Depeche Mode Exciter Tour Diary

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Blog #17 New York

New York
author: Nichelle
date posted: Wednesday, July 4, 2001

Jones Beach was great and went very well. Martin sang "Dressed In Black" with Peter doing vocals and it sounded amazing. I think the audience was really happily surprised to hear that and sang along to every word. Martin and Peter singing together is a pretty incredible thing to witness.

Our next trip is Washington DC on Thursday - yeah!

 

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Blog #18 Washington DC

Washington DC
author: Nichelle
date posted: Thursday, July 5, 2001

When we landed in Washington, it was a bit rainy and the traffic was miserable. It took us quite a while to get to the venue due to that and everyone was going crazy by the time we made it.

Fletch did an interview with WHFS which went well. A young woman had won a contest that allowed her to conduct the interview. Fletch enjoyed that is was an actual fan asking him questions rather than a DJ just doing their job.

When we were doing our meet and greet, it began raining which we were a bit worried about because the venue was outdoors, but it eventually stopped and became a beautiful night.

We got back to the venue pretty late and a bunch of people went out to some clubs. I ended up staying back and enjoying a night of relaxation! It is nice to do that sometimes, though it seems like those nights never come.

 

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Blog #19 Ft. Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale
author: Nichelle
date posted: Saturday, July 7, 2001

We are now in Ft. Lauderdale and staying at a beautiful hotel right on the water. We got into West Palm Beach - where we are staying - at about 6:30 PM on Friday which we were all unhappy about because we had wasted that day. Oh well, nothing to do about it now! Some of us - Andrew P., Jonathan, Ivan, myself and David and Jennifer went out to a great place for dinner. Then we went back to the hotel and watched the beautiful full moon above the water. Florida is great for their warm nights.

 

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Blog #20 Tampa

Tampa
author: Nichelle
date posted: Sunday, July 8, 2001

The Ft. Lauderdale show went pretty well. I have never heard such a loud one as of yet, but maybe it was just me. My father came down to see it, and since it was so loud where we were sitting, we moved to the front of house, but even there it was ear shattering. Sounded great though and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

We are soon on our way to Tampa in the afternoon, then Atlanta - three in a row.

The families are back out with us which is nice - good to have the children around and having them see what it is their fathers' do for a living! They all seem to enjoy it a great deal as well.

 

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Blog #21 Atlanta

Atlanta
author: Nichelle
date posted: Monday, July 9, 2001

So tonight I am in Atlanta and the guys are singing I Feel You. The meet and greet went well though a storm came in during the middle of it. The weather around here is so crazy - with it being beautiful and sunny one second, then thundering and lightening the next. It is also so humid that no matter what, you start sweating immediately - hate that!

We are doing a runner tonight - leaving immediately after the show. I LOVE those because that means we do not have to hang out at the venue and waste time, but rather get on our way to the next city. Another great part about them is that there is always a HUGE Indian feast on the plane before we take off. So the guys come off the stage, we leave the venue, then eat as much as possible once on the plane before we take off. And I wonder why I am gaining weight!

 

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Blog #22 New Orleans

New Orleans
author: Nichelle
date posted: Tuesday, July 10, 2001

Last nights runner went well. Most of the time we get police escorts which is so cool, but they never do more than just turn on the sirens and lead the way. The one last night was a bit scary because they blocked off the opposite side of the road, so we crossed the divider for several feet while they stopped the oncoming traffic. When you have those escorts, it always makes you feel quite important. I mean you'd think we were the president or something they way they rush us out of the venues and off to the airport. I do enjoy them though I must say!

So we have the next 3 days off before our show on Friday. That is pretty amazing, and tomorrow night we are going to have a big birthday bash for Fletch's 40th. He has invited tons of friends and it should be a lot of fun. Tomorrow we also have the video shoot for the third single "Free Love." It is going to be directed by John Hillcoat who also did "I Feel Loved." His take on the video seems really cool and different, and I am excited to see the final product. I will let you know how it went on Thursday.

 

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Blog #23 New Orleans

New Orleans
author: Nichelle
date posted: Thursday, July 12, 2001

So yesterday was a very active and busy day. We had the video shoot all day which went late, then Fletch's birthday party that night. Lets first speak about the video shoot.

As all video shoots go, the main motto is to "hurry up and wait," and that is exactly what we did. And each time they say 5 minutes, in real life it means 25-45 minutes. Fletch, Martin and myself got down there about 1:00 PM - David had arrived earlier - and we did a lot of hanging out in the trailer. David did a few shots by himself (I cannot say TOO much because I do not want to give it away), then Martin and Fletch did some as well. The bad part came when it began to rain. It had done this earlier in the day, but passed over quite quickly. We kept thinking that this last storm would do the same, but it ended up staying much longer. The best part was watching it come in. Some of us stood outside before the rain began and watched as it started much farther away with the lightening and thunder. I guess Louisiana is famous for these type of storms, a bit like Atlanta.

So after waiting and waiting and waiting for it to pass, John Hillcoat decided to shoot them under a nearby bridge, allowing them an interesting background as well as some cover from the rain. John and his staff shot a bunch of footage the day before as well around New Orleans, so I think that the video will be very cool when it is finished. The guys seemed to think so as well.

Now onto Fletch's birthday. We began at an amazing restaurant called Andrew Jaeger's House of Seafood for some cocktails and appetizers. Then about an hour later dinner began. It was incredible food and good company, just what Fletch had wanted. Then after dinner, a few people went up and gave toasts, as well as Peter and Christian doing a birthday song for him. Of course Martin did not want to be left out - he sang several more songs, some Elvis and one of his own - a country version of "Just Can't Get Enough" with Peter and Christian accompanying him. Overall, it turned out to be a great night!

 

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Blog #24 Houston

Houston
author: Nichelle
date posted: Saturday, July 14, 2001

Last nights show in New Orleans went well, a rather different set up. All of the floor was general admission which we had never had before, and the venue overall was small and somewhat intimate. CD:UK and Popworld, two TV shows from London came over before the show and interviewed both Fletch and David after soundcheck.

I think we all were happy to leave New Orleans since we were there for quite a few days, and geez, they just make it WAY too easy to drink there! We all had a great time though, but were ready for a new city.

I am at the gig in Houston now and WOW, it is hot out there. The coolest part though is that the stage is air conditioned. Not too sure how that works when it is outside, but somehow it does.

We are here overnight, then off to San Antonio tomorrow, then a runner to Dallas tomorrow night. Oh how I love those runners!

 

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Blog #25 Los Angeles (day off)

Los Angeles (day off)
author: Nichelle
date posted: Tuesday, July 24, 2001

Ok, so we've made it to Los Angeles for a couple of much needed days off. Since I last updated you, we've done shows in Dallas - insanely hot and humid, but a great show (nice people too). We then moved further into the heat and desert for a stop in Las Cruces, a nice intimate indoor show - how I love that air conditioning. We spent that night in El Paso, Texas - on the border of Mexico, so the next morning myself, Ed, Georgia, Bean and Phillpott took the short walk over the bridge and border into Juarez, Mexico for a little exploration and souvenir shopping - Georgia is a true hustler, bargaining with the local tradesmen until they were virtually giving the stuff away for free!! After the heat took its toll we headed back to the hotel and flew on to Albuquerque.

Albuquerque was pretty quiet - we stayed in a hotel with absolutely nothing around it but the airport. The show had the potential for disaster as just before it began, a huge lighting storm headed in our direction showering the audience and stage - but like true DM fans they stuck it out and the sky cleared making way for a great night and a great show - still it was damn hot....

Next day on to Denver - altitude hell!! A great town but far too high in the sky - we were all walking around gasping for air!! The band found the combination of heat and thin air tough going - everyone was exhausted after the show, but it was definitely worth it. A good night at the hotel afterwards and some of our air-crew joined us for the revelries.

Sunday, July 22 was a much needed day off in Denver, and time to contemplate what to buy Martin for his birthday and a quick trip to the cinema for David, Jordan, Georgia, Jonathan and myself. We all saw America's Sweerthearts - not too sure if I would recommend it.

That Monday, July 23 on Martins birthday, we flew to Salt Lake City for a welcomed indoor show at the E Center - as usual the Salt Lake City fans were amazing, pushing the band into playing a storming set and just as Martin thought he was about to play his solo set, Dave walked back on stage and got the fans to join him singing Happy Birthday to you - you should have seen the look on his face!

After the show we did a runner to L.A. for our next few days off as the crew make their way to Portland for a bit of tax-free shopping. You know they're all going to be wearing new Nikes when we get there on Friday!!!!

 

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Blog #26: Vancouver, B.C.

Vancouver, B.C.
author: Nichelle
date posted: Friday, July 28, 2001
So we have made it into Portland. It is odd to be back at a show when we have had so many days off. I feel like we are just getting back to school after a long summer break. I am exhausted for absolutely no reason but too much relaxation.

We all had a nice time in LA. I rented a car so I had a bit of freedom for once. That is one thing I truly miss - the independence you get with a car. It was also nice to be familiar with an area and know where you are going. I also had a break from the group - I was able to leave them for a while and see some friends who I had not seen since I left. That was nice and made me remember that I do have a life outside of the tour. I tend to forget that at times!

Martin had a birthday dinner with friends which I did not make, and Fletch had an important pool tournament that he entered with Tony. They all seemed to enjoy their time off as well, forgetting the craziness of tour life for a bit.

Tonight after the Portland show, we will be in Vancouver. I have never been there and heard there is great shopping.

 

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Blog #27 Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA
author: Nichelle
date posted: Sunday, July 29, 2001

We are leaving for Seattle in a couple hours, but had a great show last night in Vancouver. My mom and aunt came to it which was nice, and surprisingly enough, watched the entire show! The crowd was great and everyone, meaning the band, seemed really into it. They all looked like they were enjoying themselves and putting forth that extra effort. It is so much more exciting when you can see the guys having fun. And good ol' Peter with his fantastic dance moves - gotta love those spins!

After the show, we had a great time down at the hotel bar with Martin entertaining us with his beautiful voice. There was this man at the bar that turned out to be a piano genius, so him and Martin became the best of pals and showed off for us the whole night. Martin even sang some Elvis to my mother - she was in heaven!

 

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Blog #28 San Francisco (Day Off)

San Francisco (Day Off)
author: Nichelle
date posted: Monday, July 30, 2001

The Gorge in George, Washington has got to be one of the MOST beautiful venues I have ever seen. For those of you who have not been there, it is out in the middle of nowhere, and lays upon the most beautiful scenery. Behind the stage is this huge canyon with a body of water at the bottom - it is amazing! It is hard to describe if you have not seen it, but trust me, it is a beautiful sight.

One thing different in the show that night was that there were no projections. It was a bit too windy for the screen to be up, so we decided not to have it all. It was quite odd at first, but then it was kind of cool to see just the guys performing. At times you get distracted by the screen and forget there are people on the stage. It was also cool because all you could see was the mountains behind the band - SO pretty, it almost did not look real.

After the show last night, we did a runner to San Francisco. And for a change, we had Mexican food as our feast on the plane. We are all so used to getting Indian that any sort of change is nice. The flight took about 2 hours, one of our longer ones, and we did not make it to the hotel until about 2:30 AM. So as you can assume, I am a bit tired today like everyone else seems to be. I am so very excited to be in SF until Sunday - I can finally unpack some of my things. Then again, I always say that but end up just taking out the minimum, not wanting to bother with repacking.

 

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Blog #29 Mountain View

Mountain View
author: Daniel Barassi (Webmaster)
date posted: Saturday, August 4, 2001

Now this was the show for me, so far! 20,000 plus people, all hyped up and ready to see a DM show. Even with my earplugs in, the people were loud. Everytime a band member came to the front of the stage, I had this bad fear of the little wall separating the photo pit from the rest of the venue was going to collapse from all the people standing next to it, reaching to touch said band member (though it did provide for some great picture taking). The screams of "Maaaaaaaartin" during his performance of "Surrender" were particularly loud.

After the free pepsi and nacho chips (read: backstage), we all went back to the hotel. Can i just say that the drive from the venue to the freeway was awful! I'd have to say that was the longest part of the trip. It was definitely an adventure trying to keep up with the band's mode of transportaion (no pun intended - really) in my little rental car.

 

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