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So the World Service UK Tour has now come to an end, and what a fantastic tour it was too! I haven't yet mentioned the London gig which I also attended. Whenever possible I always like to go to at least two gigs on a tour, mainly because I find it impossible to take everything in the first time. When there's a video screen I find myself so busy watching that at the first gig, that I forget to enjoy the music. So going twice gives you the chance to see and hear everything.

The Shepherds Bush Empire has to be one of my favourite venues. The hundred year-old building is drenched in history and superb architecture, and by the end of the night it's always drenched in sweat and an amazing atmosphere! It was the sixth time I'd been to the SBE to see Delirious? play, and every time I've been amazed by what a great place it is. Downstairs is very 'compact', with a crowded floor area which turns into one big mosh pit. Further back, alongside the bar, is a raised section where those fans who don't want to get too squashed can get a pretty decent view. Upstairs there are several balconies, providing superb views of the stage. Where ever you choose to watch the gig, the sense of intimacy and adrenaline is huge.

In 'the wings' backstage, the walls are plastered with posters of bands who have performed there in the past, showing just how popular the venue has been over the years. Artists such as Radiohead, The Kinks, Primal Scream, Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow and Cyndi Lauper all feature on the 'trophy wall'. As the band waited to go on stage, I jokingly asked Jon Thatcher why there was no poster of Delirious? on the wall. He agreed that there should be, "we've played here enough times!" he said.

I turned up to London just as the band were finishing a few interviews with various websites and media people. In the Delirious? dressing room, Jon's Mum & Dad chat away to pop star Daniel Bedingfield. Talk about surreal and sublime. With their duties over, at least for now, Delirious? settle down in the dressing room to watch the second half of the England match on TV. When the football finishes, Delirious? turn their attention to me. Or rather, to my questions, as I start my interview with them. Don't worry, you haven't missed it - the Delirious.org.uk exclusive d: interview is arriving on the website tomorrow!

Anyway, enough about London, that's old news already. As I said at the start, the tour has now finished and Delirious? are taking a well earned rest. Having just done 10 concerts in 12 days, they probably need it! It's the school half-term holidays in the UK this week, so no doubt the band are enjoying time off at home with their families. It's a full month till they next take to the stage with a mini 4-date US Tour in November.

By the way, it's been said that some of my postings in this blog sound like I'm bragging. My apologies if that's how any of it comes across. I try to give other fans an insight into the life of Delirious? that doesn't normally get seen. I don't think I'm giving anything away that the band wouldn't want people to know (I'll save the blackmail material for another time!). I realise how privileged I am to be able to see backstage and behind the scenes, and I very much appreciate Delirious? allowing me to tag along. Hopefully by sharing some of these experiences other fans can also learn a little more about Delirious?