GIG Depeche Mode
[Metro, 30th March 2006, Words: Neil Davenport. Picture: Anton Corbijn.]
Famously, Depeche Mode were dismissed as the Essex boy lightweights of early 1980s electropop. That they’ve never had to grimace through Here & Now tours suggests one thing: when did everything go right? Whereas bands of this ilk have had to milk their momentary glory, Depeche Mode tours never come on like a nostalgia sideshow.
Although they experienced chart success consistently throughout the 1980s, it was only by 1990’s Violator that they graduated into U2esque stadium conquerors. Cementing that position with 1993’s Songs Of Faith And Devotion has enabled them to do what they like since. They’ve been able to diversify into grinding murk with 1997’s Ultra and, rather more successfully, cuts’n’glitch electronica on 2001’s Exciter. While lacking any vibrant commercial clout, such albums sustain the Mode as contemporary artists – a rare feat for a 25-year-band.
Indeed, according to frontman Dave Gahan, internal Mode relations haven’t been as strong since 1990. It’s no surprise, then, that last year’s Playing The Angel almost paid homage to Violator-era heights. Such buoyancy has been translated well enough on this global tour. Forget greatest-hits sets, Depeche Mode focus on the recent and the obscure for a more satisfying ride. Of course, Personal Jesus and their ilk still get aired. Unlike their red-faced contemporaries, though, at least the Mode are bona fide here and now.
Tonight, Arena, Trinity Way / Hunt’s Bank, Central Manchester,
7.30pm, £27.50, sold out, returns only.
Tel: 0870 190 8000.
depechemode.com
[Metro, 30th March 2006, Words: Neil Davenport. Picture: Anton Corbijn.]
Famously, Depeche Mode were dismissed as the Essex boy lightweights of early 1980s electropop. That they’ve never had to grimace through Here & Now tours suggests one thing: when did everything go right? Whereas bands of this ilk have had to milk their momentary glory, Depeche Mode tours never come on like a nostalgia sideshow.
Although they experienced chart success consistently throughout the 1980s, it was only by 1990’s Violator that they graduated into U2esque stadium conquerors. Cementing that position with 1993’s Songs Of Faith And Devotion has enabled them to do what they like since. They’ve been able to diversify into grinding murk with 1997’s Ultra and, rather more successfully, cuts’n’glitch electronica on 2001’s Exciter. While lacking any vibrant commercial clout, such albums sustain the Mode as contemporary artists – a rare feat for a 25-year-band.
Indeed, according to frontman Dave Gahan, internal Mode relations haven’t been as strong since 1990. It’s no surprise, then, that last year’s Playing The Angel almost paid homage to Violator-era heights. Such buoyancy has been translated well enough on this global tour. Forget greatest-hits sets, Depeche Mode focus on the recent and the obscure for a more satisfying ride. Of course, Personal Jesus and their ilk still get aired. Unlike their red-faced contemporaries, though, at least the Mode are bona fide here and now.
Tonight, Arena, Trinity Way / Hunt’s Bank, Central Manchester,
7.30pm, £27.50, sold out, returns only.
Tel: 0870 190 8000.
depechemode.com
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