children have been orphaned by AIDS, have been left with their wider families, abused and/or thrown out, and have then made their way into the city where they now live on the streets. Most have joined gangs that are involved in crime so that they can feed themselves, many are involved in child prostitution and many are addicted to glue sniffing.
The organization we are involved with as a band, HOPE HIV, is working with the Amos Trust in South Africa in reinstating these children into the community. They put them into a stable family environment, back into education and give them hope for their future in the midst of this darkness that they live in. How can you be involved too? This party is a chance for you to give a little and make a difference for these kids' lives.
Giving the money is easy. Here's how it works... send a cheque in to Furious made out to 'HOPE HIV' every penny will go towards helping these children.
Please send to: Furious Records, Po Box 40, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0UZ
Thanks for everything, Tim Jupp
Wardrobe Department
It's not every day that Delirious? get to be a part of movie history, so when the chance to add a track onto the forthcoming 'Songs Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia' album came along, the band were keen. The track they've chosen is 'Stronger', taken from The Mission Bell. Check it out when the Narnia album hits the stores this December.
iTunes download and single release
These days it's all about the 'i' whether it's pod, a book or some tunes, that little letter in front is a mark of quality and so much more. So we're all massively pleased that a little tune we've written is going to be getting the iTunes treatment on Tuesday October 11 th . And because we're extra excited, we've pressed 3,000 copies of the single to be sold exclusively in HMV and Virgin Megastores around the country from Monday 10 th October. Here's what Martin has to say about it:
"Some of you have already had your appetites whetted for the new album over the summer at different events. But the second exciting instalment is looming! 'Paint The Town Red' will be available for download and has a chance to chart along with all the other singles put out that week. Yes, it's time to have another crack at what we started years ago when we released 'White Ribbon Day' back in 1996. It's the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
For all the information you need follow this link and we will help you press the right buttons to download. Whether you're 7 or 70 years old it's time to 'Paint the town red with the blood of Jesus.'
Amen to that, brother Smith.
Oh yes, if you're wondering how it all happened, the story behind the song's a good one. Here's what Stu G has to say about it:
"Martin and Tim were invited to hear the great evangelist Reinhard Bonnke speak. One thing he said that stuck with them was "we're gonna paint this world red with the blood of Jesus." Martin scribbled this down and a few weeks later he had the bulk of the song written. Urgent lyrics need urgent music and so I went away and brought back a verse vibe that's forceful and definitely means business. A fitting anthem for this 'army of God that is ready to die.'"
New album - out on November 7th
I don't know why, but the title of the band's next album has been keeping itself out of the limelight of late. Well, now it's time to reveal all: it's called 'The Mission Bell'. You know what? It's good. So good that we're giving the first 2000 copies ordered at FierceShop.com a signed copy PLUS the chance to win a iPod nano. Again, here's the blonde one with more info:
"Life is good in the Delirious? household right now. Even after all these years a sense of well-being and fresh vision is flowing through our veins. We are proud to announce the birth of a glorious new set of songs that are about to take us on our next part of the journey.
If World Service was about grace then this record is about mission. A challenging set of songs that tackle the age-old issue of putting faith into action in the world we live in. Lifting our hands to God in worship is a beautiful, essential thing, but now is the time to put those hands on the plough and begin to change the landscape in our hearts, homes and cities.
Yes 'now is the time to shine' and we are all responsible for this great call. So after many months of band/bus deliberations the new record is to be titled 'The Mission Bell'. Time will reveal a Delirious? recording that begs us to stop and listen to a band whose wings have grown even more in their quest to 'take it wherever it goes'. From 'Miracle Maker' to 'Our God Reigns', 'Solid Rock' to 'Paint The Town Red' this is some of the most beautiful and poignant music we have ever made and we can't wait for November 7th for you all to hear it! Yes, that's the day the 'Mission Bell' will ring."
Home Corner
Want to know a little more about 'The Mission Bell'? Here's the fine print...
Stew on how the cover came about:
I'm not the sort of designer that likes to make a cover just look good. I like it to have a bit of depth. You see, it's not about art; it's all about communicating. Good design needs to tell you something about the album, to communicate something of the vision and heart of the artist.
Over the years we have used band images, bold graphic styles, heat sensitive sleeves, tin cans and even fluorescent clad band members to communicate something through that little 120x120mm square.
'The Mission Bell' is about calling the people together, rallying the troops to stand up and be proud of their beliefs. I wanted to communicate the emotions of hundreds of people pulling together after hearing the 'mission bell' ringing in the town square. But how to do it...?
A few months ago, as I flicked through the pages of another design magazine that was lying around the office, I stumbled upon a set of illustrations by a French illustrator called Benjamin Sauvignon. Wow. Beautiful. Was it art or design? It definitely communicated something of passion and sensitivity. The journey had begun.
To cut a long story short I managed to track Benjamin down and before too long, after a bundle of e-mailed briefs and discussions, the first set of illustrations arrived in my inbox. This was it! As you will discover when you get your mitts on the new album, not only is it a piece of art in itself, it does everything I hoped it would do. It reminds me of a master chef who puts together a classic piece of cuisine from the ingredients that you supplied.
Ladies and gentlemen, Delirious? brings you 'The Mission Bell'. I, for one, am ready to let my faith ring out to those around me, close to home and all around the world.
Stew, September 2005
Stu G gets technical:
Gear, gear and more gear we need more guitars, basses, pedals, synths, drums and computers in this world to make us happy...well to make an album anyway!!
We recorded 'The Mission Bell' at three locations. I.C.C. studios in Eastbourne, Martin's back room in Rustington and Chapel Lane Studios in Hereford. The tracks were also mixed at Chapel Lane.
Over the years we've worked with some brilliant and talented co-producers and engineers. To add to the list, this time round, we've had Sam Gibson at the helm.
Sam recorded us on his Protools HD3 rig. We went through his TLA M3 Tube Tracker, various old school Neve pre-amps (which belong to d:) and I.C.C.'s SSL Protools control desk.
He used many microphones along the way but the ones that shone out were the Blueberry and the Dragonfly made by Blue. He also had a lot of fun with a Sansamp Classic pedal and put it on anything that took his fancy!
Sam's fave gear is his Imperial Labs Disstressor and his STL Transient Designer both of which he believes to be the best in their league.
Sam was mixing while we were at Soul Survivor and so we were downloading a mix everyday, listening to it and tweaking over the phone...Sam was very patient!
We took a different approach this time around and went into the studio as a band at an early stage and formed the songs together. We squeezed into ICC studio one which is a large room but seemed to grow smaller as we had to separate our sounds as much as we could from each other. Below is a list of the gear that we took in with us.
Stew
Premier Gen-X white pearl finish drum kit with options on snares and kick drums.
Zildjian cymbals. Various tambourines, shakers and percussion bits and pieces
Jon
Basses: Fender Jazz, Musicman Sterling, Rickenbacker 4001 Amp: Ashdown King Combo
Synth: Jen SX1000
Other stuff: G4 power book with Reason software and intrusive webcam!Pedals/effects: loads!
Martin
Guitars: Mc Pherson acoustic, Gibson J45, Gibson Les Paul, Gretsch Tennessean
Amp: Vox AC 30
Other stuff: G4 power book with Protools and Reason, Roland D50
Pedals/effects: a few more than Jon
Tim
Keys and synths: Fender Rhodes, Roland RD500, Roland JV 5080, Korg TR-rack, Hammond B3, Yamaha Grand piano various soft synths
Other stuff: G4 computer, Logic and Reason software
Stu g
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Standard, Gibson 135, Gibson Les Paul Gold top Deluxe, Gretsch Duotone, Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Mc Pherson acoustic, Dobro,
Amps: Park 50 watt combo, Mesa Trem-o-verb, Orange AD30, Orange AD15
Pedals/effects: far too many to mention
Other stuff: Boomerang Loop sampler, Sony Laptop with Acid Pro and Reason software
All the above was ably transported in our white Transit van.
The string session was a day to remember with Tim Harries back in the arranger's seat and our good friend Gerard Le Feuvre bringing a world-class trio. The cello and violin were both over 200 years old and sounded incredible. My 1937 Dobro felt like a baby beside them.
Another highlight was the choir day when David and Carrie Grant brought a group of singers down from London. From gospel to Russian choir they morphed their voices for a whole day and then some! We also had a make shift boys vocal session with all the lads from the office.
So you see it's not just gear but people...if you were involved, we send you heartfelt thanks! If you weren't, we hope you enjoy and are inspired by the result.
Changes...
Martin writes: "This is an extraordinary time for us as a band and our thanks go to all who have supported us over the years and seen us grow in what we have been called to. 2005 has seen us visit 22 countries, some familiar but loads where we are taking the 'plough' to do some 'holy landscaping'. A year of two more babies in the D:quiver, Jackson Elliot born to Jon and Kristen and Ruby-Anna Peaceful born to Anna and myself. Life in Delirious? is always a challenge but a labour of love as we see God's kindness and power to change lives over and over again.
In 1996 we had a very clear mission and that was to take our music out of the four walls of the church and on to the radio. What were we to do? We needed help to see our vision come true. Just at the right time a very dear man crossed our path by the name of Tony Patoto who was driving a big black Mercedes and worked for a big record company in London.
Tony became a kindred spirit over that time and believed in us so much that he left his big salary and position to become our manager. It was a radical time in that he was solely responsible for setting up the first ever-serious Christian record distribution into high street record stores. He performed the miracle of getting our music into the hands of music buying people and it was a new day for Christian music in Europe and a doorway many have walked through since because of Tony's skill, determination and tenaciousness. However this is an exciting season for Tony, Terri and their 4 children as they feel the time is right to return to the US (Terri is American) for the next part of their lives.
We are so proud of him as he has been head hunted by EMI records to run a new label called Re-think records based in Nashville. They have asked him to be the general manager of the label and orchestrate the same thing in America as he has done with us in Europe. We are sad to have to say goodbye to a dear friend and companion but are proud to release one of our own to one of the most important jobs the world of Christian music has to offer.
Tony, we will be cheering you on as you continue to pioneer and will miss your smile as wide as the ocean at the side of the sound desk. For some reason you believed we could do it and that meant the world, the world is now your oyster, go and tear it up.
In the meantime our very own Mr Tim Jupp will assume the role of caretaker manager as we bring a new shape to our future."
Tours and things
The band are back on the road this side of Christmas. As well as the Michael W Smith dates you'll be able to see them om the "Paint the Town" tour in December - at the annual Christmas office party at Shepherd's Bush Empire on December 22rd - and the US at other times. Check the tour dates for all the latest, but for now, here's the skinny:
Paint the Town - Tour December 200
dec 09 05 ALC Bradford
dec 13 05 Bournemouth Opera House
dec 14 05 Carling Academy Bristol
dec 15 05 Carling Academy Birmingham
dec 16 05 Carling Academy Newcastle
dec 17 05 Liverpool Academy
dec 22 05 Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Support throughout will be from the delightful Kendall Payne
Trev's bit - monitor man
I've been asked to write a few words about life on the road with the D: boys. I've decided it will probably be best if I take you through a typical day.
I'll wake up somewhere either in a bunk on a tour bus, or a hotel room. We'll have breakfast, then travel to the venue and the backline, guitars and equipment will start getting loaded in at around 12 noon.
At this point, Smee and Jon will be out for their daily run, Stu G will be on a golf course, Martin will either be with Stu G if he got up in time, or running, and Tim will be in the dressing room trying to get a wifi connection, so he can 'take care of business'.
The band all wear in-ear monitors, so I've got five stereo mixes to run each night. Each band member has their own preference to what they want to hear, so I'll set that all up before soundcheck, and then check all the radio packs, making sure we've got no radio interference.
By now the backline will be set and mic's in place. Ian the tour manager will take to the stage and we'll check all our lines to make sure we're getting clean signals from stage to my monitor desk and the front of house console.
The band will arrive in at about 3 o'clock ready to sound check. They'll usually have had press and radio interviews to fit in as well. I'll already have some basic eq and compression settings dialed in, but I'll start fine tuning things now, starting with the drums and bass, and get the levels set for everyone's ears. Delirious are great at setting their own tones on stage, so that makes my job easier. When we've sorted our levels, the guys will run through a few songs, and we'll try to finish around 4 o'clock.
We'll grab some food, and then everyone starts preparing for the show in their own way. It's usually pretty relaxed in the dressing room. Smee says he gets nervous before each gig, but he always seems pretty chilled out to me. He'll be loosening up with a drum pad. Jon always has his bass back stage before the show. Stu G will be talking to everyone in French for some reason. He's recently been taking lessons (from "petit Dave"), and can now speak quite fluently although it's wasted on the rest of us. Martin will have his iPod on and will be warming up his voice with some vocal exercises, while Tim will still be trying to get a wifi connection. Ian will be counting down the minutes to standby. When standby finally arrives the crew take up their positions and the band will have a prayer time.
It amazes me, no matter how busy the tour schedule has been, when the guys take to the stage, it's energy all the way.
Throughout the concert, I have changes to make for different songs. I'll also be watching each band member to make sure they're hearing what they need. Occasionally they'll signal over for me to make a change. Everyone has their own sign language that I've learned to read. Sometimes the best gigs are the ones where everyone is really tired before hand. Sometimes the set list goes out of the window because God shows up, and decides to do something different. It's never just another gig.
Afterwards, I collect all my radio packs from the dressing room, pack up my monitor world, and then it's back on the bus and off to a new city, for the next show.
Life on the road can be tiring. Sometimes we'll do a run of shows where we wake up at a venue, somewhere in the USA, go in, set up, do a gig, pack down, get on the bus, wake up at the next venue, and do it all over again. Sometimes I'll leave my house at 4am, drive to the airport, fly to Germany for a gig, and fly back the same day. Sometimes I'll spend 2 days traveling to Australia for 5 shows where we're flying to a different city each day, and then stop off in the USA on the way back for 2 more shows. It can be tiring but never boring. Delirious are an exciting band to be around. They constantly remind me why I chose a job in music in the first place.
Au revoir
Trev
Tim's Birthday Surprise
On 5th January 2006 I will be 40. Thinking back I know that I have been so blessed with so much, with a great family who love me, great friends, a roof over my head and food on the table. So I want to use this opportunity to bless others, and I want you to be part of it. On December 2nd Delirious? will be in Durban, South Africa and I'm going to have my party there, along with 200 or more Durban street kids. Many of these precious children have been orphaned by AIDS, have been left with their wider families, abused and/or thrown out, and have then made their way into the city where they now live on the streets. Most have joined gangs that are involved in crime so that they can feed themselves, many are involved in child prostitution and many are addicted to glue sniffing.
The organization we are involved with as a band, HOPE HIV, is working with the Amos Trust in South Africa in reinstating these children into the community. They put them into a stable family environment, back into education and give them hope for their future in the midst of this darkness that they live in. How can you be involved too? This party is a chance for you to give a little and make a difference for these kids' lives.
Giving the money is easy. Here's how it works... send a cheque in to Furious made out to 'HOPE HIV' every penny will go towards helping these children.
Please send to: Furious Records, Po Box 40, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0UZ
Thanks for everything, Tim Jupp
Wardrobe Department
It's not every day that Delirious? get to be a part of movie history, so when the chance to add a track onto the forthcoming 'Songs Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia' album came along, the band were keen. The track they've chosen is 'Stronger', taken from The Mission Bell. Check it out when the Narnia album hits the stores this December.
