Farewell Show: Live In London by Delirious?

Reviewed by Peter Timmis

Last November, after 17 years of service, one of the most successful and influential Christian bands of all time played their last ever concert in front of a sell-out crowd at London's prestigious HMV Hammersmith Apollo. Video cameras were on hand to capture the event and this brilliantly presented film available on DVD or Blu-Ray is the result. Delirious? turn in an energetic and emotional performance complete with stunning visuals and costume changes and there are no complaints to be made about the choice of songs - it's the perfect Delirious? set. Highlights are a joyous rendition of "Rain Down" where Martin Smith bounces around the stage clearly having the time of his life and Stu G wrestles sounds from his guitar that you would not think possible from one man. This is followed by a storming version of "Deeper" where a beaming Smith lets the audience take over vocal duties - if you weren't already kicking yourself for not being there you will be by now! Another great moment is when the band's former drummer Stew Smith joins his old pals to perform a pounding double drum kit assault on "Investigate". The group end the show with an emotional encore of "My Soul Sings" and "History Maker"; not many who were there that night could have imagined that the song, which was never released as a single in the band's lifetime, would be crashing into the pop charts just a few months later. Also included on the DVD is footage of the inspired support slot by Delirious?'s earlier incarnation, The Cutting Edge Band. The group perform in front of a simple backdrop wearing outfits from the period (bassist Jon Thatcher even turns back time with a terrible wig). Their set features stunning renditions of "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" and "Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble". A bonus feature on the disc is an enjoyable documentary providing a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road with Delirious?. A great package and a fitting end to an incredible career.