Depeche Mode live review: Pleasures and little treasures from the world’s most euphoric odyssey
Amid the ongoing voyage of their 2023 album Memento Mori – a poignant milestone as the band’s first release since the passing of founding member Andy Fletcher – you could easily understand if Depeche Mode‘s current duo relied on showcasing tracks from the latest album. This seemed the case at first, yet under the guidance of musical maestros Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, they beckoned us into their distinctive realm of electronic excellence, the atmosphere becoming infused with the magic wielded by a band fully aware of the transformative force of their own musical pilgrimage.
Gahan and Gore’s recent party in Manchester defied the typical start-of-the-week atmosphere; the mingling scents of beer and Dior Sauvage carried a nostalgic undertone, setting the stage for a journey through time. The imposing ‘M’ served as a majestic backdrop for the opening performance—an evocative rendition of ‘My Cosmos is Mine’. Gahan’s commanding stage presence elicited thunderous cheers, transforming the AO Arena into a magnifying capsule of energy.
Highlighting the band’s signature electro-rock energy through timeless tracks like ‘Walking In My Shoes’, the crowd erupted in cheers for ‘Everything Counts’ from the 1983 album Construction Time Again, while Gore showcased his celebrated brand of musical brilliance as he passionately played along to Gahan’s charismatic stage presence.
The unassuming music enthusiast may recognise Depeche Mode most prominently for ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’, a song that has persistently lingered despite the band’s extensive discography. Yet, beyond this widely known track, the band’s lasting camp aesthetics, resonating even as the frontmen have moved beyond their youthful spirit, illuminate the darker facets of their music. As Gahan gracefully moves across the stage, channelling influences like David Bowie, his captivating allure appeared more powerful than ever.
In a moment of musical respite, the spotlight shifted to Gore, who took centre stage, delivering a stripped-back rendition of ‘Strangelove’ followed by a poignant performance of ‘Somebody’. This introspective moment showcased Gore’s enduring prowess, evoking the powerful performances of eras past.
Visually, the duo also treated the audience to glimpses of their storied history. The iconic Anton Corbijn-directed videos for ‘Behind the Wheel’ and the chess game during ‘Ghosts Again’ transported the audience back to the 1980s, providing an evocative voyage through time. After Gahan’s touching homage to the late Fletcher, the performance reached its climax with the exceptional ‘Enjoy the Silence’. The encore then treated the audience to the familiar, energetic beats of ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ and ‘Personal Jesus’.
A band of such prominence understands how to dance with their own ghosts, yet, in this instance, it feels like they’re letting us in on their little secret. This is a mastery spanning decades, and it’s evident that the prowess of both Gahan and Gore acknowledges their own worth enough to share a little slice of it with us for just over two hours.
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