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The most successful synth-pop band in history is touring around the world. For the first time without Andrew Fletcher and for a long time again with a good new album in their luggage. Was their energetic performance at Bern’s Wankdorf Stadium the band’s last Swiss concert?
For a long time, Depeche Mode was a two-person box that worked perfectly with three. While front characters Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, along with providing creative inspiration, also occasionally clashed at each other – Andrew Fletcher provided the balance and glue that held the band together.
“Fletch” died a year ago and the band, which had shrunk to a duo, released “Memento Mori”, the best album of the last 20 years. During her performance in front of 36,000 fans in Bern’s Wankdorf Stadium, Depeche Mode did what she always does on tour. They smash their mighty hits into the crowd with pressure and let themselves be celebrated. And yet this time everything was a little different.
What remains?
Traditionally Depeche Mode plays a handful of new songs on this tour, Martin Gore is allowed to sing two numbers (hold it up or get a beer?) and the encores are populated with world hits. While this is not very imaginative, it has been proven over decades. After “Just Can’t Get Enough”, “Never Let Me Down Again” and “Personal Jesus”, who would leave the stadium grumpily? Even.
Just as unchanged: when Depeche Mode performs, two concerts are played at the same time. The one by Dave Gahan. The other by Martin Gore. Of course they play the same songs at the same time. In terms of stage technology, the two front figures have hardly moved closer together, even after Andrew Fletcher’s death. Except for her really close and touching performance of the first encore “Waiting for the Night”.
What is missing?
«Fletch». Naturally. He’s missing. During “World In My Eyes,” an on-screen image of young Andrew Fletcher commemorates the late founding member. On the other hand, the band paid little respect to the deceased on a musical level. Andrew Fletcher was not replaced as a musician on stage. The band continues to perform with their two longtime live musicians, Peter Gordeno and Christian Eigner. It is only visually noticeable that one person is missing.
What interests?
Switzerland also loves Depeche Mode in 2023. People came to celebrate heroes, songs and the history of a band. The concert in Bern’s Wankdorf was a mixture of class reunion and rock fair. Exuberant and full of joy. Nevertheless: Yesterday was really exciting, groundbreaking and wild. And as is well known, Wilder said goodbye to the band in the mid-90s.
That’s it?
The “Memento Mori” tour would be the perfect moment for Dave Gahan and Martin Gore (both 61) to say goodbye to their fans. With the current album, they have once again succeeded in creating an official work and the fact that they are also going on the tour without “Fletch” gives the story a special touch. You could see the resurgence as a kind of high point and a good moment to finish the band’s career cleanly.
However, music is not a sport. Stylish late works are always possible and a career like that of Depeche Mode cannot be destroyed anyway. Nevertheless, I can very well imagine that Gahan and Gore list this tour as the last chapter in the band’s history and then close the Depeche Mode book.
In this case, the Swiss Depeche Mode fans would remember an unforgettable evening in Bern.