United Center “Just Can’t Get Enough” of the electronic, rock and political sides of Depeche Mode

Photos by Ed Spinelli

Nine months after a triumphant outdoor show, Depeche Mode returned to Chicago for their first arena gig in thirteen years. Still touring in support of the superb 2017 album “Spirit,” the band took the stage to the sounds of The Beatles “Revolution” amidst a colorful backdrop of modern art as members took their places onstage without any spotlights before opening with the lamenting dirge “Going Backwards.” For over two-hours Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher navigated the audience through a meticulously sequenced set list that made each performance prevailing while seducing the crowd song-by-song.

The current leg of the “Global Spirit” Tour serves as a showcase for Depeche Mode’s four-decade career highlighted by intense moments of reconciliation where the band and their fans serenade one another, proving that the melodies still have the power to swing for the fences.

Depeche Mode may be the biggest electronic rock band in the world, but what many overlook is they are a rock n’ roll band at their core. Gahan, Gore and Fletcher were complimented by Christian Eigner on drums and Peter Gordeno, who covered keyboards, piano and bass. Any doubt about their prowess was laid to rest with the performance of “A Pain That I’m Used To,” highlighted by a surging rhythm track that served as a foundation for the band to let loose with the instruments in an overpowering display of musicianship.

One key shift from the 2017 show to 2018 is the reduction of “Spirit” material, but to their credit, Depeche Mode dove deeper into their catalog and even resurrected several songs from 1997’s “Ultra.” “It’s No Good,” “Barrel Of A Gun,” “Useless” and “Home” with vocals by Gore, all made appearances with the latter providing one of the most zealous performances of the evening that gripped the crowd so much, they kept singing the song even when Gahan returned to the stage. There was no tour in support of “Ultra” back then and yet these songs enlivened and invigorated the crowd.

While the musicians may have been the glue that held everything together, lead singer Gahan was a force that captured everyone’s imagination as he slithered across the stage like a snake, spinning, strutting and dancing into different convulsions in between persuasive vocal performances that drew the audience closer to him, the band and the music. Gahan’s presence was most effective on the pensive “Previous,” “Where’s The Revolution” (featuring Depeche More at their most political) and the classic sing-a-long “Everything Counts.” Gahan worked the stage until the crowd was in a tizzy that was nothing short of ethereal.

When not focused on the band, the backdrop screen featured several mini-movies created by longtime collaborator Anton Corbijn. “Useless,” “Cover Me” and “Walking In My Shoes” were compelling proclamations on their art and society that also took the audience inside other people’s fears and desires. Surprisingly, the screen was rarely used to show the band up close, and instead, was a canvas full of messages and meaning that was oblique, artful and punctuated the heart at the right moment.

On the back half of the show, the band went full force with the languid synth opening of “Stripped” recalling their early non-guitar period with particularly effective tribal-spun percussion, while “The Things You Said” (with Gore on vocals) received its first airing on this leg of the tour since 1988. Then there was “Enjoy the Silence,” the muscular “Never Let Me Down Again,” the heart-racing “A Question Of Time” and the blues strut of “Personal Jesus” for the finale.

The current leg of the tour serves as a showcase for the band’s four-decade career highlighted by intense moments of reconciliation where the band and their fans serenade one another, proving that the melodies still have the power to swing for the fences. Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher continue to provide a soundtrack where their music is able to speak truths the audience desperately needs to hear.

Click here for more photos of Depeche Mode at the United Center.

For additional information on Depeche Mode, visit DepecheMode.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include Paul Simon (Jun. 6); Harry Styles (Jun. 30); Radiohead (Jul. 6-7); Panic! At The Disco (Jul. 17); Shakira (Aug. 3); Smashing Pumpkins (Aug. 13-14); Sam Smith (Aug. 15); Drake and Migos (Aug. 17-18); Childish Gambino (Sept. 8); Maroon 5 (Sept. 14); BTS (Oct. 2-3); Justin Timberlake (Oct. 5); Fleetwood Mac (Oct. 6); Eagles (Oct. 15); Florence + The Machine (Oct. 19); Phil Collins (Oct. 22); Elton John (Oct. 26-27) and Josh Groban with Idina Menzel (Nov. 6). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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United Center “Just Can’t Get Enough” of the electronic, rock and political sides of Depeche Mode

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