Depeche Mode and Touring the Universe

Some time ago I overheard someone complaining about Depeche Mode’s live performances, without actually attending one.  What can a 3 men in their late 40′s, be up to in a live performance?  Or better after the unfortunate event of David Gahan’s sickness, are they still good at it?  Do they still have what it takes to perform to some of the world’s poppiest tracks?

This was a good initiative for me, to book a flight ticket and a concert ticket, and go and check them out for myself.  So I’ve been to the concert, and can confidently say that it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to, the presentation, sound mixing and atmosphere of the concert were the best they could have ever been.  Both Martin Gore and David Gahan still have what it takes, much more than new and upcoming young artists have.  Most probably, David Gahan is one of the most energetic and charismatic performers of all time, on the same level of Queen’s front man, Freddie Mercury.

The concert, featured some of the best tracks from their latest album Sounds of the Universe, and also a number greatest hits from the past, such as Enjoy the Silence, Personal Jesus and Walking in my shoes.  Two hours felt like two minutes, or even less unfortunately.  The well mixed sound was accompanied by a huge big screen covering the whole back of the stage, projecting images and short clips of the band while performing, and other images and clips related to songs being played.  An unforgettable experience, and to conclude, Depeche Mode still got what it takes!

If you’ve been to one of Depeche Mode’s Touring the Universe concert, make sure you order the live CD of the concert you’ve been too.  This is surely the best memorabilia you can get of a concert you’ve been to.  Nice initiative from the band.