Delirious? announces new drummer

|PIC1|The gold-selling, globally relevant band Delirious? has released its most critically acclaimed album so far, Kingdom of Comfort, on April 1 (to release internationally April 14), and announced its new drummer to take them forward, Paul Evans.

After more than 12 years together as a band, Stew Smith let fans know in February that he would be leaving the quintet that includes lead vocalist Martin Smith, guitarist Stu G, keyboardist Tim Jupp, and bassist Jon Thatcher.

Helping the band choose his replacement, Stew said, "Paul is, in my opinion, one of, if not the, best drummer in our scene. He has passion, sensitivity, finesse and power. Most of all I love Paul for his heart, and that is the thing that will be evident when you meet him. He always has time for you, always has time to laugh and joke and these are the qualities you need to survive on the road."

A natural choice for the band, Evans stepped in for Stew on the band's tour of the U.S. in 2006, but his history with the band goes back even further. Evans explains, "My earliest memory of Delirious? was back in the days before they were even Delirious?. They used to do their Cutting Edge events in my school hall."

Evans grew up in Littlehampton [England], and went full time as a drummer in 2004. In just a few years, he has notched a solid resume that includes tracks on over 40 professional albums, including projects by Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Ben Cantelon, Graham Kendrick, One Hundred Hours, Brenton Brown and Cathy Burton.

"It's a real privilege taking over for Stew," Evans says. "He was a very big influence on me as I was learning; at one point I played exactly like him: the same fills and even buying the same Pearl piccolo snare! I'm going to have to get in shape to play with the same energy that Stew plays with, but I'll probably stop short of the triathlons though!"

"I'm so proud of the things that Paul has already achieved but I'm more excited about the fresh new dynamics he will bring to Delirious?," adds Stew.

"There's nobody else we'd have covering our backs and beats," says Stu G. "Evans has the skills, the passion and the heart to take us on. We're looking forward to our future together."

Delirious?, currently on tour in Australia, will be touring the world in support of its eleventh studio album, Kingdom of Comfort, an album that questions everything, from cancer to consumerism, "five star" dreams to slums and poverty. It is an album that calls for sacrifice, social justice and love.

Having received acclaim from CCM Magazine, Lexington Herald-Leader, CMSpin, About.com, and many more, the raving reviews keep coming:

"Kingdom of Comfort is yet another homerun for Delirious, with amped up modern rock production, some challenging lyrics meant to inspire social action, and more stirring songs of worship." - ChristianMusicToday.com (4.5 out of 5 star review)

"Not content with simply setting the standard for worship in the church world-wide, Delirious? continues to push us forward musically and spiritually with the Kingdom of Comfort......this album is as fiery and robust musically as it is lyrically." - CMCentral.com (5 out of 5 star review)

"Most bands are fortunate to make one landmark record in their careers... with the release of Kingdom of Comfort, they have achieved a rare trifecta." - Soul-Audio.com (9.5 out of 10 review)

"This disc is the sound of purpose resurrected and their best new disc for years. More importantly, if their influence continues as it has in the past, it could radically shake up the 'praise and worship' genre, giving it the practical, biblical earthing for which it is desperate. Welcome back, boys!" - tollbooth.org (4.5 out of 5 review)

As the critics continue to rave, fans can receive an inside look at the new album as Delirious? members share music and video detailing their moving experiences that led to the Kingdom of Comfort recording in their newly designed Delirious? Media Player available at delirious.thewidgetplanet.com/delirious_widget.htm.

Delirious? continues to circumvent the globe to inspire music lovers worldwide and carry on the tradition of spiritually challenging lyrics, while pointing people to see the wonders of what God has done for them.

The band has closed for the Pope in front of a million people in Germany, played for 1.2 million in India, toured with Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams and more. Receiving its second Gospel Music Association International Award last year, Delirious? travelled to at least 25 countries in 2007 alone, and will travel to Australia, UK and France before coming back to the US May 15 in Kansas City.

In addition to the music, Delirious? frontman Martin Smith founded Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. (compassionart.co.uk/)

More information about the band can be found at www.delirious.co.uk, with even more content available by joining the band's "Living Room" at www.delirious.co.uk/livingroom.