42
March 2016
Spirituality
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Hillsong United Hillsong United from Sydney, Australia, visited Glendale on Feb. 22 as part of the “Empires” tour. Gila River Arena hosted Hillsong United as well as the Irish folk band Rend Collective and several thousand fans who lined up for several hours beforehand on the warm Arizona evening. Notable performers included longtime leader Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, Matt Crocker, J.D. Douglass and Taya Smith. Glendale was just one of many stops on the first “Empires” tour, which also included Tampa, Dallas, Lubbock, Austin, Memphis and more with a second tour in the United States and Canada kicking off late in April. GSN photos by Andrew McIntire
Hillsong United band leader Joel Houston leads from the piano accompanied by the band.
Frontman Chris Llewellyn of Rend Collective leads the Irish folk group during the opening set.
Taya Smith’s soaring vocals have become a key part of the group’s sound.
Joel Houston leads from a small keyboard for a few of the slower, contemplative numbers.
J.D. Douglass, Jad Gillies and Joel Houston of Hillsong United encourage the audience to sing along.
A guest piper plays the bagpipes for Rend Collective at the Gila River Arena.
Patrick Thompson of Rend Collective brings his backup vocals and electric guitar to the mix.