MUMBAI: UK-based band Delirious?, which has won several awards like the Dove Award (highest award in gospel music) RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) award and a Grammy nomination have announced that they would be taking a break from recording and touring after 2009.

Known as one of the industries best live bands, Delirious? will keep its commitments through 2009, continuing to inspire music lovers worldwide while carrying on its tradition of spiritually challenging lyrics and pointing people to see the wonders God. Delirious? in the past had also come to India on two occasions and played for their fans in Banglore, Pune and Mumbai. In addition to their concerts in India, the band spent time visiting the slums of Mumbai and serving meals to children's.

The decision for the band to take a break from touring and recording was sparked by lead vocalist Martin Smith's request to be released from the band to pursue his work with CompasssionArt
(www.compassionart.co.uk) and to be at home with his wife Anna and children's. After traversing the world for more than a decade, the band honored this request and made a decision together to end this chapter of their lives. Delirious? is regarded internationally as the galvanizing force that changed the face of worship worldwide and currently has 14 songs on the CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing
International) charts, including classics as 'I Could Sing of Your Love Forever', 'Shout To The North', 'Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble' and 'Majesty'. Having released 14 albums and sold nearly three millions recordings, their music is played and sold in over 100 countries.

Over the last decade, Delirious? has closed for the Pope in front of millions in Germany, played in front of thousands in India and even headlined at the 2004 Olympic Celebrations in Athens. As a band, they toured with internationally acclaimed artistes like Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and Matchbox 20. Their recent tours took them to some of the poorest countries on earth where they faced encounters with life that forced each band member to question things spiritually. It sparked a newfound commitment to social justice and compassionate ministry. A letter posted by the band on their official website says "We want to make it absolutely clear that although this decision has been extremely difficult, we are still great friends and our respect for each other is unquestionable. We love playing in this band together and know that even though 2009 will bring an end to this current journey, there will be more adventures together in years to come." The band grew out of the UK 'Cutting Edge' youth meetings in the early 1990s and was introduced to the American audience with its Gold-selling album, Cutting Edge (1998), sparking the huge radio hit 'Deeper' followed by the hit single 'Rain Down'.

Delirious? comprises lead vocalist Martin Smith, guitarist Stu G, keyboardist Tim Jupp, bassist Jon Thatcher and drummer Paul Evans. Original band member and drummer Stew Smith left the band in May, but still remains an integral part of the history of Delirious?.