Tuesday, January 12, 1999
L.A. masses just can’t get enough from entrancing Depeche
Mode
MUSIC: Gritty ’80s band electrifies audience with dreamy vocals,
energy
By Michelle Zubiate
Daily Bruin Staff
Sometimes the old shines just as brightly as the new. A little
polish, and much love and support works miracles for everything
from antique watches to those old ’80s bands that the world will
never let fade. On Dec. 18, Depeche Mode returned to Los Angeles to
perform a sold-out show that began a series of concert dates and
encored a career of amazing music.
Marking the end of its "Singles" tour by promoting a compilation
CD of its best hits from 1986 to 1998, Depeche Mode faced a city
filled to the brim with its most devoted fans.
The concert started with a wave of excitement and enthusiasm,
with fans cheering in recognition as every popular song was
delivered with as much energy and talent as they desired.
Lead singer David Gahan gave the Great Western Forum a powerful
performance filled with energized vocals and charming dance moves.
Performing favorites such as "Policy of Truth" and "Question of
Time," Depeche Mode had the entire audience on its feet clapping
and begging for another.
Other highlights included Martin Gore’s sweet, melodious
performance of "Question of Lust." Gore’s own vocals almost matched
those of Gahan’s and added to the show’s success.
The performance in The Forum exceeded the fans’ high
expectations for a band that has been in the limelight for almost
two decades. Relying on its live energy rather than merely resting
on its laurels, Depeche Mode sparkled with vitality and emotion
through the night.
Electric guitars and synthesizers riveted the intensely
exhilarating show, filled not only with talent but in the nostalgia
of times past. The UK band is often known as one of the most
exposed alternative bands to hit the mainstream in the ’80s and
’90s.
The audience screamed for two encores during which Gore returned
to sing more moving ballads of love, and Gahan rocked the place
with the ’80s staple, "Just Can’t Get Enough."
Pleased, though wishing for a third encore, the fans of a truly
great band went home content from a performance that proved that it
can be done all over again and done right.MICHAEL ROSS WACHT/Daily
Bruin Senior Staff
David Gahan of Depeche Mode excited a sold-out Great Western
Forum on its opening night in Los Angeles.
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