Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode performs during the 2009 Lollapalooza Music Festival at Grant Park on August 7, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois.

Up until Depeche Mode walked onstage last night at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, fans could be forgiven for a twinge of uncertainty about the show taking place at all. This was the last concert in the U.S. leg of the ‘Tour of the Universe,’ supporting the band’s latest album Sounds of the Universe released in April, and the tour has been anything but smooth so far.

More: Gahan, Depeche Mode burst with energy in Sunrise

Lead singer Dave Gahan suffered a bout of gastroenteritis after the opening May 10th concert in Israel, and further tests revealed a low-grade malignant tumor in his bladder, which was successfully removed but forced the cancellation of about a dozen dates until the 47-year-old frontman could recover. Some shows have since been rescheduled, but the logistical nightmare created left many disappointed fans in several European and Brazilian cities without the chance to see the legendary alternative band. The tour resumed in June, but in July Gahan tore a calf muscle, and in August was ordered on complete vocal rest for 48 hours, forcing 4 more cancellations (including 2 in California).

All this was forgotten Saturday as the lights dimmed, the crowd roared and the band opened with In Chains from their latest CD. The album’s first single Wrong followed, with its driving rhythm and powerful lyrics, and the dark electro-pop celebration had begun.

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