This was the first time I’ve attended the Revelation Generation festival, which is historically held on the Friday and Saturday before Labor Day. I’ve always been interested in the lineup of artists, but my family tends to be busy that weekend. Thankfully, I was able to attend the entire Friday night session this year, and hopefully, I’ll be able to attend both days next year. I got the privilege to see several artists I’ve always wanted to see in concert on Friday, 9/4/09, starting with up-and-coming worship band, The Glorious Unseen.

Once a representative from Tooth & Nail Records stumbled upon a recording of lead singer Ben Crist’s original songs, he knew this was worship music that would resonate with a unique audience. Now, as the group The Glorious Unseen, Ben and his band, which includes guitarist Ryan Stubbs, bassist Ben Harms, drummer Jon Todryk and pianist Patrick Copeland, have written a new collection of authentic reflections on the ups and downs of the Christian life, The Hope That Lies In You. Serving as an anthem to the questioning soul is the first song they played at Rev Gen, “Heavyhearted,” the album’s first single that mixes a happy, melodic sound with pensive, thought-provoking lyrics.

They continued their set, maintaining a worshipful atmosphere, with “Sustain,” “All Around” and “Falling Into You." Ben displayed a sincere and relatable singing style that really resonated with me as I sang along with the songs. The band continued with their cover of “How He Loves,” which had the crowd all raising their arms in worship and closed with “The Hope That Lies In You.” The Glorious Unseen is one of my new favorite bands, and they are great in concert so I highly recommend checking them out.

After briefly meeting up with the guys from The Glorious Unseen to talk to them about "Heavyhearted" for my "Behind The Song" devotional series, I got to catch the end of Matthew West’s set, which closed out with the songs “More,” “You Are Everything,” “Only Grace” and his #1 hit song “The Motions.” Matthew gave a great testimony at the end of his concert as well.


Finally, the opportunity had come to see Delirious? on their farewell tour. Their story started in 1992, when 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 a local event for young people. The blend of Smith’s open-hearted lyrics with the rest of the band’s homegrown delivery made immediate sense to those who saw it first hand. With drummer Stew Smith leaving the band, it gradually emerged that the rest of the band members had new avenues to pursue on their own. Paul Evans stepped up to take over from Stew, and last year the announcement was made official: Delirious? would be taking no more bookings and finally calling it a day at the end of 2009.

Delirious? is one of the pioneers of the modern worship movement. Since 1997’s Cutting Edge, I have greatly enjoyed the Brit-Rock music and worshipful lyrics of Delirious?. “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever,” “My Glorious” and “Majesty” have become staples in church services, and as a long-time fan of fellow British rockers U2, Coldplay, Radiohead and worship leader Matt Redman, I have eagerly anticipated every album by Delirious?.

Delirious? began their set with “God Is Smiling” from Kingdom Of Comfort, a great modern worship anthem that had the crowd of several thousand people jumping up and down which led to the all-time great song “Rain Down.” I couldn’t stop smiling and clapping my hands and singing at the top of my lungs with this amazing song and band. They kept the upbeat tempo with “Love Will Find A Way” and “Solid Rock,” which had the crowd all clapping in unison with “On Christ the Solid Rock we will stand...all other ground is sinking sand."

Next came the great songs “My Soul Sings” and “Majesty,” two of the most sincere and worshipful songs I’ve ever heard and what an amazing opportunity to worship Jesus! I was literally blown away and then they played “History Maker,” which had the lyrics to the song on the screens as headlines on newspaper clippings. During the song Martin explained the application of what it means to live out the gospel: “...to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace. What I’m interested in seeing you do is share your food and feed the hungry.”

They continued with “Paint The Town Red” from The Mission Bell and closed with “Investigate” from Glo. I have always wanted to see this legendary band live, and it was one of the most amazing worship experiences I’ve ever had at a concert. Delirious? will be sorely missed, but their impact on Christian music will last forever.


As if the experience wasn’t amazing enough, I got the chance to meet the whole band in person and interview Stu G. and Martin Smith about “My Soul Sings.” Ben Crist and Ben Harms from The Glorious Unseen came with me to meet the guys from Delirious? and told the band what an impact they’ve had on their band. I can’t say enough about the opportunity to see Delirious?. If they are coming anywhere near you, drop everything and go worship with these amazing guys!