This happens to be the last night of the Worship Revolution Tour... and if you're thinking that we're throttling down for the last night... we're not throttling down at all!"

So spoke Martin Smith, following a month of no fewer than 23 gigs for Delirious?. He was right. If anything, the intensity was throttled up. I don't know where they got the energy... oh, wait. Yes, I do. It's the whole reason they're singing, after all! And, of course, it's the Worship Revolution tour.

Delirious?'s gig revealed exactly what makes them special: during the "Dance in the River" spontaneous segment, as the whole d:family danced on the stage, audience members of all ages danced right along in the aisle - even a 71-year-old lady was getting in on the act! And together they danced, across ages, sexes, denominations... with one voice and one heart.

From the opening riff of "Here I Am Send Me" through the call to action of "Now is the Time", from the electrifying finale to "Take off my Shoes" through the beautiful acoustic duet arrangement of "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" (with Rebecca St James), Delirious? built up to the climax in their classic anthemic statement of faith, "History Maker". They were doing what they do best: calling out a new generation of Worship Revolutionaries... the next set of History Makers. But they never let the crowd forget the One for Whom they would be making history: they ended the main set with the rousing chorus to "Our God Reigns".

And then, with the encore, they completed the lyrical cycle: having begun the set with a call to God, "Here I am; send me!", they let the world know that, "oh, here we come!"

So, to all the History Makers: let's take some hope into the world, yeah?

Final note: Martin's mention of Bon Jovi as a shout-out to the New Jersey-based band, followed by the insertion of "Livin' on a Prayer" into the outro of "History Maker", was utterly brilliant. I shall most
definitely be singing that version of the song at future d:gigs...

This is Jeremy, your current Delirious Merch Guy.  I sold you your t-shirt and your new Now is the Time DVD/CD set at the last gig.  My nights are spent selling t-shirts, my days are spent working and sweating to bring you the perfect website, the brand new Delirious website – launching very soon! 

That being said, I don't get much sleep these days, so I rely on prayer, verbal affirmation, and artificial stimulants like church espresso bars to keep me going.  I don’t know what church planting manual says that every church needs a mini starbucks but I’m beginning to believe it because you guys helped keep me going.  Thanks to every kind soul who provided us with lattes, macchiattos and all the other long-named drinks I order so I can sound like I’m part of the coffee culture.
 
Sometime during the night the air conditioning switched to the "heat us till we melt" setting and I awoke to loud grumbling and voices of discontent rumbling through the Crew bus.  Different people had different theories (being voiced with passionate conviction) about why the air conditioning malfunctioned, but all would agree that it was insanely hot.  We all evacuated the bus and hoped that if we drank enough water we could re-hydrate ourselves without any permanent damage.
 
Next came a quick visit to play racquetball with my friend Bryan (strandtrue.com).  He lives in Virginia and was kind enough to take me out for some actual exercise and a quick swim..  Then we came back and got set up for the event.  With over 20 designs (some of last years leftover) we have a true garage sale style situation going on, and so we have to be creative in our display.  You may not know this, but body forms can be created out of cardboard and duct tape. Soon the crowds came, demanding tshirts and CDs, and we delivered the merchandise to the best of our ability.  Kaitlyn Garrard and Eszter Szocs were able to come in and take our customer service to the next level.  I hope we gave you a pleasant shopping experience!  Richmond, I aspire to see you again next year.

So this is how my day began….I got woken up at 11:00am which I will have you know is really very early for me! He told me that the girls from the Delirious group were asking me if I would like to go to the beach with them and the whole Fam.

So I got changed rushed out and went off with all the British people! It was a beautiful day in South Carolina which made the beach look even better. Still a bit too chilly to go for a swim but just right to walk and splash around with our feet. The kids had to make a loud announcement every time they saw a jelly fish on the shore, they oohed and aahhed at this tiny baby turtle, took photos and everything but come to find it was a body part of a crab!

After much exploring, laughing and posing for photos at about 1:30 we starting heading back to the venue for lunch. Now, for about a week some of the girls and I have been planning to go and get our nails done. So I found a runner and after lunch about 6 of us went to a little parlor and got our nails done up! Such a girlie thing to do! I think the ladies at the nail place were a bit surprised to be invaded by Australian and British girls! We had such a great time!

It was about 6:30 when we sat down to have dinner but what I didn't’t realize was that Vicky B had already started and I had about 15 min to eat and get ready for the show! Oops! All because of the nails! Haha, but it was worth it!

The concert went really well. People know how to rock here! After Rebbecca’s set was done some of the younger girls and I went to find a room to rehearse some moves to one of Rebbecca’s songs! We’re going to do them on the last night of the tour!

I must say that this has been one of my favorite
tours. There’s something powerful about family.
Delirious has brought all the wives and kids on the road each of them precious. Rebbecca and Vicky and all our crew are like a family too. With all the ministry that’s been shared I think I am the one who has been ministered to the most on this trip. I really believe that ministry is more than what you say or sing. Ministry is a helping hand a pat on the back an honest word. A hug. An invitation to the beach. Its letting someone know they are loved, just because. So this is how its been here on this tour. The words that are spoken in public are all the more powerful because it is a reality even if no one is watching. Ministry is Love amplified!

Because its real it makes this tour seem like a
holiday. So…… this is how my day was. A very, very good day.

Ok...Ok...Here I go again. After much protesting. I AM doing another tour diary. The last family tour diary, review, whatever it is, I accomplished was last year and to be honest, I've gotten such great feedback from it. It made me feel good. Like I actually achieved something beyond my shallow tour
life. Beyond finding the "Catering room" first thing in the morning. Beyond making it into the venue toilets at 8 am with 2 children before they do a poo in the bus toilets (not aloud and definitely not appreciated by any bus drivers) You want real? I'm gonna be real again for you all. Or as they say here, in Louisiana, Y'all.

Unlike last tour diary, I actually had a good day today on the "once again bring all your crazy children along with you on the road" family tour. Only a few glitches. I'm sure I make it sound worse then it actually is.

An easy start. Bus arrives in AM. But (am I allowed to say this) once again Jon sucks at waking up in the morning! Sorry to blow a dent in Jon Thatcher's halo, but try waking him up before 10 AM. Once again the martyr mother takes on responsibility. Why? Jon eventually DOES wake up. Runs my 2 girls into breakfast. Sprinting into the venue in the pouring rain. It is raining in Louisiana. In April. What? You've gotta kidding me. We were in Texas two days ago it was snowing. SNOWING! In Texas. In April. And now it's raining and cold in Louisiana. In April. Let me just say - that isn't what I bought into. I bought into leaving England and going on tour for warm weather and a tan. Whatever. No such luck. Instead, I'm scraping through the last bit of winter clothes I possibly have for me and my children. I look like a mismatched slob. Make mental note. No clean socks
for anyone under 6 years of age. Find laundry tomorrow.

Day moves on as per usual. On Bus. Off Bus. Junk in and out of suit cases. Rebecca's band emerges out of bus at 3pm - only because they HAVE to wake up for sound check. I suddenly feel old and in desperate need of more sleep. Another hotel swimming pool. Cold. Okay, let children swim in hot tub instead, where they eventually break out in a terrible rash due to the heat of the water. Am the worst mother possible in the entire world and swear to myself never to let them swim in a hot tub again. (Until tomorrow when the hotel pool is too cold once again and my kids are all complaining to the extent that I tell them to all jump into the hot tub just for my piece of mind). Not enough time to shower and get 3 kids ready. All need the toilet right before we are about to leave hotel. Wonderful. Late for van pick up outside of front lobby. Everyone waiting. Again. Band in sound check. Still pouring and I run around in rain with kids. All of us in bare feet. I love that. I love bare feet. Highlight for me. Dinner. Word of the day. Door on back lounge of bus gets stuck with Jackson, youngest child, on other side. Panic. He's asleep. Thank God and handy man Stu G comes to the rescue with a screw driver. Ah, my hero.

Children fill in their tour diaries. They make the days sound much more exciting for their teachers to read once at home. They all get ready to go on stage. Their 3 minutes of fame. They've been dancing in that river for 5 years now. They never get tired of it. Jackson suddenly becomes over confident super star on stage in the spotlight. Another highlight. Kids off
stage and all 16 of them are suddenly bored and completely disinterested in their Dad's music. Unless, by chance, there happens to be another on stage debut for them.

Venture back to the bus. Some of Rebecca's band, the crazy and wild haired rock and rollers that they are, are really pushing the boundaries tonight and going to none other than Target. I love Target. I can't go. I need to put the kids to bed. Jackson's bottle. Change his nappy. And wonderful Kaitlyn helps me get them to sleep. But, of course, just before the night settles down my eldest child jumps up onto her bunk and head butts me in the chin. Tooth into lip. Pain. Blood. Leave situation before I say something I
shouldn't in front of little ears. Child now crying and apologizing profusely.

So where is the redemptive ending to my story, I hear you ask? Where is the inspirational paragraph where I walk back into the gig at the end of the night and see what they boys do and think that "every little thing is gonna be alright?". I would like to tell you that I made it to that moment that night. That I saw the big beam of light shooting down from heaven into the
gig. But the truth is I was sitting on a bus step with ice on my throbbing lip at that point. I know, I know, poor me.

But I will give you this. At the risk of sounding spiritually cheesy. The redemption was there today in the angels at this church who did our laundry; The girls who sat in play room all day offering to watch my kids; Feeding them Cheetos; The guy who sat on a smelly van wheeling us to play parks, cinema, the mall and hotels all day. I have the feeling that I'll be wanting to hang out at their mansion in heaven. Who am I that they should look after me this way? And here I am rolling on a tour bus to the next venue and all I can do is complain about my stupid lip. I didn't even get to say a proper thank you. How selfish.

So there it is. In all its glory. My Mr. Rodgers lesson learned for the day. I guess as David Brent quoted one of the best philosophers of our time, "If you want the rainbow. You've gotta put up with the rain." Until next year! Thank you and goodnight!

 

Hi its Stu.G’s daughter Eden. I’m doing a review on Conway, Arkansas. We started the day by going into the venue for breakfast. After that we went to explore, there were tons of things to do. Me and the older girls made up a dance! Then we got some runners to take us to the park so everyone could have some freedom! It was crazy!!

After that the runners took us back to the venue for lunch!!!! Then we all played games again! After that we got taken to a Leisure Centre for a swim. They had shut the pool for us! It was amazing! We had a great game of water basketball, then we showered. After that we went back to the venue to practice our dance and then we had dinner. As soon as we finished we showed our dance to the adults and messed about until the gig! Then we went in. We went on stage to Dance In The River then watched the other songs. At the end us older kids went on stage again to Paint The Town Red. We run on the spot and everyone in the audience cheers then copies!!! Its really fun!! Then we bow, go off stage, go onto the bus and get ready for another day!!! We have a fantastic time on family tours!! I cant imagine my life if my dad wasn’t in delirious. We really enjoy exploring the world and going to different churches.

 

Hi its Stu.G’s daughter Eden. I’m doing a review on Conway, Arkansas. We started the day by going into the venue for breakfast. After that we went to explore, there were tons of things to do. Me and the older girls made up a dance! Then we got some runners to take us to the park so everyone could have some freedom! It was crazy!!

After that the runners took us back to the venue for lunch!!!! Then we all played games again! After that we got taken to a Leisure Centre for a swim. They had shut the pool for us! It was amazing! We had a great game of water basketball, then we showered. After that we went back to the venue to practice our dance and then we had dinner. As soon as we finished we showed our dance to the adults and messed about until the gig! Then we went in. We went on stage to Dance In The River then watched the other songs. At the end us older kids went on stage again to Paint The Town Red. We run on the spot and everyone in the audience cheers then copies!!! Its really fun!! Then we bow, go off stage, go onto the bus and get ready for another day!!! We have a fantastic time on family tours!! I cant imagine my life if my dad wasn’t in delirious. We really enjoy exploring the world and going to different churches.

Today was no normal day. For one thing, it snowed. In Texas. In April. But that wasn’t what really set today apart. Delirious was in town, and I had been anticipating their coming for months.

There’s something about a Delirious concert that is so unique from other concerts. Of course the music is amazing, the lighting is top-notch and the band wears very cool suits. But more than that, these guys are burning up with a passion for God that is so contagious, I leave completely ablaze. Tonight was all of that and more.

I got to the concert late due to traffic so I was stuck in the back of the venue, but after Rebecca St. James’ set during intermission I ran to the very front, by Jon. After a long wait, out comes Delirious in white attire (by the way, I love the wings!). I was especially happy to see Inside Outside played, as I had only seen it live one other time, and I just love seeing Stu G sing those verses. But more importantly, the Lord’s presence was there very strongly and I felt Him really working in me. Whenever I come for a Delirious concert, I know God is gonna show up. Delirious brings Jesus with them wherever they go and it is like nothing I have ever experienced anywhere else.

Highlights of this gig were seeing the d:families come on stage, and Jon’s littlest wandered out to the front dancing before it was time, it was so adorable! Thanks guys for doing that, it was a lot of fun to see.

But the really fun part came after the concert was over--and this comes back to the part where I had been anticipating Delirious’ coming for so long. For me the Delirious journey sttarted 10 years ago--I was 6 years old--when I heard Live & In the Can. Little did I know that CD would change my life...ten years later I wanted to give them something back for all their music has done in my life (I seriously can’t even imagine what my life would be like if I never heard Delirious...I wouldn’t have ever picked up the guitar if it wasn’t for Stu G, and that’s just one thing). I decided to do a graphite portrait of the band, the biggest portrait I’ve ever done. I usually do really small sized portraits but this one ended up being 15 by 22 inches, and took me almost four months. I had a copy made (yeah I know you think I should have given them the original but in the frame it’s huge and I didn’t know if they could get it back to England without paying a huge airline or shipping fee or something) and then waited for them to come to Texas so I could give it to them. After the concert was over my mom and I waited to see if the band would come out to sign stuff but they never did, so we asked mr. merchy guy and he said to talk to the tour manager. So we go talk to Ian Cattle and he says he might get a couple of the guys to meet us. A couple minutes later we are led to the back and we get to meet Martin and Stew! I think they did like the drawing and I felt so honored to give it to them. Amazingly I wasn’t nervous at all, I almost felt like I’ve known these guys for a long time. You guys are real gems and I thank God for your music and all that you guys do!

Come back soon!

-Victoria Dingemans

I've recently found myself a long way from home, and Thursday night I was feeling more than a little homesick but at 2am relief came in the form of an email from Mr Thatcher informing me they were playing nearby the next day and wondering if I happened to be around. Unfortunately Friday got the better of me and suddenly it was 8pm and Jon was calling to say they were on in 45 mins - fine but I was still 110 miles away. Fortunately the fabled musicians sense of timing was in play so I arrived just in time to see them take the stage at 9.45pm.

What can I say? The boys were on great form. As always, they bring and God shows up. People are moved and changed. I particularly enjoyed StuG's dancing friend and Jon's winged costume (mustn't call
it an outfit).

The best part for me was seeing old friends, talking to people who understand my accent, and most of all talking to people who understand me. Thanks D people. It was a much needed breath of fresh
(English) air.

 

Hello it’s Rosie here, Tim’s daughter.  I absolutely love life on the road we have so many funny times and make some amazing memories. It’s great to experience what our dads do when they leave us in England and go all around the world. The 2 things I love about America is having a Vanilla Steamer from Starbucks and going to my favourite shop Old Navy.

My Uncle Martin the main singer in Delirious? tucks  me into bed every night which can be absolutely hilarious! Its different every evening,  sometimes  he whacks his head on my bunk and his prayers can be very very funny! Anyway I better shut up and get on about what I did today.

Today we were in Quincy and we arrived at a theatre to such a warm reception. The ladies there were really lovely and kind and so helpful. We arrived there and had a beautiful breakfast. My mum did the washing in the laundry, cleaning all my socks and knickers and we just all ran up and down the stage a few times while we were waiting. Then we all jumped into the bus and were heading to my favourite shop Old Navy! Gorgeous flip flops, pretty tops and cute jeans - everything I love. I bought a few things then we headed to a mall making sure everyone was in the bus all, 16 children. The mall was ok, not the biggest in the world we just wandered around and saw some gorgeous tops. Then we all went back to the venue for lunch and had sandwiches. Then we went to the hotel. It was lovely especially my bubbly bath. While everyone was in the swimming pool I had my relaxing bath and did my hair and makeup. I loved it. Once everyone came back from the pool it got crazy! My sister Poppy was getting stressy and everyone was fighting about who got in the shower first. Then we went back to the venue and had tea. We had pork or chicken with potato and sweetcorn. They were so lovely the ladies with us. Then it was time for word of the day, when we all have to sit there in silence and listen to the person speaking which can be very hard to stay quiet! The man spoke all about his life which was amazing. Then we all went into the bus because we were a bit chilly and tired. I got my little cousin Ruby ready for bed and we all got our PJ’s on and snuggled with a duvet watching a movie. We were all a bit tired and grumpy to go on stage so we all had an early night and went to bed in each of our moving coffins!

 

Today I woke with a start at 0806 knowing I needed to be ready for a video interview session at 0830.
We were parked up outside the Joyce Meyer Ministries headquarters in St Louis and because we’re doing a few things with her this year we were booked to record some promo pieces.

My brain needed to be clear and concise but all I could think about was a dream I had in the night where I was David Bowie andinsane. Now I know David Bowie isn't insane so no letters please. Maybe I've watched too many episodes of the Mighty Boosh??? Starbucks came to the rescue and jarred me back to reality.

Everyone at the JMM HQ always treat us so well and we had a great morning with the kids enjoying the games room and then a fantastic lunch at some friends called Doug and Laura. Back at the venue and time for cold family showers and sound check, dinner and then the gig...

Ah yes the gig. We’re enjoying having the kids around and coming on stage it’s a great moment. Jackson Thatcher is stealing the show with some extreme shape throwing he’s so at home and only a year and a half old. I thought I’d mention Jackson as his father has stolen the show in the tour diary stakes just lately and may get a bit big headed. There were a lot of other peoples children there tonight and most made it on to the stage at some point, it was a bit like playing at our home church!!

Highlights for me were the "intro dongs" which tonight were in the style of Olympic track and field events... hilarious!! An ambient I could Sing intro, Miracle Maker and a great moment when Martin talked about getting filled with the Holy Spirit!

All in all another good day on the road

See you in Quincy

stu g

An ordinary spring day at Central Christian Church in Wichita Kansas was about to be touched, stirred and rearranged by the hand of God, leaving those lives in it’s perimeters with gems of love, laughter, goodness, gentleness, joy,  faith and the best night of worship known to man. God rocked our world!
 
The buses arrived and they came- children, moms, band members road crew- each bringing with them a jewel….I have to report on the children first as our hearts were illuminated by diamonds of laughter. As a grandmother, watching them appropriately enjoying small boxes of fruit loop cereal while being entertained via Veggie Tales video was priceless. After lunch one child whom will most likely be a leader in future years discovered that the large white board in the green room worked ever so well to use as a chalkboard for her “classroom” of smaller students! You go girl!!
 
The mothers of these precious children gave us the pearls of “patience’ as they so graciously handled doing laundry at church, keeping all children adequately entertained and their spouses encouraged for the show. I observed them as they lived life out of a bus, yet kept everything copasetic – these mothers are heroes!
 
The crew bus had a flat tire about 60 miles out of town… not good for them as load- in was to start at 9:00 a.m. but Ian, a jewel himself pulled the night off with out a hitch- late start and all. The entire crew brought with them a servant attitude and hungry appetites!
Nothing more rewarding than seeing a hard worker enjoy his food!
 
Pre- show with David’s leadership, Rebecca, Vicky and Martin blessed local musicians and worship leaders with a special Q and A session. That meeting will bear fruit and the gem of music throughout the state. What a rare opportunity. Thanks guys (and girly girls)
 
The Show……………
 
Vicky- the heart of a true precious rare jewel- willing to start her set pre people’s booties in their seats! What a saint. My secretary told me one of her friends said Vicky was the best part of the show- so there you have it girl- God honors humbleness….
 
Rebecca- In a world where real is so rare- Rebecca was the ruby of realness to us... Her testimony glorified the Lord- her oneness with Christ was a conduit for many- her performance was powerful as she brought the audience to the throne. How fun it was to hear her tell where her songs came from…….I have had the honor to work with Rebecca for years…….. she is precious and never ceases to amaze me with her passion and love for God. She brings with her such a blessing – her father is an amazing man of God.
 
Delirious…… as a fashion diva- I have to comment first on the guys show clothes- can I say fab-o-lous! I was blown away- - bad to the bone fun stuff!! Amazing……………….
 
At this point I have to refer back to my jewel of a road manager Ian….  In my 16 years of promoting bands, Delirious has my heart.. I so wanted to see the show, but that just doesn’t happen for promoters……. Unless, you have the blessing of Ian watching out for you… This is the first show I have ever seen more than a couple of songs….Thank you so very much Ian.
 
The show took us on a spiritual worship journey, immediately opening our hearts which allowed God to give us hinds feet- routing us to “the heights”… to mountain top experiences- where we like hinds could run and leap and praise….
 
These master musicians entwined with the holy spirit, great visuals and hearts of gold, led us like sheep to the throne of God where he revealed His glory ……these master musicians who are so in stride with God that they could in one night paint for us a picture of God’s character- give us hope, call us all to be history makers and minister to not only the servant saints but also to ministers… (Even pastor said “I was ministered to tonight…)
 
For me, my life will never be the same as these precious men of God ministered to me. I felt the Holy Spirit take hold of me with a movement of healing of my cancer.
 
My only regret for the entire event is this- I didn’t have my Tina Turner wig to rock on in……..but ……I do have a memory full of “gems” to keep forever.
 
Thanks to you all, Revolution Tour Team

Cheryl Hurley - concert promoter

 

I don't even know what to say or where to begin, other than to say that words cannot express how I feel about what transpired... I am speechless.

All I can say is that just spending one day with delirious completely changed this season in my life, and possibly my entire life all together. My day started at about 8:30am when their buses drove onto the church property at Phoenix First Assembly, my home church. Just the initial meeting (where I did a back flip to entertain the kids) led to me ending up on stage with the band that night! From the very beginning I knew this was going to be a great day for
me. I spent time with the band members and their families escorting them around the church property and driving them where they needed to be throughout the day. During my time spent with them I was amazed at how real they are. Seeing them interact with their families and be true and real caused the fire within me to be reignited more than ever before to live for and serve God with everything in me! The time I spent with delirious this weekend changed what I am doing this week and how I am living. I went to serve them and be a blessing and instead I got served and blessed! It was amazing to meet people who live to serve... God, family, ministry... they served them all with excellence. By the end of the day they treated me like family. Just minutes before the band went on stage, they asked me to fill in for a band member and do a back flip to open the show... what an adrenaline rush! There was no way I was turning that down! Throughout the entire night, the Spirit of God moved and there was such a sweet presence that filled the church. During the time where they introduce their families I was asked to help escort the kids out on stage. What an honor! After the end of the service, I was able to spend some time with the band and their families just hanging out in the prayer chapel. This was just one more time where I was able to see how real and normal they are. What can I say... the feelings that are inside me and the experiences that I went through with this exceptional group of people, have changed me forever and I have never been happier about it. It was something that I truly need and am very blessed to have experienced.

Nick Schulz