My experience and review – Depeche Mode ‘Memento Tour’ (Plus Depeche Mode’s Singing Analysis)
This week I want to tell you all about my experience attending Depeche Mode’s Memento Tour concert in Manchester!
Seeing Depeche Mode live was a dream come true. You can hear all about it in the video below, and if you prefer reading you can see my written comments below it.
My experience and review – Depeche Mode ‘Memento Tour’ (Plus Depeche Mode’s Singing Analysis)
Introduction
Last January, I traveled from Auckland, New Zealand to Manchester to see one of my favorite bands, the legendary Depeche Mode.
It was my first time seeing Depeche Mode live, and I hope it won’t be the last!
I experienced the MAGIC of being around other Depeche Mode fans
One of the great things about attending concerts of your favorite bands is being surrounded by thousands of people who share your love for the band. Especially coming from New Zealand! All my friends from Europe, at the very least, know who Depeche Mode is. Most of them are also aware that the band continues to release music. That is a relief for me, a breath of fresh air! In New Zealand, Depeche Mode is not as well-known, and most people who are familiar with them think they stopped releasing new music after the 80s.
So, sharing my love for the band with others was wonderful! Singing along with thousands of other Depeche Mode fans was surreal.
Depeche Mode ‘Memento Tour’ – the songs
The concert was amazing. They performed many old songs, as well as several tracks from their latest album, which was released last year (2023). It’s reassuring for me when bands as big as Depeche Mode, which have been active for decades, continue to release new music and stay true to their current style.
Often, bands tend to focus mainly on their ‘old hits,’ which saddens me. Music is dynamic! While we all want to hear the classic songs that made a band legendary, the band members evolve both as individuals and musicians. Since their essence remains the same, I am eager to hear new material.
Fortunately, Depeche Mode has never disappointed me in that regard, and I hope this won’t be the last album they release.
I was a bit disappointed because I glanced at the concert’s setlist, and it seemed they were going to perform one of my favorite songs (‘Wrong’), but they didn’t… There were some other minor changes as well, so I assume the playlist is not fixed. Nonetheless, it’s my fault! I should have waited to be surprised.
Dave Gahan’s stage presence
One thing that caught my attention about Dave Gahan as a performer was that he didn’t talk much between songs. It was my first time attending a Depeche Mode concert, so I’m not sure if he’s always been like that.
It didn’t really bother me, but it did surprise me, as I’m more accustomed to artists engaging with the audience between songs. Perhaps it’s just Dave’s style. I’ve noticed in interviews that he appears quite calm and serious too.
Now that I think about it, I quite appreciate that unapologetic attitude. Why should all artists follow the same formula? Art shouldn’t be standardized, especially when it comes to stage presence. What matters most to me is that he delivered the songs with his usual emotional intensity and energy, which is what truly counts.
This leads me to another point: Dave Gahan’s stage presence. It’s captivating! He commands the stage with absolute confidence and rocks it with tremendous energy.
The way he moves… I’m not sure if he’s had formal training in dance or movement, but it certainly seems so. If not, he’s a natural! His movements exude elegance, confidence, and power. He owns the stage.
His interpretation of the songs through his body language is also unique. He has his own style. He doesn’t adhere strictly to conventional stagecraft for singers that I’ve heard repeatedly in vocal schools, but he has his own approach, which, I must say, works exceptionally well!
So, not only did I enjoy an incredible concert, but I also gleaned some lessons on authentic performance. Thank you, Master Dave!
Dave Gahan’s vocal ability
Dave is undoubtedly a skilled singer. He delivers every song beautifully. One aspect of Dave Gahan’s vocal performance that I admire is his unapologetic use of vocal techniques tailored to suit the song’s needs. This is perhaps influenced by the music genre of Depeche Mode as well. But there’s something about eschewing unnecessary vocal embellishments that resonates with me.
It feels as though Dave infuses every word with a profound sense of emotion. It’s evident that he’s fully immersed in every lyric. As a trained vocalist myself, I’ve often been encouraged to incorporate vocal embellishments ‘just because,’ but it’s never been something I’ve been particularly fond of. However, all my favorite singers, such as Dave Gahan, share the characteristic of channeling their interpretative energy directly into the vocal delivery itself. The result is a potent, almost raw vocal style that is both distinctive and invigorating.
Martin Gore’s vocals
One thing that struck me was how incredible Martin Gore’s vocals sounded live. I was truly impressed by his pitch precision and vocal prowess. His controlled vibrato lends his voice a polished and graceful quality. It’s always impressive to see how he approaches vocals with such professionalism, even though it’s not his primary instrument.
In my opinion, Martin Gore’s vocals complement the band perfectly alongside Dave Gahan’s. While Dave’s voice is deep, dark, intense, and raw – all those qualities that stir something within me when I listen to it – Martin Gore brings a softer, angelic energy to the band, particularly evident in songs like ‘Somebody.’
Evolved Style
As always, the visual aesthetic of their outfits continues to reflect the overall theme of the band.
That’s one aspect I love about attending concerts of bands with such extensive careers: witnessing the evolution of their visual style! In the case of Depeche Mode, their visual aesthetic has evolved alongside their music.
However, one thing remains consistent: their essence. Even in their early hits, there was a hint of darkness in their sound. This has always been complemented by their visual style. Over the years, black has remained a prominent color in their outfits, alongside other colors and shapes that evoke a sense of being in the ‘shadows’ – that part of life we don’t always reveal.
In Conclusion
This was an extraordinary experience for me. I hope to have the opportunity to see them live again… and I hope you do too!
P.S. Andrew Fletcher was deeply missed. Forever in our hearts.
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