It was halfway through History Maker, that rollercoaster of dynamics led by lisping cymbals of verse-chorus-verse having made way for its shuffling repeating mid-section rhythm, when Martin pointed out that some people here had jumped to this song a decade previous.

It hit true: Delirious have provided a significant part of the soundtrack to over a third of my life. His point, made more poignant by the weighty dust and memories lurking conspicuous in Shepherds Bush Empire's deep red curtains and carpets, was that, in that time some people present had forgotten their dreams. In the intervening ten years between the album King of Fools and tonight's concert,   marriages, babies and mortgages had crushed some of the wild visions of a more innocent youth. Don't forget them, he said.

Watching a band that you have journeyed with for much of your life play live can become less about songs and more about your memories tied to them. Music becomes so linked to the sights and smells and tastes of where you were and what you were doing when you heard it, that hearing them played back to back over an evening is like watching a film only you have seen: two thousand gig goers watching two thousand different movies all with the same soundtrack. And so it was for me at Shepherds Bush on Tuesday night.

What a Friend I've Found was the happiest of ghosts of Christmas past with a fire, a tree, loved ones and no fear; Metamorphis sat me back on tube journeys to college in London, a life of possibility and hope ahead;   Now is the Time was this summer at Church in Littlehampton with barbecues at Jon's house and children in paddling pools with grazed knees; The Happy Song (played tonight a la Kraftwork with a line of keyboards and irony) was youth group aged 15, girls and puberty and awkwardness.

Pictures and places brought into sharp focus by songs so well-known they cannot age.

But, so it seemed when the Martin asked for a show of hands to indicate first timers to a D: concert, I was in the minority. Amazingly, the band continues to welcome fresh-faced fans to the party. Perhaps the older ones like me stay away these days because the songs remind them of the lost and forgotten dreams of younger days. Or perhaps they are off living those dreams and, in doing so,   make room in the crowd for younger faces with a more fragile faith to be strengthened and encouraged by the words,   music, hope and community that characterise this band's past, present and future. Then again, maybe they just haven't stopped making really sweet music yet.

We all make history whether we like it or not. The question is: what kind of history are we making? Delirious' legacy is in tens of thousands of lives made slightly more beautiful and slightly more focussed by the lens of these simple but urgent and important songs.

photography © adamGF

 

Simon Parkin - jounalist, songwriter, ride home

It was halfway through History Maker, that rollercoaster of dynamics led by lisping cymbals of verse-chorus-verse having made way for its shuffling repeating mid-section rhythm, when Martin pointed out that some people here had jumped to this song a decade previous.

It hit true: Delirious have provided a significant part of the soundtrack to over a third of my life. His point, made more poignant by the weighty dust and memories lurking conspicuous in Shepherds Bush Empire's deep red curtains and carpets, was that, in that time some people present had forgotten their dreams. In the intervening ten years between the album King of Fools and tonight's concert,   marriages, babies and mortgages had crushed some of the wild visions of a more innocent youth. Don't forget them, he said.

Watching a band that you have journeyed with for much of your life play live can become less about songs and more about your memories tied to them. Music becomes so linked to the sights and smells and tastes of where you were and what you were doing when you heard it, that hearing them played back to back over an evening is like watching a film only you have seen: two thousand gig goers watching two thousand different movies all with the same soundtrack. And so it was for me at Shepherds Bush on Tuesday night.

What a Friend I've Found was the happiest of ghosts of Christmas past with a fire, a tree, loved ones and no fear; Metamorphis sat me back on tube journeys to college in London, a life of possibility and hope ahead;   Now is the Time was this summer at Church in Littlehampton with barbecues at Jon's house and children in paddling pools with grazed knees; The Happy Song (played tonight a la Kraftwork with a line of keyboards and irony) was youth group aged 15, girls and puberty and awkwardness.

Pictures and places brought into sharp focus by songs so well-known they cannot age.

But, so it seemed when the Martin asked for a show of hands to indicate first timers to a D: concert, I was in the minority. Amazingly, the band continues to welcome fresh-faced fans to the party. Perhaps the older ones like me stay away these days because the songs remind them of the lost and forgotten dreams of younger days. Or perhaps they are off living those dreams and, in doing so,   make room in the crowd for younger faces with a more fragile faith to be strengthened and encouraged by the words,   music, hope and community that characterise this band's past, present and future. Then again, maybe they just haven't stopped making really sweet music yet.

We all make history whether we like it or not. The question is: what kind of history are we making? Delirious' legacy is in tens of thousands of lives made slightly more beautiful and slightly more focussed by the lens of these simple but urgent and important songs.

After 11 nights, over a thousand miles travelled up and down the motorways of England, numerous flights and hotel rooms; our part of the Delirious Tour is finally over. It’s been an absolute blast. Looking back the opening night at Southampton seems an age ago. It’s been quite a journey. Many lessons learned and lots of fun had by all.

It’s been a great challenge for me. Being used to leading worship in churches and conferences it felt a bit daunting stepping out in venues such as Manchester Apollo, the Glasgow Carling Academy and the Belfast Waterfront. To be honest I wasn’t too sure how people would respond. However I’ve been overwhelmed to see so many join with us to lift up the name above all names.

Highlights? Well there have been many. I’ve been humbled and encouraged by the passion and willingness of people to enter into worship. There is nothing more exciting than seeing venues packed with people caught up in the greatness of our awesome God. At times I’ve felt like I was going to explode at the deafening cheer and response of worship.

It’s been great fun hanging out with the Delirious boys. I’ve learnt how to box and eaten lots of curry. I’ve enjoyed 9 Stu G thoughts for the day, (gold dust!) and for 11 nights listened into Martin Smith’s vocal warm-ups. Very impressive!

It’s been an honour to join with many of you on this journey. On behalf of myself and my band (Paul Evans, Mark Prentice, Dan Wheeler and Steve Harding), thank you for holding nothing back and giving your all in worship.

photography © adamGF

12 am leave home for a quick 4 hour drive up to Manchester... boy how wrong can a guy be!

Anyway, after a quick coffee and fuel stop we finally arrived at the Apollo at 7.15pm. So much for the 4 easy hours driving. Manchester has never let us down and last night was no exception, 2,000 + Manchurians singing for all they were worth, a skill finely tuned on the terraces of the greatest football team in the world, the mighty Manchester City!

After a blistering set it was time for a quick shower and onto the bus for the ride to Bradford. As I lay in my own little space traveling down the motorway I thought about the thousands that have been to a Delirious? gig on this tour and the thousands that will
grace us with there presents in the UK and Europe over the next month. I have one thing to say to you lot... Keep buying the records... No, No, No, just a joke, If we sing the songs of faith through our lives as loud as the singing I've heard this last 2 weeks
we really can impact a culture. Sing loud my friends

Love the Smeezer

It was a cold, gloomy, ordinary Saturday night in the city of Bradford, but within the walls of a church (Abundant Life Centre) over 3,000 people anxiously awaited for the beginning of an exciting evening!

Tim Hughes kicked off the Delirious concert in style. Tim treated the crowd to a number of great worship songs, including Awesome God and Dancing Generation. The atmosphere was electric as the anticipation for Delirious' appearance grew and grew.

Finally the moment everyone was waiting for arrived, five men in white suite dramatically entered the stage, AKA Delirious!!!  The crowd went wild as what concluded was an amazing, powerful performance with graphics and lighting sequences that were out of this world and lyrics relevant and influential to todays society.

The night was a major hit, and to all who was there, we are sure you would agree!   We, personally, were very honored to have such an appropriate song (Miracle Maker) dedicated to us - Cheers Martin, you remembered!

We would also like to take this opportunity to say the latest album 'NOW IS THE TIME' rocks!

Thanks Delirious for continuing to provide awesome music throughout the years - we love ya....

                             God Bless
                               Mercy Ministries Chix 06



photography © ALC Media

This was my first experience of working with Delirious? and I thoroughly enjoyed it.   Before the concert I was uneasy but those feelings were completely thrown out the window when I arrived.   I arrived at midday on the day of the concert, and I got to meet the band later on. When I arrived they had just finished setting most of the stuff up, and were beginning sound checks. It was absolutely amazing to see how everything worked, and how it was coordinated. The band were really down to earth and all of the workers were brilliant company! So I was made to feel so comfortable.

When the concert began I watched how the sound was mixed for each individual monitor (for each band-member).   The crowd were welcoming and excited, it really got the atmosphere going.   Tim Hughes the band kicked off the concert and were amazing, though Delirious? set an even higher standard and were once again excellent.   The highlight for me was handing out the drumsticks at the end, and friends asking me why I was on the stage (as they didn't know I was going to be there!).   I should thank my cousin Trevor for opening up this opportunity and for providing me with memories I will remember for the rest of my life.

photography © tom redman

Tonight we played in Glasgow and it was sensational. I love the Scots, they make my heart feel as warm as an open log fire. I felt tired before tonights gig, it had been a long sort of a day but the peoples passion revived me.

After Newport my brother Paul and I drove to NE London arriving in the small hours, a few hours sleep and then on with the black ties. It was my grandmas funeral today and the family had asked me to sing "I'll see you when I get there". It was an emotional service and we all said our goodbyes to an
amazing woman. I then caught the train across London to Heathrow and flew up to Glasgow arriving just in time to don the white suit and warm up.
This is what I love about the Scottish people, I sat next to a guy on the plane who was heading home, we got chatting, well he talked to me about golf
for an hour and then he offered to drive me all the way to the academy, what a guy, I will never forget your kindness, thankyou.

Tonight had an urgency to it, "You're never too old to be a historymaker" was the place we got into and I could see dreams being re-birthed again, people recommitting, asking for a fresh start, God was smiling over us again, smiling over Scotland, smiling over my grandma. Time for bed.

MJS

Having worked with Delirious for what seems like quite a while I’ve seen many of their shows in many places, but for the first time in a long time on Thursday night in Newport, it wasn’t from my usual vantage point behind the lighting desk. It’s an odd feeling as the house lights go off not to be getting ready to press the first button, or tweak the first knob to get the show going, but from the production office high above the side of stage I found myself quite enjoying the prospect of not knowing what was going to happen next… For those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting me – yet – my name is neil whitehorn and I used to light the odd Delirious gig or two.

My life for the last 10 years has been pretty easy, I’ve enjoyed my work as a lighting designer, which has taken me all over the world, lived in many rented houses, and on occasions spent the odd moment enjoying a swift libation or two in a friendly hostelry! I was content with my lot, drifting along, although hoped there was more to life, but it remained elusive. I met Sarah in June 2005 and everything clicked in to place. Sometimes you have to walk down some interesting roads to end up in a certain place at a certain time to meet the right person, in my case, my soulmate. Our relationship grew as an incredible pace and by Christmas we’d brought a house together, then discovered we were expecting our first child.
 
Some rapid juggling of work commitments then ensued, as I had just been offered three months work on the cricket in the West Indies which finished a week before the due date. I arranged to leave the tour a month early, enabling me to take a month off before the birth and a month off after and I gained a chance to see the early moments of our son’s life. Between the West Indies work, my work on a children’s TV show (the irony!) and redecorating/rebuilding our house, it was a hectic few months, culminating with the birth of our son, Jack William Harvey on 1st August, 2006. Nothing can prepare you fully for the experience of becoming a parent, the joy, the anxiety, the awe of being completely responsible for another human being, oh and the odd sleepless night.

What, I hear you say, has any of this to do with the Newport show, well it was Jack’s first ever gig and chance to meet uncle Stu, uncle Martin, uncle Jon, uncle Tim and uncle Smee ! We arrived as the band were finishing sound check, Jack was bemused to say the least by the sound levels and entranced by the flashing lights – don’t know where he gets that from ! Then it was a bite to eat with the band and a chance for formalish introductions and a jolly good natter then on with the show……….
 
First up Tim Hughes, who was very well received by the crowd, then a quick changeover and on with Delirious. A very theatrical start to the show, which I think worked nicely even without the kabuki cloth, very big, bold and bright lighting cues and the suits ! What can I say, it’s difficult for a constantly touring band to come up with new and interesting ideas and ways of presenting their message, I think the white suits are fantastic, juxtaposing the togetherness and unity of the band with their individual style/quirkiness ! We only managed to stay for the first half a dozen songs as Jack was well past his bedtime (he actually fell asleep at the end of the first song), but all three of us enjoyed the show and catching up with the band and the crew.

Reading this back it seems I’ve spent far more time talking about my family than about the gig, I find myself doing this more and more at the minute and that, I think, is how it should be.
 
Take care and hope to see you soon
 
Neil


photography © tom redman

I discovered an important thing or two about being a Christian in Leicester this week. Whatever you do in life, do it the best you can. God can and will use you in whatever it is you do.

Let’s not skive.
Let’s not give up easily.
Let’s not cheat our employers.
Let’s not cut corners in our work.
Let’s not disregard our neighbour’s needs.

There are so many things that work against our God. Be sure that we are not one of them. Give no-one reason to criticise our God.

I say all of this because of my experience at the gig in Leicester this week. I took my daughter Lauren and her friend Mags. You need to know that I have had little to do in the upbringing of my daughter in her 18 years, and so taking her as a non Christian to a Christian concert was not an easy decision, but if it got me time with her, I thought I would risk it.
She, at eighteen, has just started at Nottingham University and is at the height of her cool, the height of her opinionation and I really care about what she thinks of her "Born Again" Dad. It could have been a disaster. All these years of waiting to get her back into a relationship, just to shatter it by letting her think I am a weird middle aged Christian who listens to bad Christian bands.

So here are Delirious. The best they can be for their God. Giving their all for their God. Sacrificing so much for their God, in absolutely everything they do.

I know them all well enough to love them for themselves and it would be easy to let that detract from my assessment of their performance. But I could not have forgiven them for being bad or average tonight. It could have been been disastrous to me (I know of course that they do not have that in them).

Being the humble souls that they are, they frequently need reminding of the job they do for God on a global scale. I tell them (for what my opinion is worth) and after this evening I know even more how important what they do is, for those they do it for. For me, for you and for and on behalf of our God.

Finally, I have to ensure that this diary does not just “big” the band up, cos they get all embarassed. So my point is going to be; to quote the lyrics of a well known song, "its not what you do, it's the way that you do it".

It is as important for you and I to give our ALL for God in whatever it is we do, as it is for Tim, Stu, Stew, Martin and Jon.

photography © tom redman

Cambridge...what a great city...but a bit of a daunting place to drive through and find an appropriate car park! With my pastor doing the map reading it was more than appropriate that we decided to go for parking in Jesus Lane...with the absence of Sat Nav it was a case of my minister shouting out "Look for Jesus...Keep on the way to Jesus!" It was a relief to all that by taking heed of his advice I eventually could proclaim “I’ve found Jesus!”…we know a song about that don’t we!
 
Anyway we finally get into the Corn Exchange and were shown by a very nice gentleman to our seats in the Mezzanine Floor…never been there before …we know a song about that don’t we!
 
Arriving just as Tim Hughes started his set I was struck by the crowd’s willingness to get into worship and they seemed really up for it. What a great band Tim had with him, very tight, and really propelled the songs along. Great stuff and well done to you.
 
Then the D: boys took stage all dressed as Hopkirk (deceased!) …not too sure about Jon’s caped crusader attachments! But what a show the famous five have put together, am I allowed to call what could be labelled a worship event a show?  Discuss.  Great new videos especially Paint the Town Red and a very clever History Maker…which includes a picture of yours truly for the phenomenal amount of time of around 50ms, which is just enough not to frighten small children and little old ladies.
 
I had read earlier that day an article written in our local paper by a local radio presenter who had met on occasions with Stu G. He was bemoaning the lack of recognition and success the band had received from the ‘secular’ music world and I was reminded of the statement that was made when Deeper hit the charts ‘Pops best kept secret’. Sadly many years on and after some success, chart wise, Delirious? still carry that label. The prevailing ‘PC’ culture of the media in our society can’t handle up front Christianity and continue to reject their credibility. Surely if anyone goes to a D: gig then they would come away with no doubt about their credibility and if you have not been to one lately and are toying with the idea then do make the effort, you will be rewarded! So do they really need the air play, well, the message they bring is louder than the radio and…we know a song about that don’t we!



photography © Sarah Deacon

Exeter, Great Hall.

Tonight I again had the pleasure of seeing the band whose songs were the anthems of my teenage years playing live at Exeter Uni’s Great Hall- and it was absolutely awesome.
 
Tim Hughes and co were first up on stage, and they didn’t disappoint. It was as if they were the headline act- the crowd was jumping around and belting out all the songs in worship to our God, and the excitement and presence of the Holy Spirit were tangible.  
 
By the end of Tim’s set, the audience was pumped and ready for the Delirious? experience. In my humble opinion, Delirious? have got it all in terms of their live show. In Stu G they have one of the finest and most exciting guitarists around- his phenomenal solos and energetic guitar-riffs never fail to inspire me. Added to Tim’s impressive musicianship, Jon’s driving bass-lines and Stew’s passion-fuelled drumming, all topped off by Martin’s great showman-ship and evident passion for God, this made for one of the best musical experiences I’ve had. From Beethoven to Oasis or Coldplay, no performance comes close. The guys even provided a great comedy moment as they gave us a rendition of the legendary ‘Happy Song’, except all five of them played it on cheapo primary school-style keyboards. Martin said it was the sound of the future. hmmm, not sure.

The gig was a reminder of why Delirious? are so popular, and why the band are still the hottest ticket in Christian music, well over a decade after their rise to prominence. My conclusion is that everyone should all try and catch Delirious? on the new tour- or they'll lose out!
 
Ta for reading.

photography © chris @ rockbeast

Life is full of ups and downs.

We have just walked off stage after playing to a packed crowd in Brentwood. It was an amazing night again, such a priviledge to be in the UK with the people who have seen us grow and develop as a band. To play at 'home' is always a treat, it feels like a warm bath after a football match. My day started with our youngest girl Ruby crawling in our bed at 6.00am, then breakfast all round. Then a call from my mum with the sad news that my Grandma had passed away in the middle of the night after a year long struggle. She was an amazing woman who was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Then it was the school run and because I had the morning off I'd been volunteered to help on my eldest daughters school trip to the beach to do plant 'research' and pick up rubbish. We ended up with a bin liner full which of course muggins carried all the way back to the school for inspection. Then lunch with Anna and off to Brentwood. It's been fantastic having Tim Hughes with us, a great guy with big songs and a big plan.I only get to hang with him twice a year over dinner so to see him in catering everyday is a blessing to me. Tonight was night no.2 and flowed great, there were some powerful moments and the sound,lighting and visuals are taking it up a notch all round. Thankyou people for coming, everybody has busy lives these days so we appreciate your support. Keep ringing the mission bell.

Regards. MS



photography © tom redman

What an amazing red hot night, the worship led by Tim Hughes launched the 2006 mission bell Delirious Tour with a bang.  This was a wonderful platform that the D boys built upon with their world renowned mix of musical elegance, passionate performance, and resonant hearts that drew all of us wonderfully into the enigmatic presence of God.  After 14 years
since the first Cutting Edge event Delirious still deliver.  An event and an experience which only the coldest cynic would be unchanged or unchallenged by.  As part of the evening people were invited to text financial support to a Hope HIV Aids Orphan project in South Africa that the band have been supporting for a few years (click here for details). The only downside to the evening was the "Luther Vandross" dress code which will make even the most fervent soul boy cringe! Changing lives is what this band aspire to do and on the evidence of this first night this will truly be mission accomplished.



photography © dave wood

Today we arrived in Dussledorf, which is in Germany. Our bus driver was pleased to drive 9.5 hours over night to get us here, demonstrated by some loud speaking/yelling upon arrival. The venue is pretty exceptional, a new venue, in fact, owned by a school. Today the only class was in rock and then roll.
there is a stiring in Germany that is unmistakable... people are hungry for something true, God but maybe not religion... what a great thing to bring our hillsong songs and the delirious crew together, and see people who are seeking, get a sense that the God they are looking for is not too far and that He lives where they do...... im believing for the church in europe, to rise up strong, and full of life.. a thriving growing church.. that is why we do what we do...that young and old will get inspired and be light to their world... what a great thing to be a part of.. a Jesus revolution... its good times being on the road with the d boys...

ben and reuben