Louder Than The Music

In 1992, a small church in the south of England begun a youth event called Cutting Edge. Producer/engineer Martin Smith (vocals and guitars) teamed up with studio owner Tim Jupp (keyboards) and graphic designer Stew Smith (drums) to provide the music for the events in Littlehampton. The youth event quickly grew and before long the 'Cutting Edge Band', as they were known, made a name for themselves as the most exciting band on the UK Christian scene.

Over the next couple of years the band released a number of mini albums, imaginatively titled Cutting Edge 1,2,3 and Fore, and sold them from the back of their car after the youth events. By now they were joined by Stu G (guitars) and Jon Thatcher (bass). Then on August 30th 1995, Martin and Jon were driving home from a gig in the early hours of the morning when just minutes from home they was involved in a serious car accident. Jon escaped unhurt but Martin nearly died, having to be cut free of the car before being taken to hospital.

Whilst in hospital Martin reconsidered his future, and after discussions with the rest of the band they all decided to give up their day jobs and go full time with the band. In 1996 they renamed themselves Delirious? and started a new and incredible journey. The following year they released the critically acclaimed album King Of Fools, which set the ball rolling on a career that at times would cross over into the 'secular world'. Breaking new ground they released a string of singles into the mainstream charts. Deeper and Promise both entered the charts at number 20, TV apperances and air play on Radio 1 followed, signaling that Delirious? were here to stay.

For many it was 1999's Mezzamorphis album that really saw Delirious? make their mark on the world. This crossover album bridged the Christian and Secular music scenes like never before. Whilst considered controversial by some, due to its more mainstream oriented lyrics, it retained the bands core beliefs and brought with it further chart success in the form of Its Ok and See The Star, which peaked at number 16. The band even performed at the legendary Glastonbury Festival.

In 2000 the band returned to its more worship oriented roots with Glo, before again delving into the mainstream with Audio Lessonover in 2001. That same year Delirious? were asked to be the support band on Bon Jovi's UK stadium tour. A year later they again took on a major supporting role, this time for Bryan Adam's UK tour.

World Service brought an intense set of new songs in 2003, including Majesty and Rain Down which quickly established themselves as permanent fixtures in the band's live set list. The album also went down a storm in Germany, with singles Inside Outside and Every Little Thing gaining Delirious? a run of seven weeks in the German charts. The Mission Bell (2005) continued the musical theme, and saw Delirious? perform in front of the Pope and an audience of over one million people at the World Youth Day.

Kingdom Of Comfort was released in 2008 and was to be the bands final ever studio album. That year was one of change for the band. First, drummer Stew Smith announced his intention to leave the band, to be replaced by Paul Evans. Then just a few months later Delirious? announced they would be ending the band at the end of 2009. But first there was still time for the release of the incredible My Soul Sings Live CD/DVD, recorded in front of 15,000 South Americans in Bogota, Colombia.

As the band entered their final year together, 2009 brought with it the ultimate Delirious? package, History Makers - The Greatest Hits. A Farewell Tour was also lined up, giving the band an opportunity to say goodbye to the fans who had followed them on their historic 17 year journey.


See also our recent exclusive interview with Delirious? lead singer Martin Smith.