Tourin' on a prayer: it's big break time (Christian Herald)
Last modified: 05 Apr 2001
Source: Christian Herald
Author: Russ Bravo
Date: 05 Apr 2001
SINCE the memorable Wembley Praise Day in the late Nineties, Delirious? have rather enjoyed stadiums.
Now they're set for five of the UK's biggest in their June support slot to veteran AOR rockers Bon Jovi -- and guitarist Stuart Garrard (or Stu G to the faithful) is relishing the opportunity:
"It's fantastic. It's the first time we'll have toured as a support act but it's going to be great exposure. Basically we've got 35 minutes to get everyone's attention, so we'll be going out with all guns blazing."
The breakthrough came about after manager Tony Patoto made enquiries with the Bon Jovi management after hearing about the tour. Singer Jon Bon Jovi gave the band's music the thumbs up and the Sussex-based five piece were in. They'll be opening up each concert, followed by second support act Matchbox 20, which features the vocalist from Santana's US number one Smooth last year.
The timing for Delirious? is superb, with their new single Waiting for the Summer released just days before the tour begins.
Stu G anticipates some of the new material getting an airing, plus the best of the rest. "The idea is that we get lots of Delirious? fans along to the gigs, too. One of the reasons that we got the slot was because they knew we could draw a crowd from our own fanbase."
It's going on five years since the band went full-time with the aim of breaking into the mainstream with their anthemic songs -- and hopes are high in the D: camp that 2001 could be the year things really take off. Is the passion still as strong?
"Absolutely," says Stu G. "We've never been in a better place spiritually or musically. Everything feels good and solid.
"The new material we're recording at the moment has more of a live feel. There are still some huge rock-out songs, but some of the sound is a little more intricate and intimate. We're still totally committed to getting the music out there."
Some had seen the band's release of Glo last year -- majoring on worship songs for the Church -- as something of a retreat, but according to Stu "it was just a matter of obedience".
"While in the UK, some thought it was a step back, in the US their reaction was 'this is the one we've been waiting for'."
And talking of the US, the band are taking their wives and children on their latest tour of the States this month. "I'm a dad during the day and onstage at night," chuckles Stu.
Summer's nearly here -- and it could be a d:light.