Depeche Mode Tour Of The Universe Blog

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Blog #26 Denver - August 27th

Denver - August 27th
author: mm
date posted: August 28th, 2009
Denver. Green, lush, liberal and clean. I think I may move here.

As I type, Depeche Mode are on stage at the wondrous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado. This was my first trip to the venue so I was not prepared for the picturesque and literal setting; a hidden venue nestled in in Denver's mountain side, tucked between Stage Rock, Creation Rock and Ship Rock - 3 large "red rocks" protruding from Denver's mountainside.

This was one of the most high-energy crowds I've ever seen. Every element was perfectly in place. Sound. Lighting. Enthusiastic audience. Weather. Setting. The night ended up being one of our most memorable performances.

Check out the photos to catch a glimpse of the spectacular scene and the underground backstage setting.

See you in Dallas!

 

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Blog #27 Texas - August 29th & 30th

Texas - August 29th & 30th
author: mm
date posted: September 2nd, 2009

The Lone Star State has been good to us. Strip steak. Barbeque. Great crowds. An unexpected lack of desert terrain (surprisingly, less than 10% of the state is desert). I suppose I fell victim to a romanticized idea of the second largest state in the U.S - but I was charmed, nonetheless.

The crowds in both Dallas and Houston were a boisterous bunch; an enthused audience of some of the most devoted Mode fans. Every lyric hung on the lips of almost every single person in each crowd. A strong sense of thrill permeated the audience at both venues (Superpages in Dallas and Woodlands Pavilion in Houston). It could have been the beating heat and humidity but I'm almost certain it was because they were watching anther jaw-dropping performance by our favorite boys.

Take a look at the photos for some backstage action and concert shots.

See you in Atlanta!

 

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Blog #28 Atlanta - September 1st

Atlanta - September 1st
author: mm
date posted: September 3rd, 2009
As we were touching ground in Atlanta, Georgia, gearing up for another spectacular stop on our US leg, all I could think was, "How far are the Coca Cola headquarters from the venue?" Dreams of a life-time supply of Diet Coke took over my imagination.

We played Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, to a crowd of nearly 10,000 - intimate by this tour's standards, which is why it was one of the more memorable gigs I've seen. I can't even begin to describe the exuberant Southern crowd that fervently welcomed the Mode last night; I think the intimacy of the show was more influenced by the intimacy of the people. Southern hospitality and charm, turns out, is not a myth. A lot of bright smiles and enthusiastic cheers characterized the audience, making for one very endearing evening.

Charming? Endearing? Not exactly the sort of words to describe a rock show but what can I say? This SoCal girl was utterly enamored.

Check out some photos from the gig until we see you in Tampa!

 

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Blog #29 Florida - September 4th & 5th

Florida - September 4th & 5th
author: mm
date posted: September 11th, 2009
Our last 2 shows came and went quickly. Maybe it was a result of having been on the road for weeks at a time, getting close to the end, and dreaming of how it will feel to sleep in your own bed again. Another reason may be due to the fact the the gigs in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale were 2 of the best; despite the tumultuous weather, the unforgiving thunder, and plane difficulties that resulted in arriving (very) late to the venue in Ft. Lauderdale, the US leg could not have ended on a higher note!

The Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa and the Bank Atlantic Center in Ft. Lauderdale were filled to the brim with enthusiastic crowds, anxious to catch one of the last couple of gigs on the Mode's US leg of the tour. And what better way to end a leg than in sunny Florida?

Check out some photos of our Floridian trip!

See you in....Mexico!

 

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Blog #30 Guadalajara - October 1st

Guadalajara - October 1st
author: mm
date posted: October 2nd, 2009
After a much-need 3-week break, we all met up once again in Guadalajara, Mexico. The night before our gig at the Arena V.F.G., we took in some sights and grabbed dinner at a lovely local restaurant in the city. After stuffing ourselves with tostadas, enchiladas, guacamole and quesadillas, we agreed that there wasn't a better way to kick of our Latin American tour!

The experience in Mexico has been warm and inviting; a culture comprised of hospitable and friendly people and some die-hard Mode fans - and 14,000 of them showed up tonight to see DM take the stage for the first time in Guadalajara. SOLD OUT.

Check out the photos for some behind-the-scenes captures and live shots.

See you in Mexico City!
MM

 

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Blog #31 Mexico City - October 4th

Mexico City - October 4th
author: mm
date posted: October 5th, 2009
A sea of fireflies in the night, it seems. Thousands of devotees holding up cell phones and video cameras to catch every spectacular moment on tape. This was the 2-night, sold-out concert at the Foro Sol in Mexico City. For the memory vaults.

The weather here has been incredibly kind to us. I guess the powers above didn't get the memo that the Mode was in town because there hasn't been a dark cloud in sight. Despite the high altitude, our boys put on 2 spectacular shows to 2 equally lively local crowds. Check out the photos for some great live shots!

See you in Monterrey!
MM

Special Guest Photograhper: James Heath

 

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Blog #32 Monterrey - October 7th

Monterrey - October 7th
author: mm
date posted: October 8th, 2009

Adios, Mexico! You treated us well. Your crowds packed and rocked the house. Your weather was terribly kind. And your food? Delicious!

Tonight marked our last night in Mexico. Thousands of eager fans filled the Arena Monterrey. The venue endured a number of economic hardships over the years, pushing it's projected completion date up by 10 years! After a decade of struggle, the in-door arena has become a city hub for basketball, football (soccer) and concerts. This was the Mode's second visit to the venue after having played a sold-out gig for 2005's Playing the Angel.

Check out the photos and until next time...

See you in Costa Rica!
MM

 

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Blog #33 Bogota - October 10th

Bogota - October 10th
author: mm
date posted: October 13th, 2009

Colombia's Passion. When I first heard that term, I thought it was a reference to the seemingly enthusiastic hearts of the country's people. Turns out, the government of Colombia has recently adopted a planned strategy to revitalize its image abroad and to help bring tourism to its historic land and foreign investment to its growing infrastructure. As such, a plethora of major music artists have chosen Colombia as a stop on their touring routes, including Depeche Mode.

Our gig at the Parque Simon Bolivar in mid-town Bogota was one of our strongest and most vivacious yet! The crowd had been faithfully anticipating the Mode's arrival to Colombia for years and for that night, everyone finally let out a collective breath. With the crowd chanting, "Fletcher, Martin, David," the pulsating tone was set for the rest of the magical night.

Check out the photos for some pre-gig glimpses and stage shots.

See you in Lima!
MM

 

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