MercyMe to perform April 4 at Ford Center Christian Music

MercyMe to perform April 4 at Ford Center

March 31, 2009 – 9:22 am

These days, the number 10 has multiple significance for the popular Christian rock band MercyMe.
MercyMe
It’s been 10 years since the group’s song “I Can Only Imagine” was released, springing to the top of the music charts and providing the band with an inspirational crossover hit.

“It has stood the test of time,” MercyMe guitarist Barry Graul said during a recent telephone interview.

In celebration of the song’s anniversary, fans can see the Dove Award-winning group in concert for a recession-savvy $10.

Plus, MercyMe has just released a compilation of 10 of its No. 1 hits on an album appropriately called “10.”

MercyMe, which has Oklahoma ties, is bringing its “Rock and Worship Road Show” to the Ford Center on April 4. Recording artists touring with the group include Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road.

Graul said the response to the first concerts on the tour has been fantastic. The tour started earlier this month in Billings, Mont., and then went to Seattle.

Graul said the band hoped the low admission price would allow families to come together for a night of music and worship. The concert also is a fundraiser to help children with juvenile diabetes through “Imagine a Cure,” a nonprofit organization that supports research that will lead to a cure for the disease.

Bart Millard, the group’s front man, shared similar sentiments in a prepared statement about the concert.

“We all wanted to be able to bring some family-friendly and Christ-centered entertainment that will uplift people and not break the bank. We are really excited to get out on the road with all of these acts,” Millard said.

Graul, 47, said the idea for the low-priced, tickets-at-the-door concert came from NewSong’s Winter Jam. That event, created by Christian recording group NewSong, annually features a long lineup of Christian recording artists from a variety of musical styles.

Graul said once the tour idea was formed, MercyMe chose the lineup looking in particular for people and groups who “are up-and-coming.”

He said they think they did just that with the “Rock and Worship” groups, and fans should be pleased.

Song still resonates
“I Can Only Imagine” was written by a then-19-year-old Millard after his father died of cancer.
The song quickly climbed the Christian and county music charts after its 1999 release. It became a crossover classic, reaching No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary charts and No. 25 on the Top 40/Hot Adult Contemporary charts.

The latest album, “10,” includes a new recording of “I Can Only Imagine” with the London Symphony Orchestra. The companion DVD includes an inside glimpse of the story behind the song.

Graul said every member of the band — Millard, Robby Shaffer (drums), Mike Scheuchzer (guitar), Nathan Cochran (bass) and Jim Bryson (keyboard) — is aware that the song continues to resonate with people.

“Songs like that kind of take over,” he said.

“It’s still exciting to play it and know that it’s doing a healing work.”

While “Imagine” has proved its endurance, Graul said the band was pleased to find that several of its new songs, featured as bonus tracks on the “10” album, also are gathering momentum with fans.

He said the group has been ending its concerts with “God With Us,” a new anthem-type song, and many people in the audience have proved they know the words by singing along.

“It’s unbelievable every night,” Graul said.

He said the current tour ends in April, and then the band will prepare for the fall release of a new album.

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still? Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing ‘Hallelujah!’? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!”

Christian Music Online