Depeche Mode and the Black Celebration Era: Embracing Electronics

In 1986, during the Black Celebration tour, Depeche Mode was often asked about the distinctiveness of their live performances. Two of the band’s members, Alan Wilder and Andy Fletcher, reflected on their commitment to electronic music in a time when many bands were moving toward a more mainstream sound.

Alan Wilder explained their philosophy:

“When we’re on stage, we prefer to keep it to just keyboards and drum machines because there aren’t too many bands around that do that anymore. Even some of the electronic bands that started around the same time as us have moved away from that. I suppose, in that respect, we like to stick to the look of electronics and keyboards, simply because it makes us a bit different.”

Andy Fletcher echoed this sentiment, recognizing the unique stance they took by staying true to their electronic roots:

“We kept on playing electronic music, and by the mid-Eighties, with U2, rock music was very much in. Electronic music was considered a dirty word. All these so-called electronic bands, like The Human League, became more traditional, but we stuck to our electronic roots.”

Today, of course, Depeche Mode’s stage setup has evolved to include live drums and guitars, blending elements of both the electronic and rock worlds. But during the Black Celebration era, their dedication to a purely electronic setup set them apart—and defined a legacy that fans still celebrate today.

I Still Have My Depeche Mode Violator On Vinyl

I picked up my vinyl copy of Depeche Mode’s Violator back in 1990 while I was studying in Australia. I remember buying it at Brashs, a popular music store back then, though the exact price escapes me—probably around AU$18. A week later, I discovered imported UK pressings of the album were selling for just AU$9 at Melbourne’s Central Station Records, and I kicked myself for not finding that deal first.

Even after 34 years, I still have the vinyl, though it’s been over two decades since I last played it. With streaming platforms like YouTube Music making the album so accessible, I never felt the urge to take it out again. Besides, the remastered versions now sound much better.

When it comes to favorite tracks, Violator has a few that stand out for me—”Enjoy the Silence,” “Halo,” and “Waiting for the Night.” I first heard “Enjoy the Silence” in 1989 on BBC radio, tuning in through shortwave while I was still in Malaysia. Before the album was released, I managed to get my hands on the 12-inch single of “Enjoy the Silence,” which featured a slower, more stripped-down version sung by Martin Gore. This was how the song was originally meant to sound before Alan Wilder transformed it into the upbeat anthem it became.

Depeche Mode visits FC Barcelona’s training session

On January 14, 2014, Depeche Mode, slated for a performance at Palau Sant Jordi on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, took the opportunity to attend FC Barcelona’s afternoon training session. The band members observed the team’s training and, at the session’s conclusion, posed for photos with the players.

Some members of the band, such as Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher, are ardent football fans and support Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC, respectively, as evident in the accompanying photos below:

“Delta Machine” No. 18 in ABC News 50 Best Albums of 2013

Depeche Mode’s 2013 album, “Delta Machine,” secured an admirable position at No. 18 in ABC News’ 50 Best Albums of 2013.: – 

Source: http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/review-50-best-albums-2013-120206489–abc-news-celebrities.html

18. DEPECHE MODE – “DELTA MACHINE” (DELUXE EDITION) Of the 80’s titans still standing, Depeche Mode seem like the most unlikely to tread new ground, and yet, “Delta Machine” is their strongest effort since 1997’s “Ultra.” Somehow, they have adopted a minimalist approach and it sounds strikingly of the moment and fresh. (Single “Heaven” is one of the strongest bits of gospel-blues they have ever produced.) They never sound bored. They never sound tired. It sounds like the work of a band revving up to make another series of epic statements. With any luck, Depeche Mode can continue issuing classics of this caliber. This is exactly the kind of album you want a veteran group to release. Depeche Mode’s future is bright!

Favorite Tracks: “Secret To The End” “My Little Universe” “Happens All The Time” (Bonus disc track) “Welcome To My World” “Heaven”

The Scene’s Top 40 albums 2013 – Irish Daily Star

Depeche Mode’s 2013 album “Delta Machine” secured a place in The Scene’s Top 40 Albums of 2013, a list curated by the editorial team at The Scene, the essential entertainment guide published every Friday with the Irish Daily Star:

Source: http://www.thestar.ie/star/the-scenes-top-40-albums-2013-38655/

40. Depeche Mode: Delta Machine (Sony)

Three decades or so after Depeche Mode helped start the synth-pop movement – alongside Soft Cell, Eurythmics and Pet Shop Boys – and they are the only act left with a major label contract and enough popularity to fill stadiums worldwide. This stunning 13th studio album (produced by Ben Hillier and mixed by Flood) shows why – they are still on top of their game.

Bands Influenced By Depeche Mode

An intriguing article explores bands influenced by Depeche Mode’s music:  
“Depeche Mode are the most successful electronic band in music history, selling over 100 million albums and singles sold worldwide. Still, their blend of synth-pop and alternative is difficult to replicate, as the wide range of idiosyncratic atmospheres lead songwriter Martin Gore was able to construct is daunting. Many bands influenced by them are not obvious audible replications as a result. Instead, they are more influenced by their mode of songwriting, which allowed ambition to flow freely; it encouraged artists to pursue darker territory as they saw fit.” Read more: http://concerttour.org/bands-under-the-influence-of-depeche-mode.php

Depeche Mode Opens Delta Machine World Tour at Nice, France

Depeche Mode launched their Delta Machine world tour on May 4, 2013, at Le Palais Nikaia, Nice, France, treating fans to a lengthy setlist of 24 tracks. The concert featured old favorites like ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ and ‘Black Celebration’ but notably omitted ‘But Not Tonight.’

Setlist: Depeche Mode, Le Palais Nikaia, Nice, France, 5/4/13

1. “Welcome to My World”
2. “Angel”
3. “Walking in My Shoes”
4. “Precious”
5. “Black Celebration”
6. “Policy of Truth”
7. “Should Be Higher”
8. “Barrel of a Gun”
9. “Higher Love”
10. “The Child Inside”
11. “Heaven”
12. “Soothe My Soul”
13. “A Pain That I’m Used To”
14. “A Question of Time”
15. “Secret to the End”
16. “Enjoy the Silence”
17. “Personal Jesus”
18. “Goodbye”

19. “A Question of Lust”
20. “Halo” (Goldfrapp Remix)
21. “Just Can’t Get Enough”
22. “I Feel You”
24. “Never Let Me Down Again”

Full details and video links at slicingupeyeballs.com

Depeche Mode Finally Performs ‘But Not Tonight’ Live!!!

Today marks the happiest day for us in the realm of Depeche Mode. Finally, Depeche Mode has graced us with a live performance of ‘But Not Tonight,’ our absolute favorite among their songs. This particular track holds sentimental value for us, being the one that initially drew us into the captivating world of Depeche Mode. To say that we are stunned would be an understatement. Our joy is immeasurable, and we are even willing to overlook the neglect this song endured over the years. The live rendition, although more of an acoustic interpretation rather than the synthy pop version of the original, has only intensified our elation. We are confident that many fans have eagerly awaited this moment, and it has finally come to fruition!

The enchanting performance took place at a modest promo gig held at The Troubadour in Los Angeles on Friday, April 26, 2013, in front of an intimate audience of 400 people. The crowd erupted with excitement as they recognized the opening notes, and the song, skillfully delivered by Martin L. Gore midway through the 10-song set, left an indelible impression on everyone fortunate enough to witness it.

Setlist: Depeche Mode, The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA, 4/26/13

1. “Angel”
2. “Should Be Higher”
3. “Walking In My Shoes”
4. “Barrel of a Gun”
5. “Heaven”
6. “But Not Tonight”
7. “Personal Jesus”
8. “Soft Touch / Raw Nerve”
9. “Soothe My Soul”
10. “Enjoy the Silence”