News 2002

The previously untold story of Delirious?'s first ever tour of South Africa, which took place back in October of this year, has emerged in a new press release from Furious Records? in the USA. During the tour, Delirious? performed four concerts covering the cities of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and were greeted by a combined audience of nearly 11,000 fans.

Describing the success of the tour, Delirious?'s manager Tony Patoto says in the press release: "Personal reaction to the band was overwhelming. Numerous fans told us of how Delirious? has been their greatest artist influence." During their visit Delirious? also took time between concerts to visit orphaned children in the HopeHiv care home in Soweto. The band have been regular supporters of the HopeHiv charity since they ran the London Marathon in 2000 to raise funds for the care home.

After the visit, band member Tim Jupp explained the South African situation. "It is unbelievable, the need is so great. The number of children orphaned by AIDS in South Africa equals the total number of children in the UK. Many are living in communities where up to 90% of the adult population has contracted HIV/AIDS and many of these children have themselves contracted the AIDS virus. As bleak as this sounds, it is quite remarkable the love and the hope these children have when we talk to them."