Even before I was a fan of Christian music, I was a fan of David Phelps.
short version of long story: I grew up in church and going all over the place to hear everyone that ever appeared on the Gospel Jubilee TV show. It was there that music spoke to me and I became a music fan . . rock and roll music took over and from the time I was old enough to buy KISS records until i turned 42 in august of 2010, I was a die hard rock and roll fan, played in local rock bands, and a rock/pop songwriter . . In an attempt to get some spirit back into me, my mom bought me a ticket to see the GVB show in Jackson, MS. She was a Guy Penrod fan and wanted me to see him.
That was the night David came on and did REVALATION by himself. I remember making the statement that, as far as I was concerned, the rest of the ensamble could all go home and they could let "that kid" finish the next two hours.
I would love to be able to say that changed my life and I recommitted my life to Jesus, but the truth is that I bought his CD. I listened and I was impressed, but it wasn't a mainstay in my disc changer because I was learning Tonic, Train, and Bon Jovi songs.
In a matter of months, I had forgotten that I even had the disc.
fast forward almost a decade, finding myself at the bottom of my rope, failed marriage, house foreclosed on, three negatives for every positive, back in church with a renewed passion for my Lord, finding that dusty REVALATION disc and wearing it out and buying every other single thing that I can find that David is a part of. God uses people, and in my crazy mixed-up life, he's continued to use David Phelps.
If David were to sing the phone book, I'd buy two copies . . . luckily, he sings The Word . . . .
McComb, MS 5/,7/2012 was nothing short of absolutely incredible! What a blessing to see my first Phelps show! That guy is truly annointed. My two favorite songs (LEGACY OF LOVE, which describes the man I aspire to be, and JUST AS I AM) weren't on the set list, but even that wasn't enough to disappoint me.
God unexpectedly blessed me, and my tickets were upgraded to ARTIST CIRCLE, 2ND ROW, FRONT AND CENTER.
What a great show! The new haircut startled me and he looked very different, but when the presence and the power of God is in room that strong, nothing can be a distraction . . . and I guarantee you THAT VOICE NEVER MISSED A NOTE.
the show was approximately 2 1/2 hours and featured a brief intermission . . the band was incredbible, his sister sang with him and was phenominal . . . He even used the church choir from First Baptist Church in McComb on several of the songs . . (and yes, I had to pray for forgiveness for my jealousy . . ha ha)
I was attending the show as the guest of an old high school baseball buddy of mine that I hadn't seen since 1986. He directs and outreach ministry at the church where David was performing. As he and I were just hanging out and comparing how we both came back to God, David came out and did a meet and greet with several awe-struck people at his merchandise table. His interaction with those people was genuine and you can tell that he knows that God has blessed him. After the photo and autograph session, David came back into the church and my friend Barry (knowing I was a huge fan) asked if I wanted to go meet with him.
Seeing how tired David appeared to be, I respectfully declined and went home kicking myself in the teeth for not at least shaking his hand and thanking him . . . it was a long two hour drive back to the house, but that was okay . . . I blasted the live versions of LEGACY OF LOVE & JUST AS I AM on the way home . . . .
can't wait to see the next show,
Richard W Willis
So glad you were able to attend your first DP solo concert! 
