Photos by Tim Dwenger
Depeche Mode, the legendary synth-pop band from Basildon, England, delivered a stunning performance at the Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday night, as part of their Memento Mori tour. The tour, which is named after the Latin phrase meaning “remember that you will die”, is a tribute to their late keyboardist and founding member Andy Fletcher, who passed away last year at the age of 60.
The band, consisting of singer Dave Gahan, guitarist and songwriter Martin Gore, and touring members Peter Gordeno and Christian Eigner, played a mix of classic hits and new songs from their latest album, Memento Mori. The show was a celebration of Fletcher’s life and legacy, as well as a testament to the band’s enduring influence and relevance in the electronic music scene.
The concert started with a video montage of Fletcher’s photos and clips, accompanied by an instrumental version of “Speak to Me”, the opening track of their new album. The crowd cheered and applauded as the band took the stage and launched into the first song, “My Cosmos Is Mine”, a catchy and upbeat synth-pop tune that set the tone for the night. The band then played some of their most popular songs from the 80s and 90s, such as “Walking in My Shoes”, “Policy of Truth”, “Everything Counts”, and “Precious”, as well as some deeper cuts like “In Your Room”, “A Question of Lust”, and “Strangelove”. The audience sang along to every word, waving their arms and dancing to the beats.
The band also showcased some of their newer songs, such as “Wagging Tongue”, “My Favourite Stranger”, and “Ghosts Again”, which featured darker and more experimental sounds and lyrics. The new songs reflected the band’s grief and loss, as well as their resilience and hope. Gahan’s voice was powerful and expressive, while Gore’s guitar and vocals added depth and emotion. Gordeno and Eigner provided the keyboards and drums, respectively, creating a rich and dynamic sound.
The highlight of the show was the tribute to Fletcher, which took place during the song “World in My Eyes”. Gahan dedicated the song to Fletcher, saying “This one is for you, Fletch. We miss you so much. You’re always in our hearts and in our eyes.” The screen behind the band displayed a photo of Fletcher smiling, as the crowd cheered and clapped. The band then played the song with passion and intensity, as the audience joined in the chorus. It was a touching and moving moment, as the band and the fans honored Fletcher’s memory and contribution to the music world.
The band ended the main set with “Black Celebration”, “Stripped”, “John the Revelator”, and “Enjoy the Silence”, which were met with thunderous applause and screams. The band then returned for an encore, which included “Waiting for the Night”, “Just Can’t Get Enough”, “Never Let Me Down Again”, and “Personal Jesus”. The encore was a mix of mellow and upbeat songs, which showcased the band’s versatility and range. The band thanked the fans for their support and love, and left the stage with a bow and a wave.
The concert was a memorable and unforgettable experience, as the band delivered a stellar performance that combined dark synth-pop and emotional tributes. The band proved that they are still one of the most influential and innovative bands in the electronic music genre, and that they can overcome any adversity and tragedy. The fans showed their appreciation and admiration for the band, and especially for Fletcher, who was the heart and soul of Depeche Mode. The concert was a celebration of life and death, of joy and sorrow, of music and memories.
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