Shortly before taking the stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater, Depeche Mode announced the North American dates for their Delta Machine Tour. The album itself was still two weeks away, but anticipation for the tour and new material had grown quickly online as fans searched to see if the new wave legends would visit their city.
Depeche Mode had made it no secret that they planned to debut new material during their Live on Letterman webcast. This wouldn’t just be fans’ first chance to hear the new tracks live—it would be their first chance to hear many of the songs at all. Needless to say, the stakes for the show were growing higher and higher as the hours counted down to Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, and Andy Fletcher stepping onto the legendary stage.
Backstage, Depeche Mode planned to play new material for more than half the show. Of course they would bring the hits, but the majority of their show would be songs that the audience was not familiar with. It was a gamble that only a band of their stature could take, and it was a gamble to that would pay off grandly.
The opening beats of “Angel” pounded out and the crowd arose. By the moment Gahan let his signature wails lose on the first hook, they crowd was synched. It may have been new material, and the album may not have been out yet, but this was classic Depeche Mode.
A familiar, fuzzed out synth buzzed through the theater as a swinging beat rocked around the room. Gahan belted out “Should Be Higher,” like there was nowhere else to go. It was their second song off the forthcoming Delta Machine, but with such a trademark and distinct sound, Depeche Mode’s mew material managed to be immediately familiar, while also completely fresh.
Up next, all it took was two simple drumstick clicks for the crowd to recognize “Walking in My Shoes.” Hearing it today, you’d never believe the song is 20 years old, which is a true testament to not only the longevity of Depeche Mode, but also the influence they’ve welded throughout their career on younger bands.
From Songs of Faith and Devotion, Gahan steered the band ahead a few years to Ultra, with “Barrel of a Gun,” before crooning their current single “Heaven,” with such passion and conviction that the crowd stood stunned.
Everyone knew “Personal Jesus” was coming eventually, but as soon as Martin plucked the legendary licks, the crowd erupted like it was a complete surprise. Needless to say, the late 80’s anthem brought the house down in a way few songs or bands can.
At this point in their career, it’s probably fair to say that Depeche Mode can measure a new track by its ability to follow “Personal Jesus.” If a new song can hold it’s own after what is arguably one of the biggest hits of a decade, it’s a keeper. “Soft Touch/Raw Nerve,” and “Soothe My Soul” both did just that, taking the energy to even greater heights, building to “Enjoy the Silence.”
When a band of this caliber plays a song with such deep emotional roots for an audience, it may sound hackney to say it, but words are, in fact, very unnecessary. There’s no describing it. Listen to it yourself.
Through out the night, Depeche Mode continued to deliver. Their classics sounded more relevant than ever, and their new material carved out respectable sonic space among the classics. With the release of Delta Machine on the near horizon and the tour to follow, Depeche Mode is looking as good as ever.
http://www.cbs.com/shows/liveonletterman/artist/209798/depeche-mode/
