The lights went down and the crowd went wild as the band took the stage. Martin Gore was first out wearing all black with feathers: wings made of feathers, feathers for trim on his boots as well as a hat that resembled a rooster crown. Dave Gahan came out in classic sport coat with a vest underneath that came off shortly after the first song was over.  And let me just say he is in fabulous shape.

They kicked off the night with a song from their new album called A Pain I’m Used To. It has soft, dark electronic beats that explode into heavy guitar at the chorus; it was high energy and a great way to start things off. Seamlessly they moved into the second song, influenced by a classic gospel track of the same name, John the Revelator, which is also from the new album.

After the second song Martin finally spoke briefly and the crowd exploded as they went right into A Question of Time, which took on a whole new life with Gore playing the main riff on guitar.

The next hour and a half just flew by as the band continued playing a great mix of the old and new.  Being that Depeche Mode has been around for over 25 years it is hard to imagine what they have left, but with the contributions off the new album we have proof that they have plenty in the tank and that they will be around for many years to come.

The show was very high energy and unlike many artists that mail it in these days, Dave Gahan demands your attention and crowd participation and the better time the fans are having the better time it seems he is having and you can really see that on his face. During Policy of Truth, one of the biggest songs off of Violator, thousands of people sang along. Gahan seemed a little overwhelmed as he stared into the sea of people with a huge smile on his face and many glances over at Gore.  It was quite indearing.

Precious was a definitely highlight of the set, a slower song that Gore wrote for his children who are dealing with the divorce of their parents this is the first single and is sure to be a DM classic.

Next was Walking in My Shoes, which was a huge sing along song and then, we finally got to hear our first Depeche Mode song written by Dave Gahan. The song, Suffer Well, was fast and catchy, and very reminiscent of old-school pre-Violator Depeche Mode. Reminded me of Behind The Wheel. Damaged People, a new ballad written and preformed by Gore, was slow, slightly creepy music with Gore’s vocals adding to the mood, some prefer Dave to sing but I myself LOVE the Gore ballads.

In my opinion this is the show to see this year, it’s nostalgia with a hint of the future infused. But just remember when you head out to see the show, please men, leave the eye liner at home!  Even though Depeche Mode can take you back to your younger days they can’t help you with the ass kicking you may get in the parking lot after the show for the make up you have on.

Depeche Mode’s Set List
Intro
A Pain That I’m Used To
John The Revelator
A Question Of Time
Policy Of Truth
Precious
Walking In My Shoes
Suffer Well
Damaged People
Home
I Want It All
The Sinner In Me
I Feel You
Behind The Wheel
World In My Eyes
Personal Jesus
Enjoy The Silence

Encore 1:
Somebody
Just Can’t Get Enough
Everything Counts

Encore 2:
Never Let Me Down Again
Goodnight Lovers