Depeche Mode's David Gahan sings at Lollapalooza earlier this summer. (Jeff Gentner / Getty Images)
Where: BankAtlantic Center
When: Sept. 5, 2009
Broadly smiling, Dave Gahan whipped the microphone around his head and whirled quickly, acting as a man happy to be alive and still doing what he loves.
The lead singer of Depeche Mode has been through a lot this summer — he had a tumor on his bladder, for which he had a successful operation; a torn calf muscle; and a vocal chord injury.
But Gahan looked like a man refreshed, grinning and laughing, hugging his bandmates as Depeche Mode closed out its North American leg at a sold-out BankAtlantic Center.
The band’s Tour of the Universe set had all the bells and whistles, from a video screen that showed both live shots and pre-recorded accents to a light rig that undulated to the exact mood.
On Saturday, though, Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher, with longtime touring musicians Peter Gordeno and Christian Eigner, had enough energy for a sparse stage and a flashlight.
Though the band’s opening three songs from their new album Sounds of the Universe were strong, the energy level went way up once they began delving into their back catalog.
Starting with Walking In My Shoes, Depeche Mode roared into action, and the crowd sang every word. Other highlights included “Policy of Truth” and “I Feel You”, along with a very spirited “Personal Jesus” to close the show.
Even with the spotlight shifted to Gore’s quieter songs — where he was joined only by Gordeno on keyboards — the crowd was no less into it. They sounded like a lovely backing chorus on “A Question of Lust” from Black Celebration.
This is my second time seeing them and they haven’t skipped a beat. Awesome show!!!!
who would got to see this band? probably collect star trek crap too. get a life save your money.
My husband has gone to every single show he possibly can, since the 80’s. He can name every song they sang and from which album it came from and probably the year. This was my first time to a DM show and first concert with my husband, and it was spectacular. I can’t wait til they come into town again.
i have seen my first concert of depeche mode , in paris 26 years ago , and again last night in fort lauderdale.let me tell you , how impressed i was , with their performance!!! as well as the crowd , which really made the event even more enjoyable.
another band from the 80″s proving to this new generation , that really good bands will age super well!!!!