Christian Today had the opportunity to spend time with Delirious? at the Royal Albert Hall in Central London 20 May, where they performed a 40 minute gig for Crusaders’ 100th anniversary. As the band settled on the sofa for the short talk, they reminisced on the last time they performed at the venue, which was a year ago with Michael W. Smith.
Since then, they’ve toured internationally, and released their new album The Mission Bell, which has received critical acclaim world wide.
Following a recent U.S. tour and a stop in Rwanda and India, they are now back in London embarking on a Europe tour that will take them to Croatia, Germany, and Switzerland.
Regarding the recent trip to Rwanda, guitarist Stu G says: “It was an extraordinary weekend. It was part of the Joyce Meyer crusade, and it was fantastic. The impact for us was deep, and we felt a lot of compassion for the kids that are left with no parents throughout the country. There were language barriers— but the heart to heart connection through the music was great.”
The theme of The Mission Bell, which is putting faith into action, was certainly relevant to the Rwandans, who have experienced one of the world's most horrific incidents in history: genocide. In a recent reflection, Martin Smith wrote: "In Rwanda I was reminded that this great God is alive and lives in the hearts of many broken but joyous people."
With over a decade of experience in touring and recording, the band agrees that God still allows them to learn new things wherever they go- even in the studio when recording for their eighth album.
Lead singer Martin Smith says: “One thing we learned during the recording of The Mission Bell is that we really are a band. When we got in the studio and played together, there was a sort of magic that happened in this album. And I guess that’s what makes the record stand out in many ways. There’s a special sound to it.”
A special sound that has the capacity to draw 1.2 million people into the presence of God in a country like India.
Asked about their experience in sharing their music to people in India, keyboardist Tim Jupp responds: “I’ve never been [to India] before, so to experience the sight, the sound, and smell was all new. That was all overwhelming. And to get in the middle of a field in a city and see the number of people gathered was also overwhelming. There was an amazing connection with us, the crowd, and the Joyce Meyer ministries.”
Commenting on the experience of touring and ministering internationally together with preacher Joyce Meyer, bassist Jon Thatcher says: “I think it’s a fascinating relationship to have with her. She’s a very wonderful, godly woman.”
In addition to international touring, more surprises await for Delirious? fans. Later this summer, Delirious? will film a DVD, which will release near Christmas-time, making it a perfect holiday gift. And if the DVD is not enough, Martin Smith, Stu G, and drummer Stew Martin are currently working on a book called “The Delirious? Code”— or “The ‘D’ Code'. “The book will explain what a lot of our songs are about,” Martin explains.
Which is exciting news to millions who are curious about where the inspiration of each Delirious? song comes from.
An hour after the interview wrapped up, the band was up and rocking the stage in Royal Albert Hall, inspiring thousands to jump on their feet and worship God wholeheartedly. Although it’s been over a decade since they first emerged into the music scene, it seems as if their passion only grows stronger, and their music only grows deeper as they years pass by.
With an international tour, DVD, and a book on its way, this year is definitely a milestone for Delirious?.
Courtney Lee
Christian Today Correspondent