Kingsway announces the May 22 release of The Cutting Edge Years - 20th Anniversary Edition. This four-disc (3 CDs/1DVD) collection draws together the earliest releases from Delirious?, the Dove Award winning, Grammy nominated worship band.
While most bands take a while to find their voice, Delirious? was a prophetic, powerful presence right from the start. Originally named the Cutting Edge Band after a local church-based event, The Cutting Edge Years - 20th Anniversary Edition is full of songs that changed a generation of worshippers and helped clear a path for many of the global Church’s current worship leaders and songwriters. From “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever” and “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?” to “The Happy Song” and “Lord You Have My Heart,” the band’s first sounds were some of their loudest and longest lasting.
If there was any doubt about their impact, The Cutting Edge Years – 20th Anniversary Edition includes Cutting Edge 1&2, the very album that in January of this year was voted by Worship Leader magazine to be the “most influential worship album of the last twenty years.”
Over time, the Delirious? story grew with international awards and sales to match. But its earliest chapters as the Cutting Edge Band focused solely on their hometown.
In October 1992, the core team of Martin Smith, Stewart Smith and Tim Jupp played their opening notes at a small youth event in Littlehampton, an overlooked town on England’s south coast. Though only 75 people turned up for that event, the impact was clear from the start as Martin Smith remembers.
“Cutting Edge was a unique time in our lives and these songs were the soundtrack to a movement that hungered after God in a new way, a movement that sang in the streets and saw the mountains tremble,” says Smith.
Other artists and worship leaders agree, including Toby Mac: “They’ve redefined the praise and worship scene… these guys are true artists who point the way to God. They’re also one of those rare bands whose music appeals to nearly all generations.”
Throughout the Delirious? story, it was the songs that spoke volumes, that inspired worship and unlocked change.
“I remember the first time I ever listened to Obsession,” says Tim Hughes. “I was blown away by the honesty and passion. It was a worship song like I had never heard before… fresh lyrics full of imagination and vivid imagery with a deep heart cry for more of God. I would listen to this song again and again, crying out to God, telling him how much I loved him and how much I wanted to know him more. It is so simple and yet so powerful.”
Referring to the song “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?,” Chris Tomlin says: “It is one of the best-written and most unique worship songs of our time. It’s a song that I have played countless times through the years… there is a special touch from God on this one and it is evident every time I hear it or play it.”
The Cutting Edge Years - 20th Anniversary Edition contains 42 tracks on three CDs and one DVD containing special footage. The audio is made up of the band’s first four EPs (Cutting Edge One, Two, Three and Fore) as well as the landmark album Live And In The Can. And the DVD features the band’s live performance of many of these early classics. In addition, the collection features bonus material including “Live at Studio One Abbey Road” and a video of “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever” featuring the London Community Gospel Choir.
Delirious?, the UK-based band regarded internationally as the galvanizing force that changed the face of worship worldwide and mentoring many of today’s influential worship musicians, releases today amidst wide acclaim its Farewell Show – Live in London 2-CD, DVD and Blu-ray throughout North America. The award winning band captured its final, farewell concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo Nov. 29 on a recording that CCM magazine declares is “an essential purchase for anyone who’s ever followed the band, plus a brilliant bookend to an extraordinary career.”
Delirious? lead vocalist Martin Smith, guitarist Stu G, keyboardist Tim Jupp, bassist Jon Thatcher and drummers Stew Smith and Paul Evans, who took over for Delirious? founding member Stew Smith in 2008, engaged the sold-out, 5,000-seat Hammersmith Apollo with in a rousing 26-song grand finale that included all the hits that launched the band to international acclaim. Arguably the most well-known Christian rock band in the world, and called “the most influential modern worship band in the history of Christian music" by NewReleaseTuesday.com and “one of the greatest worship groups of all time” by JesusFreakHideout.com, Delirious? helped score a whole new soundtrack for the church around the world.
“Ages before there was David Crowder Band or the Passion conferences, a British band named Delirious? changed the way we worship…Now, a new 26-song release covers the band’s amazing 17-year journey,” says YouthWorker.com as Delirious? peers reflect on the band’s farewell in the current issue of CCM:
“What an amazing band – and great friends of mine who I have had the privilege to minister with over the years. Delirious? broke the mold and made history...as they wrote and performed songs that truly inspired the church...” – Michael W. Smith
“…I cannot recall another band who has had the ability to prophecy and declare through music, a sound that literally calls out to missionary and worshipper in all of us to stand taller, sing louder and declare the Kingdom of God…I will always count it a great privilege to call you mentors, friends and family.” – Darlene Zschech
“Delirious? is the band that has continued to set me on fire when I hear their music. I love these guys. My first tour was with them, and I still count those days as some of the most important days of my music-life…” – Chris Tomlin
“Delirious? is one of the most important bands in the past 10 -15 years, not to mention my all-time favorite band. They have worn their passionate love for Christ on their sleeves while making some of the most creative music of any genre.” – Bart Millard, MercyMe
“Martin and the Delirious? team have had a profound effect on worship music globally, and I’m thankful to call them my friends.” – Israel Houghton
“…Delirious? were a band whose impact cannot be measured simply in terms of album sales, crowd sizes or air miles racked up. Their influential style and substance went deep into the hearts of many, many young worship bands around the earth, and the echoes of their ministry will therefore keep resounding for many years to come.” – Matt Redman
“Everywhere you go around the world, you see the impact of Delirious? in encouraging and releasing creativity, but also great passion and hunger for God. Their willingness and risk in ‘Taking it Wherever it Goes’ was inspirational, not only for me but for many worship leaders around the globe. They have been fire-starters and encouraged many to believe that the best is yet to come.” – Tim Hughes
Worship has always been at the heart of Delirious?, and that focus is throughout the Farewell Show – Live in London recording. Along with the music, the 145-minute Farewell Show – Live in London DVD features an exclusive “On the Road - The Farewell Tour” documentary that includes behind-the-scenes footage and individual band member interviews. The 199-minute Blu-ray disc further includes the band’s compelling, in-depth interview with GOD TV’s youth presenters Chip-K and Emma Owen, “Making History - The Final Interview.” This interview gives the viewer a chance to see Delirious?' career from the band’s perspective, and gives a glimpse into the individual members’ future. The full GOD TV interview can also be viewed online at http://www.god.tv/video/play?video=1069.
Churches around the world will also be able to share this interview, and the whole DVD/Blue-ray, as Delirious?’s label, Kingsway, is offering churches the license to publicly run the Delirious? Farewell Show – Live in London DVD/Blu-ray through CCLI’s Church Video License (CVLI) program. This is available in all CCLI territories including North America.
After nearly two decades of traveling around the world performing thousands of concerts to millions of fans, Delirious? was never about itself, the accolades, the tours or even the songs.
“All the 17 years that the band was together, we never existed just to get in the charts or sell sell sell,” says Martin Smith. “Our best motives and highest calling was to try to be a voice that made others think, that called out praise and tried to chase down the smile of God.”
Having released 14 albums, earning two Top 30 general market UK chart albums and selling over three million recordings, Delirious? also garnered it’s eighth Top 40 general market UK chart single just last month with the release of “History Makers,” a song featured on the Farewell Show recording. With Billboard reporting the song at No. 4, marking the highest charting single of the band’s career, the song simultaneously became the No. 3 iTunes UK best-seller, with the studio version and live version taking both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions respectively on the Amazon.com UK sales chart.
Delirious? grew out of the UK “Cutting Edge” youth meetings in the early 1990s and currently have 22 songs on the CCLI charts. Known as the forerunners of the modern worship movement and as one of the industry’s best live bands, Delirious? over the last decade have closed for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, played in front of hundreds of thousands in India, headlined the 2004 Olympic Celebrations at the Omonia Square in Athens, Greece, toured with Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and Matchbox 20, and headlined at SWR3’s Arena of Sound 2004 music festival, where more than 80,000 fans filled the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart, Germany. With its music being played and sold in over 100 countries, the band has also been honored with two Gospel Music Association International Awards.
More information about Delirious? and Farewell Show – Live in London can be found at www.delirious.co.uk.
The UK-based, RIAA Certified Gold-selling, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award winning band Delirious? played its final, farewell concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo Nov. 29. Although sold-out well in advance, fans around the world will be able to see this historic concert as the 2-CD, DVD and Blu-ray Farewell Show – Live in London releases in North America May 18 and the rest of the world April 19 through Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution.
Delirious? lead vocalist Martin Smith, guitarist Stu G, keyboardist Tim Jupp, bassist Jon Thatcher and drummers Stew Smith and Paul Evans, who took over for Delirious? founding member Stew Smith in 2008, engaged the sold-out, 5,000-seat Hammersmith Apollo with in a rousing 26-song grand finale that included all the hits that launched the band to international acclaim. Arguably the most well-known Christian rock band in the world, and called “one of the greatest worship groups of all time” by JesusFreakHideout.com, Delirious? helped score a whole new soundtrack for the church around the world.
Fellow artists underscore the legacy of the band: “They’ve redefined the praise and worship scene,” confirms TobyMac, while Chris Tomlin says, “Delirious? is the band that has continued to set me on fire when I hear their music.” Fellow artist Bart Millard (Mercy Me), confirms, “Delirious? is one of the most important bands in the past 10 -15 years, not to mention my all-time favorite band,” as Darlene Zschech says, “For many years now, Delirious? have been inspiring us in our pursuit of Christ through their creative genius and uncompromising message of faith and hope through music.”
Worship has always been at the heart of Delirious?, and that focus is throughout the Farewell Show – Live in London audio/video recording. The recording begins just as the band itself began, playing the “Cutting Edge” songs that were first taught by Delirious?, then known as the Cutting Edge Band, in school halls and churches around London. Now some of the best-loved songs sung around the world even today, they include “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever,” “Thank You For Saving Me,” “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?,” “The Happy Song” and more.
Following the “Cutting Edge” band set, Delirious? exited the stage to return moments later and ramping up the light show and volume for such epic anthems as “Rain Down,” “History Maker,” “Paint The Town Red,” “Majesty,” and additional songs covering the more recent repertoire. Original drummer Stew Smith joined Evans for an eight-minute jam on the song, “Investigate,” while “Sanctify” featured a giant video screen with footage from Delirious?’s appearance at the Champion Of The World event at Wembley Stadium in 1997. During “Deeper,” Martin gave a fan his trademark megaphone used on recent tours.
“This was definitely the best [concert] of theirs I’ve ever seen,” notes George Luke, music editor for the London magazine Artrage. “I could wax lyrical forever about how great this stunning performance was and what the special bits were.”
“The evening was larger than any press release can capture, yet across the double CD, the beautifully shot full-length DVD and the high-definition Blu-ray, there’s every bit of the sense of passion and excitement that this celebration of Delirious? evoked,” says Steve Nicolle, Kingsway director, music and media. “And its heart beats with the same force that has been in play whenever the band has stepped up to the microphone. It sends us up and it sends us out, giving the ‘historymakers’ something to go and get excited about.”
After nearly two decades of traveling around the world performing thousands of concerts to millions of fans, Delirious? was never about itself, the accolades, the tours or even the songs. It was always about the “historymakers,” the ones who lived their faith “out loud,” putting actions to the songs.
“Fabula Est Vestri,” says Delirious? frontman Martin Smith. “The story is yours. It always has been about you; ordinary but extraordinary people who joined together across denominations, against our prejudices, our fears. People who have stood together in the face of adversity.”
“And WE have become a voice that speaks out for the oppressed,” continues Smith. “For those who do not have a voice. We too became a voice that sings ‘God’ songs that shake the earth. And friends, we will continue to shake the earth. Just never stop singing.”
Along with the music, the 145-minute Farewell Show – Live in London DVD features an exclusive “On the Road - The Farewell Tour” documentary that includes behind-the-scenes footage and individual band member interviews. The 199-minute Blu-ray disc further includes the band’s compelling, in-depth interview with GOD TV’s youth presenters Chip-K and Emma Owen, “Making History - The Final Interview.” This interview gives the viewer a chance to see Delirious?' career from the band’s perspective, and gives a glimpse into the individual members’ future. The full GOD TV interview can also be viewed online at http://www.god.tv/video/play?video=1069.
Known as the forerunners of the modern worship movement and as one of the industry’s best live bands, Delirious? over the last decade have closed for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, played in front of hundreds of thousands in India, headlined the 2004 Olympic Celebrations at the Omonia Square in Athens, Greece, toured with Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and Matchbox 20, and headlined at SWR3’s Arena of Sound 2004 music festival, where more than 80,000 fans filled the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart, Germany.
Having released 14 albums and selling nearly three million recordings, and with seven Top 40 general market UK chart singles and two Top 30 general market UK chart albums, Delirious? grew out of the UK “Cutting Edge” youth meetings in the early 1990s. Regarded internationally as the galvanizing force that changed the face of worship worldwide, Delirious? members currently have 22 songs on the CCLI charts. With its music being played and sold in over 100 countries, the band has also been honored with two Gospel Music Association International Awards.
Nashville, TN (December 4, 2009) –The UK-based, RIAA Certified Gold-selling, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award winning band Delirious? played its final, farewell concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo Nov. 29. Although sold-out well in advance, fans of Delirious? will be able to see highlights of this historic concert as GOD TV was there and captured exclusive footage to share with its worldwide audience. As part of a full evening of programming to recognize the band’s many achievements, a three-hour “Delirious? Night” is scheduled for broadcast on GOD TV Sunday, Dec. 27 at 9:30 p.m. (EST) with a replay on Monday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. (EST). (Check your local listings.)
As a precursor to a Delirious? farewell live CD/DVD from the London concert scheduled to release in May 2010 from Kingsway, “Delirious? Night” on GOD TV will include footage from the live concert and the network’s youth presenters Chip-K and Emma Owen interviewing the band’s lead vocalist Martin Smith, guitarist Stu G, keyboardist Tim Jupp, bassist Jon Thatcher and drummer Paul Evans, who took over for Delirious? founding member Stew Smith in 2008. The program will also include a video countdown of the Top 10 Delirious? songs of all time, as voted by GOD TV viewers. GOD TV’s potential viewing audience of half-a-billion viewers worldwide is being encouraged to visit the network’s website to choose their favorite track out of 15 songs the band has short-listed. The online poll at www.god.tv/delirious closes on Dec. 15.
“Delirious? was formed in the UK at much the same time as GOD TV was birthed in 1995 and it has been our privilege to feature these anointed worshippers many times over the past 14 years,” said GOD TV co-founder and Director of Television, Wendy Alec. “We at GOD TV want to commend the band members for all they have done and especially for the many lives they have helped bring into the Kingdom of God. I have no doubt their music will continue to impact people across the globe for many years to come.”
GOD TV can be seen from coast-to-coast across the US on channel 365 of DIRECTV, as well as on select local cable stations in cities such as San Francisco. Online viewers can watch at www.god.tv or via video on demand at www.god.tv/god.
In addition to the upcoming live CD/DVD, Delirious? released its History Makers: Greatest Hits CD worldwide last month on Kingsway (Survivor) with EMI CMG Distribution. The album includes the definitive Delirious? songs that inspired a generation of worshippers to live life “out loud,” and that continue to be sung today throughout the world by literally millions of people every week. Included in this collection are such genre defining modern worship classics as “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever,” “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble,” “Majesty,” “My Glorious” and “Shout To The North.”
“This exceptional collection of songs has inspired a generation of worshippers to live life out loud,” says Amazon.com, as NewReleaseTuesday.com rates History Makers: Greatest Hits with five-stars and calls the recording an “utterly spectacular compilation.”
In addition to the History Makers: Greatest Hits CD, Delirious? has compiled a Limited Edition two-CD, 30-song collection and a DVD featuring all 13 of the band’s concept music videos. With both contemporary and worship tracks represented across the two CDs, the band members have also put together a 58-page booklet for History Makers: Greatest Hits (Limited Edition) that charts their journey over the last 17-years. All wrapped in a cardboard slipcase, only 12,000 copies will be available worldwide.
“A true, long-time fan would have already heard these great songs, but to have this final collection is definitely worth it,” says JesusFreakHideout.com, calling Delirious? “one of the greatest worship groups of all time” and going on to “recommend the limited edition package, not just for long-time fans of Delirious?, but for anyone.”
“Between its alternative praise beginnings and stadium-shaking modern rock breakthrough, the band’s left an indelible mark upon younger musicians and is one of the few faith-based bands to truly amass a global following,” adds CCMmagazine.com.
Known as the forerunners of the modern worship movement and as one of the industry’s best live bands, Delirious? over the last decade have closed for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, played in front of hundreds of thousands in India, headlined the 2004 Olympic Celebrations at the Omonia Square in Athens, Greece, toured with Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and Matchbox 20, and headlined at SWR3’s Arena of Sound 2004 music festival, where more than 80,000 fans filled the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart, Germany.
Having released 14 albums and selling nearly three million recordings, and with seven Top 40 general market UK chart singles and two Top 30 general market UK chart albums, Delirious? grew out of the UK “Cutting Edge” youth meetings in the early 1990s. Regarded internationally as the galvanizing force that changed the face of worship worldwide, Delirious? members currently have 22 songs on the CCLI charts. With its music being played and sold in over 100 countries, the band has also been honored with two Gospel Music Association International Awards.
More information about the band can be found at www.delirious.co.uk and www.kingsway.co.uk/survivor.
ollowing its farewell US tour, the UK-based, RIAA Certified Gold-selling, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award winning band Delirious? releases its History Makers: Greatest Hits CD Nov. 6 worldwide and Nov. 17 in the US on Kingsway (Survivor) with EMI CMG Distribution. Known as the forerunners of the modern worship movement and as one of the industry’s best live bands, Delirious? is saying “farewell” throughout the US with a final, two-night event at the Dallas Convention Center Oct. 23-24.
History Makers: Greatest Hits is the definitive Delirious? recording, featuring the songs that inspired a generation of worshippers to live life “out loud,” and that continue to be sung today throughout the world by literally millions of people every week. Included in this collection are such genre defining modern worship classics as “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever,” “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble,” “Majesty,” “My Glorious” and “Shout To The North.”
As the songs traveled across continents providing the soundtrack for Sunday morning church services, Delirious? was delivering its message to millions of fans through thousands of electrifying concerts in auditoriums, theatres and churches worldwide. And that message was always challenging its audiences to be “history makers,” which the band defines as people who look beyond their own needs to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
“The Delirious? story was only ever about responding to whatever it was God was doing through music that abandoned itself to Him,” says the band members collectively as they call a close to the Delirious? journey while staying ever committed to be history makers in God’s story, carrying individually His soundtrack with them.
The full History Makers: Greatest Hits CD track listing follows:
History Maker
Deeper
Raindown
Majesty (Here I Am)
I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble
Shout To The North
Revival Town
Find Me In The River
My Soul Sings
Our God Reigns
Obsession
Lord You Have My Heart
My Glorious
In addition to the History Makers: Greatest Hits CD, Delirious? has compiled a Limited Edition two-CD, 30-song collection and a DVD featuring all 13 of the band’s concept music videos. With both contemporary and worship tracks represented across the two CDs, the band members have also put together a 58-page booklet for History Makers: Greatest Hits (Limited Edition) that charts their journey over the last 16-years. All wrapped in a cardboard slipcase, only 12,000 copies will be available worldwide.
Taking its songs on the road one last time, the band has already sold out concerts across the world. Following the US dates, Delirious? embarks on its final UK tour, with one last sold out performance at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo Nov. 29.
Over the last decade, Delirious? touring highlights have included closing for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, playing in front of hundreds of thousands in India, headlining the 2004 Olympic Celebrations at the Omonia Square in Athens, Greece, touring with Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and Matchbox 20, and headlining at SWR3’s Arena of Sound 2004 music festival, where more than 80,000 fans filled the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart, Germany.
Having released 14 albums and selling nearly three millions recordings, and with seven Top 40 general market UK chart singles and two Top 30 general market UK chart albums, Delirious? grew out of the UK “Cutting Edge” youth meetings in the early 1990s. Regarded internationally as the galvanizing force that changed the face of worship worldwide, Delirious? members currently have 22 songs on the CCLI charts. With its music being played and sold in over 100 countries, the band has also been honored with two Gospel Music Association International Awards.
Delirious? is lead vocalist Martin Smith, guitarist Stu G, keyboardist Tim Jupp, bassist Jon Thatcher and drummer Paul Evans, who took over for Delirious? founding member Stew Smith in 2008.
Nashville, TN (March 31, 2008) – The UK-based, RIAA Certified Gold-selling, globally relevant band Delirious? releases tomorrow its widely praised, eleventh studio album, Kingdom of Comfort. Its first new studio album since the acclaimed 2005 release, Mission Bell, Delirious?’s Kingdom of Comfort questions everything, from cancer to consumerism, “five star” dreams to slums and poverty. It is an album that calls for sacrifice, social justice and love.
Delirious? members share their moving experiences that led to the Kingdom of Comfort recording in their newly designed Delirious? Media Player available today at http://delirious.thewidgetplanet.com/delirious_widget.htm.
The player features video of the band talking about the new album along with video of their travels to some of the poorest countries on earth where they faced encounters with life that made poverty personal and forced hard questions to be asked by each member.
Full songs from Kingdom of Comfort featured on the media player include “God Is Smiling” and the current hit radio single, “We Give You Praise.” The player also includes three additional clips: the album’s title track, “Love Will Find A Way” and “Break the Silence.”
For the first time ever, the player gives fans the opportunity to not only see the video and hear songs from the new album, but place the media player on their blog, MySpace or other social network websites to share with their online visitors. Furthermore, fans will be able to purchase Kingdom of Comfort through the player.
As fans discover the new music for the first time, here is what the critics are already saying about the album:
“The group’s finest work to date, Kingdom of Comfort represents a band musically in its prime… The result is a magnum opus reflecting deep introspection as well as a newfound commitment to compassionate outreach and social justice.” – CCM Magazine
“As champions of the modern worship movement, Delirious? scores again…a great listen and great worship experience. It will have the listener flying above the universe and struggling in the depths of poverty with the least of the kingdoms of the earth. It is here hard rocking, there emotive and always vocally powerful.” – CMSpin
“…sonically adventurous…a collection of new vertical classics from the Brit rockers… There are definite possibilities for joining Our God, I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Majesty and pretty much the rest of the Delirious? catalog as worship classics.” – Lexington Herald-Leader
“…Kingdom Of Comfort makes it easy to see why Delirious? became such a hugely popular group…” – About.com
Following the release of the new album, Delirious? will continue to circumvent the globe to inspire music lovers worldwide and carry on the tradition of spiritually challenging lyrics, while pointing people to see the wonders of what God has done for them. The band has closed for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, played for 1.2 million in India, toured with Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams and more. Receiving its second Gospel Music Association International Award last year, Delirious? traveled to at least 25 countries in 2007 alone, and will travel to Australia, UK and France before coming back to the US May 15 in Kansas City. In addition to the music, Delirious? frontman Martin Smith founded Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. (http://compassionart.co.uk/)
For more than a decade now, RIAA Certified Gold-selling band Delirious? has provided the soundtrack for Sunday morning worship services worldwide. Tracks like “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” and “History Maker” have inspired congregations to lift their hands and praise God with abandon.
But when Sunday morning has come and gone, what does it actually mean to be a Christian the rest of the week? What tangible difference are believers making in a hurting, impoverished world? Do our lives actually reflect what we say is important?
These questions, not to mention the band’s first-hand experiences among the poorest of the poor in India, Cambodia, South Africa and beyond, have inspired Delirious? in unimaginable ways. Simply put, it’s been the fuel for their latest album, Kingdom of Comfort, and the driving force behind how they structure their ministry.
“Playing in places like India makes us think about how we distribute our finances and how we’re living our lives,” Smith says. “It’s imperative that we reach out and be a friend to the poor. That’s the only way that God’s light will shine upon us.”
That particularly timely theme of reaching out to those who have no hope is one that’s urgently communicated in the songs of Kingdom of Comfort, the band’s 12th album.
“Seeing children looking for scraps on the rubbish dump they call homes in Cambodia and the education and feeding projects in the slums of Mumbai really had an impact on us,” says lead guitarist Stu G. “It wasn’t possible to simply proceed with business as usual. We had to ask ourselves, ‘What am I building? A kingdom of comfort? Or a kingdom of heaven?’”
The idea behind Kingdom of Comfort came from a sermon from popular Mars Hill pastor/author Rob Bell. “Rob was talking about the contrasts in the lives of David and his son Solomon,” Smith shares. “David built a kingdom of heaven. And Solomon was more concerned about himself. All the decisions he made regarding intermarrying and wealth led to building a kingdom of comfort. Of course, hearing that makes us ask an obvious but important question: ‘Are we focusing on building our lives with eternal things?’”
Like the old saying goes, though, “actions speak louder than words,” so Smith began considering how he, along with the international Christian music community, could truly make a difference in the world together.
After 18 months of prayer, countless business meetings and careful planning, Smith’s dream came true when the first annual Compassionart conference met in Perthshire, Scotland. In what he described as a “I-can’t-stop-pinching-myself moment,” Smith, along with Stu G, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Israel Houghton and other internationally-respected songwriters teamed up to write songs with 100% of the proceeds from the songs and forthcoming album going to the charities of their choice.
Given everyone’s busy schedules, it would’ve been an impossible feat for many to pull off. But Smith’s passion for helping those in need couldn’t help but resonate with everyone involved.
As anyone who’s listened to a Delirious? album before knows, however, the band had a few new musical tricks up its proverbial sleeve, too. While Smith describes the project as a “step up” from the call-to-action given in 2005’s The Mission Bell thematically, Kingdom of Comfort also marks a new progressive era in the band’s sound. In fact, it’s fair to see that Delirious? has now truly become a guitar band.
Inspired by everyone from Kings of Leon to The Killers to Sigur Ros, tracks like “Give What You Got” and “Eagle Rider” have a decidedly stripped-down, raw sound that meshes well with the album’s insistent message.
With the emphasis on the bread and butter elements of rock ’n’ roll—guitar, bass and drums—rather than incorporating elaborate string arrangements and choirs in the mix, the band was able to translate the frenetic energy of the live concert experience to the studio, giving the album a grittier vibe.
“From a production standpoint, our producer Sam Gibson [Pearl Jam, Crowded House, Hillsongs United, Natalie Imbruglia] kept encouraging us to keep the energy of the live experience rather than overproducing the tracks,” Stu G says. “That deliberate focus made these songs spring to life in an entirely new way.”
While the progression in sound and social justice-minded lyrics are what immediately stand out when listening to Kingdom of Comfort, there’s also plenty of those classic Delirious? moments, replete with soaring choruses that’ll stick in your head for days. Whether it’s the penultimate piano-based track, “All God’s Children” or the gentle strains of “We Give You Praise,” it’s clear that Delirious? remains committed to its worshipful roots. But instead of providing all the answers, the band hopes that listeners will be left with plenty of thought-provoking questions.
“Kingdom of Comfort is a collection of songs inspired by our recent spiritual and physical journeys,” says bassist Jon Thatcher. “Sometimes you get so close to something you can no longer see it for what it is. This record is a journal full of observations, questions and prayers that should leave the listener inspired and inquisitive.”
Delirious? Performs for Millions, But Service in Slums Inspires Call for Social Justice, First New Studio Album Since 2005
Nashville, TN (February 22, 2008) – The UK-based, RIAA Certified Gold-selling, globally relevant band Delirious? returns with their eleventh studio album, Kingdom of Comfort, set to release April 1, 2008 on Sparrow Records. Its first new studio album since the acclaimed 2005 release, Mission Bell, Delirious?’s Kingdom of Comfort questions everything, from cancer to consumerism, “five star” dreams to slums and poverty. It is an album that calls for sacrifice, social justice and love.
Recent tours have taken Delirious? to some of the poorest countries on earth where they’ve faced encounters with life that made poverty personal and forced hard questions to be asked by each member of the band. It sparked a newfound commitment to social justice and compassionate ministry as an outworking of their being drawn ever closer to the Kingdom of God, as opposed to the kingdom of comfort.
Taking their renewed faith, thoughts and questions about these journeys into the studio, the band emerged with an album full of songs that encompass every aspect of highs and lows they faced in their travels.
“We just can’t carry on the same way in any sphere of our lives,” says Delirious? frontman, Martin Smith. “Everywhere you go there’s a shift happening. People are evaluating what’s truly important in life, and I think our new album reflects that urgency.”
“Seeing children looking for scraps on the rubbish dump they call homes in Cambodia and the education and feeding projects in the slums of Mumbai [India] really had an impact on us,” adds lead guitarist Stu G. “It wasn’t possible to simply proceed with business as usual. We had to ask ourselves, ‘What am I building? A kingdom of comfort? Or a kingdom of heaven?’”
With the album’s first radio single, “We Give you praise,” Martin confirms that we are to walk on the road of life and not give up. “We blame the devil for a lot of our troubles, but most of my trouble comes from me, my flesh, the old man. We have been saved from ourselves. That’s the most amazing thing. Left to my own devices I would perish.”
Literature also played a big part in the writing of Kingdom of Comfort, inspiring the songs and the mission. In fact, not only did authors inspire the new album, some have also joined the band in the mission writing stories to encourage charity in conjunction with the new album. Delirious? plans to share these stories with their fans as four authors have been confirmed to participate so far: Graham Cray, Bishop of Maidstone and the chair of the working group who published The Mission Shaped Church; Brian McLaren, author of The Secret Message of Jesus; Craig Borlase, author of The Naked Christian: Taking Off Religion To Find True Relationship; and Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistible Revolution.
“We are made to live for something bigger than ourselves -- this thing we call the Kingdom of God... God's dream for the world,” writes Claiborne. “This is the realm where the last are first and the first are last, where the poor are blessed and the peacemakers are the children of God. This whole Christian thing is not just about going up to heaven after we die, but it is about bringing God’s Kingdom to earth. This is the Gospel that should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
And Delirious? is comfortable playing in front of over a million people, like they recently did in India. It is not as natural for them to travel to the slums and serve food to the poor, but that’s exactly what they did in India. Afterwards, Delirious? arranged for a bus to bring about 40 of the women and children they served food to in the slums to the concert. As the children and their mothers, who were prostitutes, danced and sang at the concert, the band was inspired to write “All God’s Children (Sing Hallelujah),” which is featured on the new album.
Taking these experiences with him, Martin began considering how he, along with the international Christian music community, could truly make a difference in the world together. After 18 months of prayer, countless business meetings and careful planning, Smith’s dreams were realized when the first annual Compassionart conference met in Perthshire, Scotland. In what he described as a “I-can’t-stop-pinching-myself moment,” Smith, along with Stu G, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Israel Houghton and other internationally-respected songwriters teamed up to write songs with 100% of the proceeds from the songs and forthcoming album going to the charities of their choice.
As Compassionart stories are told by numerous media globally, from the Associated Press to the Washington Post to Worship Musician, Delirious? will continue to circumvent the globe to inspire music lovers worldwide. The band has closed for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, played for 1.2 million in India, toured with Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams and more. Receiving its second Gospel Music Association International Award last year, Delirious? traveled to at least 25 countries in 2007 alone, and will hit Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, Detroit, Sacramento, Winston-Salem, and many other cities in the US this year as they carry on the tradition of spiritually challenging lyrics, while pointing people to see the wonders of what God has done for them.
More information about the band can be found at the newly designed www.delirious.co.uk, with even more content available by joining the band’s “Living Room” at www.delirious.co.uk/livingroom.
A message from Stew Smith:
A little over twelve years ago Delirious? set sail on what was to be the most adventurous and exciting journey of my life. Five guys from the small town of Littlehampton – a seaside town only ever made famous by ‘The Body Shop’ - dreamt of one day filling stadiums with the ‘sound of Heaven.’
As I sit and replay the past years I have had so many highlights - so many times when a dream has become a reality - that it seems unreal to be thinking of a different future. But I am, and as of the May 1st 2008, I will embark on a new and exciting journey. I will no longer be the drummer who has seen so many things and loved every minute of life within Delirious?. For me and my family, I am excited about starting a new career and a new future; Smeezer the Designologist will come into the world. I’m going to be taking all of the many experiences I’ve had and the skills I’ve picked up to launch a new creative agency.
I can hear you wanting to know the reasons why. Why would I want to move on? I have found the touring an increasing pressure on both me and my family. We function better as a complete unit than when we are separated for so many months of the year, and I wish to be at home, to be around and be far more local. I wish to develop myself further within the design business world allowing all of the gifting that I have been blessed with to explode out of me.
As you know I have had the chance over the last 12 years to continue developing my previous career within design as Creative Director with Delirious? and Furious? Records. I’m also really looking forward to getting stuck into Church life back home - Arun Community Church has been our home for the past 20years and I cannot wait to see what emerges within a vibrant and dynamic Church. I also feel that I need to push myself; I could so easily continue playing drums within Delirious? and I could see myself in ten years time behind the kit continuing to pull the Stew Smee faces, but feel that I need to make myself vulnerable, allowing God to get a hold of me and sharpen me once again.
I am so excited for Delirious?. A fantastic future lies ahead of them and I will continue to be very much involved, both as a friend and creatively.
Please join me at my last UK show on the 29th of March at the Indigo Club in London and celebrate a journey that I would not have missed for the world. [Stew will be touring with Delirious? in the US through May.]
Thank you to my family, Sarah, Abi and Jemimah for your incredible support and devotion. To my four amazing friends Martin [Smith], Stu G, Jon [Thatcher] and Tim [Jupp] for what can only be described as the ride of a lifetime. And all of you around the world that have not only sung the songs but are decided to a life of being true ‘History Makers.’ I am deeply proud to have been a part of this moment in history.
Love,
Stew Smith
Drummer Delirious?
Messages from the band:
- It’s a bittersweet symphony this life. Playing in a band without the legendary Smeezer is the bitter bit; watching a man define his future is the sweet bit. It's time to retune the orchestra for the next movement.
Go forth and prosper.
Jon Thatcher
- When Stew started talking to us about moving on, I couldn’t imagine having anyone else behind us. Not just for the amazing faces, energetic performances, blood splattered clothing, brilliant drumming and cutting edge design, but also for the stuff you don’t see; the passion, the encouragement, the stamina, the training... also he’s a right laugh!!! He has been the perfect roommate in hotels and the best coffee maker on the tour bus.
I will miss Smeezer! But wholeheartedly support him and wish him every success as he, Sarah and the girls launch into the next phase of life.
Stu G
- For many years my life has been one of glancing to my left to see my brother in law Stew pulling me a face and egging me to press in more. Writing this seems at least a little strange, and at most quite unbelievable. We have walked this walk and talked the talk together for so many years, and to say I will miss Stew so much would only be a gross understatement. The value he has brought to us all with his playing, his creative input and not least of all his passion for life has been something that has helped us all become who we are today.
Stew, I pray that you will know God’s hand upon your life as you move into your future-with much affection -
Tim Jupp
- Change is here to stay someone once said... We do it everyday; we choose to change our deodorant or our mobile telephone contract or simply the way we walk to work. But not all change is easy or enjoyable, especially when it's close to home. In this case especially when your drummer decides to leave the band.
It would be somehow easier if there were a fall out, a change of vision or a sense of relief, but there isn't. In fact the opposite. We are coming to terms with the fact that our brother, friend, creative genius is leaving the band to pursue some new territory and it’s a loss. A big loss.
Even though I've tried on several occasions to talk Stew out of it, somehow deep down we've both known that this is the right move for him and his family. Seasons change and it is apparent to us all that Stew is ready to fly into something new, something great and something divine.
I've often wondered what it must have been like for Stew, to spend hours and hours behind the drum kit looking at my back as I rally the troops with a microphone. But that's what Stew does best; he watches my back and helps me see life in a panoramic way. In fact for 15 years he's watched my back, through tears and laughter, through the highs and lows, through top ten singles and feeding slum kids together.
Life will never quite be the same without Stew on the road. I will miss looking behind me to a man killing his drums like he was at war with powers unseen or just running together on a country track trying to keep up or simply sitting in Starbucks hearing him talk about his kids.
Thank you for being on this part of the journey Stew. We have the stories to tell our grand kids and those stories have only been written because you gave your life to something extraordinary. We are proud to know you, proud to have done life with you, now go and shine and turn the world upside down.
Your friend and brother
Martin Smith
The much anticipated new studio album from Delirious? titled Kingdom of Comfort is slated for release April 1 of 2008. In the meantime, the band is offering an exclusive download of their song "God Is Smiling" from the new album right from their website. Visit
www.delirious.co.uk/livingroom to sign up for the free download and also gain access to more exclusive content and secret tour info! Stay tuned to the website for info regarding the new upcoming album and tour dates!
For more on Delirious? click
HERE
The Mission Bell was released Dec 26, and the critics have lauded the newest album from the UK’s Delirious?:
“The Mission Bell is unafraid to challenge, chide and inspire all at the same time. From cavernous rock anthems full of swagger and scope, to intimate and at times painful confessions of failure and fear, this is worship music with teeth.” –CCM Magazine
“…a soaring Brit-rock worship album and everything you’d expect from the group.” –Worship Leader Magazine
“…fuelled by the unbridled passion of singer Martin Smith…they could be massive.” –Q Magazine
“This is Delirious? doing what they do best-capturing the prophetic heart cry of a generation, setting it to music, and then playing it big and loud.” –Christianity Magazine (UK)
“…a sonic feast that rivals their best work…”–Worship Musician
“The most diverse they've ever been, with a sound recalling Radiohead one moment, straight-up rock with a gospel choir the next, all with elements of a stripped-down, singer-songwriter feel… They still do what they do best—worship.” –Christianity Today (4.5 out of 5 Star review)
“Ten years on, front man Martin Smith has a knack for writing words and melodies that end up on the lips of a million people.” –Relevant Magazine
“The Mission Bell rings out with a defiant note of faith in these troubled times. It will surely resonate in the hearts of tens of thousands.” –crossrhythms.com.uk (10 out of 10 Bars)
“Once again, Delirious? manages to set a standard…” –CMCentral.com
“There is much to enjoy in The Mission Bell that could well deliver the band a new army of worshippers.” – indieLondon
“…raw passion…we’ve been aching for more of this sort of solid worship music...” –SoulShine Magazine (5 out of 5 Star review)
“Delirious? delivers a stellar collection of rock songs on The Mission Bell… that combines exciting music with deeply religious lyrics that lift one body, mind, and soul toward our Creator.” – Group Magazine’s MinistryandMedia.com
Delirious? members traveled to South Africa early this December to celebrate band mate Tim Jupp’s birthday, raise AIDS awareness and spread hope among Durban street children. The band also played for more than 20,000 fans in five concerts in South Africa. The tour took them to Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Pretoria.
The birthday bash Dec. 1 in Durban was full of balloons, party hats, music, dance, food, friendship and ministry. Smiling faces in awe took in the splendor of the celebration, many eating for the first time in days.
“For us, and for the children this day had been just a very small oasis in what for South Africa is an overwhelming problem. The party in itself was great but I knew there was more to this day than just this,” says Tim. “It was about giving them a great time, but it was also about raising funds back home that would further help the work on an ongoing basis to help bring value to these children's lives and to help re-establish them into community. I also discovered too, that this day was about me changing, as there was no way any of us guys in the band will go home without being deeply affected by this experience.”
Money was raised for the event through gifts from Tim’s friends and fans. He sent out invitations for his birthday, informing his guests that they were not actually invited to a party, but instead were invited to give any money they would have spent on gifts and traveling expenses to go towards throwing a party for the children of Durban and the ministry established in South Africa.
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.
“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,” says Tim. “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.”
For more information about the ministry team in Durban visit: www.umthombo.org.
Known as the galvanizing force that changed the face of worship and for its compelling live performances that took them into 23 countries last year alone, Delirious? speaks directly to the Church through The Mission Bell, releasing Dec. 26 on Sparrow Records. Delivering a call of action to all believers, there is a sense of urgency, a challenge to the Church to quit talking about what it believes and to take action with all it’s been given. American audiences will be witness to this sentiment as the band tours the U.S. in April.
