Lead singer Dave Gahan sang about "A Pain That I'm Used To" and other melancholy themes. But Depeche Mode's concert Wednesday night at KeyArena was clearly a joy to the near-capacity crowd.The hugely successful 1980s British synth-pop band, currently on it's "Playing the Angel" tour -- the band's first since the 2001 "Exciter" album -- thrilled fans with more than two hours of classics, as well as such new songs as "John the Revelator," "Precious" and "Damaged People." The crowd was on its feet most of the night, and many danced in the aisles.
The sprawling crowd rocked to the band's sinewy dance tunes and swayed back and forth to the more romantic songs in the colorful set featuring spectacular lighting, "space pod" keyboard platforms and a satellite-shaped globe that flashed such words as "Love," "Sex," "Vice," "Pain" and "Angel."
The show was a technical marvel that featured spectacular lighting, dramatic video screens mounted askew and riveting sound that kept concertgoers enthralled.Gahan, tatooed and bare-chested except for a black vest, strutted wildly about the stage, dancing with the microphone stand like a randy sailor. Gahan looked as though he had hardly aged in the 20-some years since the group's debut.
Guitarist and group leader Martin Gore wore a weird, winged bird headdress that gave him a freakish appearance. Keyboardist Andy Fletcher, manning one of the space-pod keyboards, was the most normal-looking of the core trio.All were dressed in black.
The generous show, preceeded by an opening set by the Raveonettes, featured 16 songs, as well as two encores featuring nearly a half dozen more -- including such classics at "Somebody," "Just Can't Get Enough," "Never Let Me Down Again" and "Goodnight Lovers."
"Personal Jesus," a song that even Johnny Cash found compelling enough to record, turned into a powerful singalong, with concertgoers chanting "Reach out, touch faith."
Among the songs that fueled excitement were "Enjoy the Silence," "Policy of Truth" and "Walking in My Shoes."