Touring the Angel 2005

The weekend was officially kicked off last Friday night at the Patriot Center in Virginia where my lovely child-bride and I, along with our good friends Hans and Missy (names changed to protect the innocent), attended a concert event starring one of the greatest bands ever - Depeche Mode. They are touring in support of their fantastic new CD "Playing the Angel" which you should listen to if you haven't already. It's really an impressive release, especially considering that DM has been together for 25 years now. Veteran bands aren't supposed to make music this vital or this creative. "PTA" blows away their last two CDs, and stands as the first post-Alan Wilder release to rival their classic albums from the 80s/early 90s.

Both Martin and Dave were in excellent voice and Fletch played keyboards like a madman (meaning he didn't really do too much other than talk to himself and wave his arms in the air!) Martin always seems uncomfortable when he sings his songs in front of an audience, but this time he projected more confidence than I have ever seen from him. I'm not saying he came off like a perfect frontman, but he made some attempts to connect with the crowd and act a little bit crazy. Usually he just stands there waving his hands in weird patterns. It was cool to see him drop to his knees at the edge of the stage to let the crowd strum his guitar - very rockstar-ish!

Dave, the band's actual frontman, always puts on a good show, and Friday was no exception. He really shined during "Enjoy the Silence" and "Never Let Me Down Again" - two of the group's biggest hits, but even during the new material he did a great job of keeping the crowd into the show. New material can often be the kiss of death for an older band in concert, but generally DM fans are pretty good at staying current. That's one of the things I like about seeing them in concert.

Anyway, my 8th DM concert was awesome and I anxiously await my 9th - whenever that will be. Being there with our friends who have dug the band for as long as we have was great! We all acted like big freaks when Martin came out for the first encore to sing "Somebody" (from "Some Great Reward")- singing along with our arms draped over each others shoulders. What a fun evening!

Dave recently said that being in the band is more fun now than it ever has been, and that there will indeed be more Depeche albums in the future. I, for one, can't wait!!!

Set List:

A Pain That I'm Used To
John The Revelator
A Question Of Time
Policy Of Truth
Precious
Walking In My Shoes
Suffer Well
Damaged People
Home
I Want It All
The Sinner In Me
I Feel You
Behind The Wheel
World In My Eyes
Personal Jesus
Enjoy The Silence

Encore #1
Somebody
Just Can't Get Enough
Everything Counts

Encore #2
Never Let Me Down Again
Goodnight Lovers