So, I had been in Salt Lake four days. Just having moved from Nashville and three years on the road with Pivitplex, I had just accepted the worship pastor position at Calvary Chapel Salt Lake. One of my first duties was to emcee the Worship Revolution tour. I came to the event with a new awareness of worship leading. I had done some in the past, but now it was going to be my full-time job. I was asked to moderate the Q&A between Jon, Stu G, Vicky Beeching and other worship leaders in town. It was awesome to listen to the guys' hearts and meet the other worship leaders here in Salt Lake. I was touched by the
thoughtfulness put into the work the guys do around the world and fascinated by how the Spirit was using Delirious?.

The show was amazing. The energy and presence of God was intoxicating. I had only seen Delirious? one time at Creation West and was very excited to see if the show was going to be as great as I remember. It was; great production, great songs, and great heart.
There is a rumor that I get to play Soul Survivor this year. I pray this happens, to witness some of what God is doing over in Europe. Thanks guys, for your faithfulness to your calling and for continuing to make God the center of your lives.

 

It’s been about a year since I first met with Stu G about the possibility of building a relationship between M-Audio and Delirious?. Since then, Stu has kept me updated on how M-Audio products have changed the way the band makes music, especially on the road. When Stu graciously invited me to talk with the band during this trip to California, I jumped at the chance - I had been a fan long before our professional relationship.

As I drove out to Yorba Linda Friends Church with my family and film crew, my goal was to capture compelling footage about how the band uses M-Audio products. But as I left, my mind was in a completely different place. As artist relations manager for M-Audio, I’ve done countless interviews while attending hundreds of concerts. I’ve seen some of the foremost musical talent in the world. And amongst all these amazing experiences, this night stands apart.

Videos, stills and words cannot convey the band’s passion, which permeated every aspect of the evening - from the video interview and hanging backstage to the concert itself. When we first started taping, I was amazed by the sincerity and enthusiasm of every single band member. They were deeply genuine and so fun to talk to. It was immediately evident that they lived and breathed each word they said. And instead of appearing weighed down by the tremendous purpose and responsibility of their lives, they seemed joyful, light and gracious.

After the interview, we watched Vicky and Rebecca give amazing performances.  When the house lights came up, my family and I studied the materials about Compassionand the fantastic work they do for children all over the world. We decided to sponsor a child and are very excited about this opportunity. We never anticipated that we would be blessed in this way tonight.

As soon as the lights went down, the crowd went crazy. The room teemed with palpable energy. The band appeared on stage with tremendous presence, and began delivering an amazing set. It took three songs for our photographer to make his way to the front, the crowd was packed so tight and everyone was so thoroughly immersed in the experience. I was deeply touched when Delirious? brought out their children and wives to be a part of the performance, again revealing their true heart and priorities. Every song, every interaction with the audience was powerful. The entire crew, several of whom had never heard Delirious? music before, were completely moved.

As I walked away from the night, I thought long and hard about the opportunity Delirious? had given me. Beyond telling the story of how they use our keyboards and software, how would I use my influence, my talent, to expose their hearts and their purpose to the world? I know we have barely scratched the surface of everything we can do together, and after tonight the possibilities seem limitless. M- Audio may have changed the way Delirious? makes music, but Delirious? has changed the way music impacts people.

Rodger Smith - the man that makes our world more beautiful

I attended my umpteenth Delirious show tonight. It just makes my day to spend time with these guys, the venue was packed and the sound system was
pumping out the kind of sound that only Delirious have managed to produce. Although I try to never to miss a Delirious show when they are in town, it never seems to be enough, One would think that after so many times it would become somehow less exciting, Nope! The set was a good mix of the best of Delirious. Loads of the new Mission Bell and really fresh sounding classic Delirious music. About an hours worth of heaven. The new suites are very cool, each one different and fun. Personally I like the red bat wings and hat. This time the boys had their family along, over twenty I recon ranging in age from babies to teens.

The more I get to know The fabulous D boys the more I see that the family of God is a much richer place for their efforts on our behalf. Each one of them is a unique and special man in his own right and yet they share one heart, They seem to truly understand that somewhere in the crowd on any given night is the next Bill Gates or American President or British PM. Every time I stand in front of the stage I am transported before the thrown of God. And end up searching my heart and feeling refreshed and invigorated. It fascinates me endlessly that such a wonderful thing can be so neatly packaged in really good rock music. I suppose I will never fully comprehend that complete surrender can bring total victory. These guys somehow create a space where the spirit of God has access to my heart, not an easy thing to do.

As the night drew to a close I had the opportunity to spend some time with some of the guys chatting about home, family, our dogs, quantum mechanics and things in general. I was left with the feeling that all of us as Christians are more than friends. We share blood. We are brothers in the truest sense of the word.

Rodger

 

The day for me started with a small road trip with my wife (Raquel) to see our good friends of Delirious? and in particular the velvet Elvis himself, Mr. Jon Thatcher. My brother Jonathan and I have been friends of theirs for a few years now and since we live here on the west coast in the US it is exciting to see them whenever we can living so far apart. I had received an email a couple days before and Jon said "we'd roll on Monday". When I saw Jon as I drove up I didn't realize how literally he meant that -- he was strolling with his son, Jackson, rolling him along in his stroller. Our first adventure, after hugs and hellos, was to roll over to Wal-Mart where Jon was in search of something he wanted but didn't really need, a belt. After finding the perfect fit at a western shop next door we were back on the bus, ready to hang out and get caught up. One of the amazing things about Mr. Thatcher is that God is in everything he does. (This is true of the whole band). The purchase of a belt turned into a conversation about their recent visits to India and the poverty there, and how we express things as a "need" when really they are a "desire". How can our world be the same after seeing real poverty? Can we let anything stand in the way of allowing God to have freedom in our lives to do whatever He wants to do? Jon says all of these amazing insights with a kind of humility that would embarrass him to re-read, but his constant focus on the Lord and His agenda speaks volumes about the authenticity of every member of Delirious?. With a deep longing to be close to God they are a band that will lay it all down or throw it all away at a moments notice. The only thing at their fingertips is the heartbeat of God and the longing to follow. That is rare and inspiring to be around.  

The atmosphere at Celebration Church was one of gracious hospitality and with dinner done, some soccer (excuse me, football) played, and all of their lovely children telling Raquel and I about all of their adventures at the zoo, it was time for the concert to begin. After heartfelt and worshipful songs by Vicky Beeching and Rebecca St. James it was time for the guys to play. The band started with "Here I Am Send Me" and it was off from there. The power of who they are behind the stage is what really comes through on the stage. The most powerful spiritual moment for me was hearing Martin talk to everyone about what real worship is, what The Worship Revolution really means. It's more than the songs we sing; it's about living our life for God and bringing the gifts He's given us into the service of those who are poor. If you're a teacher, try to dedicate some time to going to Africa to teach the children there. If you're a builder, find a poor country and help them build -- if we did that we'd find out what real worship is. Inspiring. 

Highlights in their set for me were, "Rain Down" (one of my favorites), "Miracle Maker" and an emotional, spiritual climax with "Our God Reigns". The encore was also a sonic blast  with "Paint The Town Red". I was left after the show to say goodbye to my friend The Velvet Elvis, looking forward to another time in the future to hang out and share in God's Love, Presence, and Passion. And those things I need.


 

Let me start by saying that I love Dawsons Creek.

The day started with the BIG shiny buses pulling up to the venue in Sacramento. Who could it be??
None other than the boys from D? With the lovely Fam’s in on the action this time around.  (Great to see you all by the way)We loaded up the bus and we moved to Beverly……Sorry old song just popped in there. We loaded them all into another bus headed for Vacaville. Off to church with child care. Say Amen! Anyway we were blessed to have them come and visit our Church today. We loved that they could come and receive and not have to give out. Although they do a Fabulous job doing so. (enough smoke blowin) After church we headed off to Tom and Jc’s for an amazing lunch. Thanks again. And some time for the kid’s to run around and break stuff. While the kids were doing what they do, it was a good time to catch up with the English on Art, Literature, and Economics, and Blah, Blah, Blah. Then back to the venue. And on time I might add. Thanks for noticing Ian. Then the boys do what the Father has put them on the planet to do. (besides pro-create) WOW!!! It was a great night boy’s. I love it when The God of the universe shows up to meet with his people. Martin I thought it was awesome that you were obedient to the Father and gave a word to that guy during the show. I’m sure it rocked him.

 It was great to have them in sunny CA again. I love when Stephanie and I can spend time with the boys and the family. And Steph loves to catch up with old friends.   It is always special to us.

 In closing I have a few words for the boys.

Jon, thank you for the good chat in the car. Love when we get a chance to do that.

Tim, Get well soon. You look great by the way.

Smeezy, Nice hair.

Martin, thank you for the kind words when I greeted you.  Hilarious

Stu-Genius, You are a good and becoming even better friend. Always a pleasure.

Fling Wide the Gates.

  -gk

Hopefully time hasn't erased most of the memory of my time spent last weekend with the guys I like to think of as my friends. Even if I only see them once a year, they are still nice and friendly to me. Whether or not that means they see me as a friend, its still very nice. Plus the fact that they trust me to parade around with their children without their supervision
(actually lending me the responsibility of supervising their children is more matter of fact). I'm not sure if that constitutes being their friend or just a nice guy to take care of their kids. Maybe they just want something from me. I could understand that. I have a lot to offer. I won't go into it, but let's just say I would be nice to me too if I was them. Regardless, they are MY friends. And I love them. And it's always pleasant to see friends you don't get to see more than once a year. It's easy to pick up with them. They don't change much in a year. Which is nice. I always know what to expect when I see them and that makes me feel secure. Security is nice. I don't find it in a lot of things. I mainly find security in my girlfriend, my datsun, and my beard (but now even that's gone and I find myself rubbing my face trying to tug on it but its nowhere to be found).

Not to omit the rest of the band, I would like to mention my love for Jon. And also his wife. And his kids. Our love is different then the love I have with the other guys. I lived in his house, ate his food, raised his kids, talked with his wife and also used his bathroom. From that time of coexistence we developed a bond that withstands the separation of the Atlantic Ocean and the Continental United States, and also years of separation. So it's ok when I don't get to see him and his family for a year because time doesn't matter to us. But when we do get to see each other I'm happy. I look up to him. Not literally as I'm quite a bit taller than he is, but you get what I'm saying. It's nice to have someone to share things with that can give me advice from a perspective that's nearly the same as mine, just more aged and learned. Sometimes I like to think he looks up to me in some respects, which, I don't feel I deserve, but just the fact that I have a sliver of thought of someone I look up to looking up to me makes me feel alright.

As for the sequence of events for the day, I think they are belittled by the relationship that is between us and don't really matter. But if you must know. I and my girlfriend Jill drove 40 minutes from where we live to Portland. Right as we got there 3 vans were leaving with almost everyone in them. They were heading to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and something else). I said hi and tried to introduce everyone to Jill because I like her and I wanted everyone to see her. It was hard though because they were all in the back of these big vans with tinted windows. Jon had stayed behind to wait for us. We ate some lasagna that was stiff from being on a hot plate for the last hour. But it was still delicious. It reminded me of high school. Or after-church potlucks. Jon and Jackson, his newest kid, got in the back of my 1982 Datsun 210 Station Wagon. I was a little embarrassed as it was full of fishing poles and random coats and such. I was honestly really nervous because I had never driven with a kid in my car. It really freaked me out. Especially since it was Jon's kid. I tried to talk and be comfortable, but the almost the whole time I was thinking about how horrible
it would be to get in a wreck.

We got to OMSI and watched all the kids play with all this science stuff. It was fun. I don't think I would've been as into it had the kids not been there. Man, thinking about it, this day really got me thinking about kids, and having my own. You have to drive them around and if you screw up, not only you are hurt, but your kids are too! And you have to take an extra bag with you just in case the kid poops his diapers and have to change it. And then sometimes you have more than one! Maybe they start to help take care of each other the more you have. That's nice I suppose. Anyway's, OMSI was ok. I still feel like I didn't really get a good "hello" in or any good introductions to my girlfriend.

After all this the boys sounchecked. I danced with the kids. We ate dinner. Well as I was trying to eat I was bombarded by 4 year old girls and they're flirtatious behavior. I swear those girls have an interest in boys
way to soon. It was so funny though because Poppy, Tim Jupp's daughter, was flirting with me while I was trying to eat and she had a front tooth that should have probably come out days before. But there it was, hanging by a string. bleeding. all over. Then later she had no front teeth. That thing was so loose she probably could have just said the word "phooey" and it would've blown out before she could finish saying it.

That's really the most I remember of the day. The show took place, but I honestly didn't watch more than 3 songs. I spent that time hanging out in the busses with the kids and such. But it was really great. And I wish we all lived closer. Long live the Soviet Reunion. Party Hard. kbye

 

Travelling to Heathrow this year brought back vivid memories of last year’s ordeal as a family when we were turned away at the gate, all ready to board the plane, because the US were no longer allowing children to travel on their parents passports and somehow this was an important piece of information that we had never realised. However, this year things went more smoothly and with much excitement the families boarded the plane and it was time for the family tour once again.

I have to admit, I have be en nervous about whether I was doing the right thing, being only 2 weeks into the 6 week period the doctor had recommended for recovery from my recent surgery I knew this was going to be quite a challenge.

We arrived safely in Seattle and it was a blessing to have an hotel room for that first night, was kind of an easier intro into the 3 and a half weeks that lay ahead on the road. The first day did admittedly seem to last forever, probably because the kids were up at 5am but it has been great to be back in the US and there has been enough excitement around to keep everyone going.

Being back playing with the guys I found exhilarating, even if I can only move around at half speed, and it was a great night at Overlake in Seattle, a brilliant start to our west coast run. For me to it was my first chance to witness first hand Rebecca St James’ part in the evening which really compliments the whole night.  We’re all looking forward to getting a few more days in when the children get the hang of sleeping at the right time, but all so grateful that we have this wonderful opportunity of doing what we love doing best with those we love best. California here we come...

So here we are Utica, New York State on the Worship Revolution tour.

It being March 17th, St Patrick's Day, and me being the Irish one on the road I’ve been asked to give the write up for today's show. St Patrick's day seems to be a big deal here in the US.

I got off the bus this morning to a snow covered car park, and freezing cold temperatures. The venue today reminded me a lot on the Apollo in Manchester, or Hammersmith in London, so we felt right at home. I’ve been running monitors for all three bands on this tour, so it’s pretty full on days for me.

Vicky Beeching opened up as usual, and then Rebecca St James took to the stage. She has an excellent band. These guys are seriously good. Scott the guitarist rocks. A couple of days ago he ran straight into a window not realising there was any glass there, and I think the bump on his head has done him good.

After a 15 or 20 minute change over, come the D boys. The thing with this tour, and the emphasis being on Worship is you have a rough idea looking at the set list what’s going to go on, but you can never be sure. It's always going to be different. The band are enjoying this tour. You can see it on their faces. Joy is in the house. Tim hasn't been able to make these first few dates, so there’s had to be a little reworking on a few of the songs to make up for the lack of keyboards, we’ve missed him. Especially me, because as well as play keys what a lot of people don’t realise is he also cues and runs all the video playback that comes up on the screens behind him and so I've had to take that responsibility on in his absence. Tonight's set was loud and raucous in the right places, and quiet and calming in others. Highlight for me though has got to be when Stu G was looking down at his FX pedals, and when he brought his head back up, collided with his microphone, tried to play it cool, but made eye contact with me, and then Jon, who were bent over double in laughter, and then couldn't stop laughing himself.

The show ended tonight with paint the town red [or green as it is St Patrick's Day]. There’s still another 20 towns to paint on this tour.

Rochester, NY.

Tonight's stop on the Worship Revolution Tour was Rochester, NY. It was held at Roberts Wesleyan College and we had an amazing night! People came hungry to meet with God, and worshipped at the top of their lungs!

My favorites moments tonight were when the crowd sang "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" and "Our God Reigns" a capella… Jesus was truly the focus and we all poured out our hearts in praise to Him. When I heard all those people shouting out "Our God reigns" it gave me goosebumps as I realized that it was literally changing the spiritual atmosphere in that room, that city, that state, as people declared and welcomed God's Kingdom to reign there. I feel like tonight was the start of a revolution in many hearts in Rochester..I think God started a fire that will continue to burn and spread in that city…His name was lifted up and hearts were ignited with fresh passion for Him. May every night be the same throughout this Tour!

Other highlights were the D:boys costumes! – especially Jon's 'wings'..you have to see it to believe it!!

If you haven't made it to one of the Tour shows yet…come along, and come expectant that God will start a revolution in your heart!

 

 

Hi there, Smeezer the UK Geezer signing in. As you can see by the shot we are having a 'Heavenly' time. 2 shows in and the ball is well and truly rolling, not quite out of control but gaining momentum and traveling at a fair old rate of knots. Who knows the final resting place of the spherical object of my imagination will rest. Good gig, nice people, good food, cold weather, great bands and players, amazing mates, superb leprechaun called Trevor.

My mission for today was to top up my wife's mobile phone as I rather stupidly took her top up card to America for a short break. I actually tried last night only to be asked to put my wife on the phone to answer a few questions, I said that she was in the UK and that i was in America, this didn't seem to register, so, today i had to be a little bit naughty, keeping a straight face, I had to put on my best lady voice and help out the girl at the end of the phone in the UK. It worked, £20 on the old phone. Little to my knowledge my wife had achieved the goal before me... Anyway it gave the boys in the dressing room a good old laugh.

Back to the job in hand, I'm having a great time playing live again and can't wait to return next week with the girls, the family that is in tow. God bless you all out there, may your days be filled with wondrous stuff. Let the Revolution begin brothers.

Hello friends, the first of 25 dates on the worship revolution tour has now been and gone, but we’ll remember this day for some time to come.

It was strange leaving Rustington yesterday without Timothy. Having been through two major operations in the last two weeks it’s definitely best that he recovers before taking to the stage once again, but we miss him. Get well soon Bro!

The flight went without a hitch but then no bus at the airport! It had broken down... what is it with us and busses? Ian waved his tour manager’s wand, worked his magic and a short wait later we were picked up and on our way.

It was excellent to catch up with Rebecca and Vicky we’re going to have fun over the next month and can’t wait for our families to join us.

After a night on the tour bus I look forward to a shower, this morning was no different, I found the shower and got on with... showering. I didn’t use my new shower gel ‘cos there was a bottle of blue Suave “for men” already in there. I merrily got on with using it only to find a couple of minutes in I was covered in a white lather that took ages too get off. On investigation I discovered it was shampoo and conditioner! oh well my comedy facial hair is now nice and soft!

See you soon, Stu g