6:00pm, the doors were opened, and everyone was body to body as we seeped into the sanctuary, until it was completely full with a couple thousand d:fans. My eyes were darting anxiously to spy their first glance of the beloved d:boys.

7:00pm Matt Redman was to open up for them, and did a fabulous job. His worshipful music was completely apropos and a perfect beginning for the show. But though he is such a powerful worship leader I couldn’t seem to get my mind off of what I knew would be coming next…When his team had picked up and left the stage my heart started racing…I would be seeing the faces of my very favourite band in just moments. (Those moments turned into minutes and because of my intense anxiety, this wait, another 15 minutes…seemed to be an eternity)

Then…the moment came…Delirious ran onto the stage in an upheaval to the quiet this place had undergone just moments before. Their bashing entrance of ‘Deeper 2000’ gave an immediate feeling of energy and excitement. The illumination beaming from the stage was spectacular…glo(w)ing from each of their faces…their smiles…and their hearts. Suddenly everyone was dancing, cheering, singing and just having a total blast! I was stoked beyond words and through the entire show was dancing my booty off, yelling at the very top of my lungs, clapping and flailing my arms about, singing my heart out and enjoying every last second of it! (Needless to say the next few days my muscles and throat were quite sore!)
 

Now, Delirious? apparel, (I can’t leave this one out) their striking wardrobe has always been an eye catch for me. Odd to the naked eye of most, yet intriguing to those who have a real taste for anything stylish and different…I was in the preceding category.  Each one of them had a different look, though seemed to blend with the others perfectly. Tim Jupp, and his cowboy hat, jeans patched w/ all sorts of fun stuff, sunglasses and button up shirt which at least in my view matched not even slightly with anything else he had on!

Jonnyboy Thatcher’s, cooler-than-most, not to mention a little more normal attire, sunglasses and all…fit this bass players style. Stew Schmee, no doubt was wearing a tank top as usual, thus revealing his nicely shaped arms. He definitely had the drummers air about his clothing, and my personal favourite part was his crazy sunglasses. Stu G was the most wacky of them all…w/ his Hawaiian designed black and white and pink (yes that’s right pink) flowery pants, his high heeled shoes…w/ jacket and shirt to match the pants…yet, the design being so different you would be hard pressed to find much of anything but a clash, though not to mention quite a jazzy effect. Suitable indeed, for this well-liked, guitarist’s fashion.

Now Martin, I’ve finally come to Martin. Saving him for last because of his many changing garments. At first he came out in a sailors outfit…white bell-bottoms, striped shirt…all the works…though there was a small catch to his sailors garb…he had a feathered boa about his shoulders! I personally liked this effect! Without this seemingly out-of-place addition, he would have been all too normal for the rock star he is, and would have been the one who didn’t seem to fit into this band of crazy wear. Later on, he wore a suit as well, and of course…

During the show, I would say close to the middle…we were all surprised to see Delirious finding their way backstage like the gig was over. Then the lights turned out and the video of Delirious on a merry-go-round playing an acoustic version of 'Revival Town' was what came of our demanding for more. (Very funny! Laughter provoking!)  Most everyone in the crowd had a puzzled look upon their faces…I couldn’t tell how many of us were just confused, and how many possessed the mysterious thought that something else was soon to come (which of the groups I was in, is undisclosed…ha!).  Suddenly the crowd is in an uproar as Delirious come booming back in with their encore! Continuing the song live and each w/ a new look…. each wearing their own self-titled, sporty t-shirts! This was, to say the least, a pleasant surprise!

The worshipful part of the show was powerful and the venue about the crowd was awe-inspiring as thousands of people in unison “joined the angels” in singing praises to God. Martin in his nobility announced that the real reason we were all joined together was, not for his glory, nor for the glory of the band, but for the glory of our Creator. One of my favourite parts of the show was when we all clasped hands and rose them over our heads in a “sacrifice of praise” to the Lord. His presence was there, He filled that sanctuary, and He filled our hearts. This wasn’t just a place to enjoy good music, it wasn’t just a time to have fun, though all of that was part of it, it was a place and a time and a devotion to God. And as we sang ‘Revival Town’, so were many hearts revived in that room.

The videos and lights took a magical part in the vibe, creating an atmosphere perfectly suitable to every song. Comprising an entertaining, innovative, one of a kind show, an obvious work of many talented minds. Each of the boys was an addition to the greatness of the show. All energetic, and seemingly happily enjoying themselves and having as much fun as their screaming fans were. I really, really liked the air about them. The way they involved the crowd, Martin was always talking to us, and taking note of the comments he heard. And his “Heather Locklear changed our lives!” jokes (from the Bon Jovi tour) were what had me cackling the most! He would turn his mic around and let us sing w/out his participants which actually brings me to just about my favourite part…when we knew the words without him, when we would sing them without help…Martin had this look on his face like he was so encouraged by that, like he was thrilled to death that we knew the lyrics of these songs, even well enough to sing without his guidance. And you could just see this joy upon his face. Ah, the face of Martin Smith as he sings…it is indescribable. The only words to explain it would be that, he makes it so apparent that he is in love w/ his King.

During the show, much to my amazement and very much to my delight….streaming onto the stage came the wives and children of the boys! I was thrilled beyond words. Seeing the kids shyly peaking into this crowd, who had joined to see their daddies play. These proud fathers sang one song while they were present, before excusing them for “bedtime”. After they left the stage Martin remarked quite enthusiastically “Didn’t they rock?”…I am sure everyone agreed!

Ok now here’s the setlist. I personally was really happy w/ it because of the fact that I had never been to a show; it was a very nice mix:

Intro***

Deeper

Romance

History Maker

Mountains

Everything***

Glorious

Thank You For Saving Me

I Could Sing

Show Me Heaven

Heaven

Sanctify***

Obsession***

Not Ashamed***

Revival Town***

Bliss

Happy Song

Investigate***

(Without too much more of my utter verbosity:) After the show, I got my copy of Purepop? signed. When approaching the table I could see D:boys beautiful smiles beaming out; they seemed just as happy and excited to meet us as we were them. In fact Martin was so anxious to meet us that instead of rushing to sign his name he didn’t bother until he shook our hands first. They were friendlier than I could have imagined, and not quite shy to do as they wished. Let me explain (I can’t help sharing what still has me laughing), when my book got passed down to Tim, instead of signing around his picture like the rest of them had, he wrote his name SMACK DAB in the middle of his face!

Then he turned to Jon who was sitting next to him w/ a smirk of: I-am-so-darn-funny-to-have-done-that! Hahaha! ( I am guessing the pic’ wasn’t much to his liking…and confess its not really one of my fav’s either!) I wont elaborate too much on this part of the night, but it happened that I (by request) received a hug from both Martin and Stew. Which was a perfect end to a perfect night.

To conclude my ramblings, I want to comment by saying that Delirious? as individuals, and as a band, are definitely at their very best live! And the echoing words of Martin made me glad to be part of this awesome experience: “Sacramento you never disappoint us!"

Vive la Delirious! May they rock the world with the gospel!