In our series we ask well known artists to pinpoint their most memorable live performance. This issue we spoke to STEVE PARSONS.
There have been great gigs for different reasons. Playing a set at the
London Arena because it was huge or some of the bigger churches I've
played at in the USA contrasts with the joy of singing to a small
audience when you just know that the message is getting through. I
think the best gig for me though would be some years ago. I arrived at
the church and met the guys who were in my band and we set up the gear
and sound checked. Everything was sounding good so we headed out to
the pastor's office to relax. About 15 minutes before the concert was
due to begin someone came into the office with the report. "Sorry
lads, there's only about a dozen people here." We were frustrated. We
put on those brave Christian faces that you are supposed to put on at
such times but inside I was mad. It's in those moments that you just
want to pack it all in and go do something else. But I was in this
church with 12 people to sing to and a pride level rising rapidly. "I
deserve better than this," I thought, so God in his love slapped me
across the head and I heard the Holy Spirit ask, "Who are you doing
this for?" 10 minutes later we'd had a great prayer time (I'd had a
great repentance time) and we just decided to go out and bless this
handful of people. We really dealt with our attitude. As it turns out
everyone decided to arrive at the last minute so we walked out to find
the church full with a couple hundred people. The atmosphere was
electric; the music sounded great, we did two encores, sold a ton of
albums and a bunch of people took steps toward Christ. Just as
important though was that I'd learned a lesson about attitude that I'
ve hopefully carried with me since. I think to survive as a Christian
artist you have to learn that lesson somehow.