For the masses, indeed! Depeche Mode made the scene at Philadelphia's First Union Center Saturday night touring for their new album, Exciter, which is their most recent release since 1990's Violator.
Their long-awaited comeback was met with incredible enthusiasm from the crowd, which was a motley assortment of young, old, and every other
category one can imagine.
Opening the event for Depeche Mode was New York City native Poe, who dazzled the crowd with her own high energy performance of pieces such as her premier hit "Angry Johnny," and "Hey Pretty," the hit single off her recently released album, Haunted, which was sung as a duet with her older brother, novelist Mark Z. Danielewski. Poe's high intensity act was a great way to start off the show, jump-starting the audience into a frenzy that would last throughout Depeche Mode's performance as well.
Depeche Mode has not lost any of their remarkable talent over the years.
Integrating new songs like "Dream On" and "Freelove" with classic favorites such
as "It's No Good," "Enjoy the Silence," and "Black Celebration," David Gahan and company rocked the Philadelphia stage with trademark energy and enthusiasm, inciting the crowd to dance and sing along with the masterfully selected playlist.
The songs were enhanced by 'less is more' minimalist stage decorations, flashing lights, and fantastic visual effects via large screen projection behind the musicians. "Waiting for the Night" was punctuated by white on black images of droplet splashes and falling rain, and "Somebody" featured a kaleidoscope of muted tones projected behind guitarist Martin Gore as he performed the piece.
After an hour and a half, Depeche Mode appeared to end their performance with a particularly rousing rendition of "Personal Jesus," complete with the hallmark hand motions, but following an unrelenting cheering session by the audience, they came back to do an even more energetic three song encore, delighting the crowd and ending the concert on a high note. Everyone left the venue satisfied with the performance, but still wanting more.
This concert proves that no matter how old they get, Depeche Mode will always beo ne of the biggest and most popular acts. Their music attracts people from every background, and will continue to do so even when they have long retired. However, while they are still active and touring, I would encourage anyone and everyone to catch a glimpse of this marvelous new wave wonder.
