Concert Reviews

Venue: Shepherds Bush Empire, London
Author: Dave Wood
Date: 20 Dec 1999

A cold wintry night, just 5 days before Christmas and on the eve of a new millennium. That was the setting as Delirious? rocked London's Shepherds Bush Empire. From the outset it was clear that this was to be a back-to-basics gig. The band had left the video screen and fancy effects of past tours at home, and instead relied on their music to entertain. The fans were not disappointed. Kicking into life with "Bliss" quickly followed by the catchy "Gravity", Delirious? soon had the crowd jumping. For the first time in many a year they were treated to a full version of the Cutting Edge favourite "Did You Feel the Mountains?" just to emphasise that the band's faith remains central to all they do. As the song "Follow" began, singer Martin Smith continued his rather alarming trend of jumping into the crowd saying he needed to be 'closer to the people'. The year's chart success "See The Star" was met with loud applause before the fans settled down to hear new song "Show Me Heaven", complete with the now obligatory Stu G. solo piece. With a quick introduction Delirious? floated into the emotional "Its OK", destined to be their next attempt at taking the main stream charts by storm.

Continuing the mellow theme, a chorus of "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "Sanctify" then "Kiss Your Feet" brought a sea of arms from stage through to balcony. Pushing the tempo and volume up a notch or two Delirious? launched into the epic "I'm Not Ashamed" and the strongest song of their current album "Heaven". The moody "Metamorphis" and "Blindfold" lead into fans favourite "History Maker" which was accompanied, or maybe led, by a boisterous crowd in exceptional voice. As the band left the stage there was never any doubt they'd be back for an en-core.

They returned with "Mezzanine Floor" and then the classic "Deeper" (spoilt only by a fan deciding to jump on stage only to be wrestled away by security). The finale saw Martin Smith don a sequined jacket as "All The Way" finished off the night. As Littlehampton's finest left the stage for the final time in the 90's, the d:fans poured out into the cold London streets happy in the knowledge that their beloved heroes would continue flying the flag well into the next millennium.

VERDICT: A fantastic mix of old and new songs - Delirious? at their finest.