Depeche Mode, a legendary force in the ’80s electronic music scene, embarked on their highly anticipated 2023 Memento Mori tour earlier in the year. Their journey brought them to the iconic Pechanga Arena in San Diego on December 8th, marking one of their final stops on this extraordinary world tour. As a lifelong admirer of their music, I was thrilled to witness their performance, surpassing all my expectations and more. The band’s captivating 23-song set took fans on a mesmerizing journey through time, allowing us to relive what many consider the pinnacle of musical greatness. It was truly an unforgettable experience and one of the best concerts I have seen this year.
Looking back to the early ’80s, there are few bands that have had a greater impact on my life than Depeche Mode. It was back in 1984 when I stumbled upon Some Great Reward at Licorice Pizza, and from the very first listen, I was completely captivated by their sound. Over the years, my devotion to the band has only grown stronger. I proudly own every album they’ve released; I’ve had the privilege of attending their electrifying live performances more than 20 times, and I even bear the iconic Violator rose tattooed on my arm as a permanent symbol of my fandom. To say I’m a die-hard fan would be an understatement.
Taking the stage before Depeche Mode on Friday night was a sensational band hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, known as Young Fathers. While I hadn’t yet witnessed their live performance or listened to their music, my pre-show research assured me that their opening set would be worth every penny of the ticket price. And boy, was I spot on. These guys brought an incredible amount of energy to the Pechanga stage, delivering electrifying hits like “Rain or Shine,” “I Saw,” and “Toy.” Observing Young Fathers in action, it crossed my mind that these immensely talented gentlemen could potentially become the next big sensation in the indie music scene. Only time will reveal their destiny, but one thing is certain: Young Fathers were absolutely mind-blowing.
Let’s dive into the main event, ladies and gentlemen. Basildon’s proudest export, the iconic Depeche Mode, took the stage by storm. Opening with their captivating anthem “The Cosmos Is Mine,” lead singer Dave Gahan emerged in a suave velvet smoking jacket, igniting a frenzy among the 10,000+ fans in attendance. His distinctive baritone resonated with raw emotion and pulsating energy, filling the entire venue with its power. As the night progressed, Gahan unleashed his trademark spin moves during crowd favorites like “Walking in My Shoes,” “Policy of Truth,” and “Everything Counts.” A true master of his craft, Gahan proved once again that he is the ultimate frontman, unmatched by anyone else in the industry.
On guitars and keys, the iconic Martin Gore took the stage at Pechanga, and he delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. His haunting yet mesmerizing melodies on the guitar and keyboard added a perfect touch to the overall sound, blending nostalgia with innovation. One of the highlights of the evening for me was when Martin took center stage alone with his acoustic guitar, serenading the crowd with one of Depeche Mode’s timeless classics, “Shake the Disease.” What made it truly special was witnessing the entire audience at Pechanga singing every word alongside Gore, creating an electrifying atmosphere that multiplied the already intense energy of the fans by a hundredfold.
A truly heartwarming moment unfolded during Depeche Mode’s performance of their 1990 classic, “World in My Eyes.” Dave and Martin have dedicated this song to their late friend (and founding member), Andrew “Fletch” Fletcher, who tragically passed away in 2022. Their rendition was nothing short of spectacular, but what truly moved me were the breathtaking visuals of Fletcher that adorned the stage throughout the performance. As Dave bid a heartfelt farewell to his longtime friend at the end of the song, his arms were outstretched to the sky with hands interlocked symbolizing “Fletch.” tears welled up in my eyes. It was an incredibly powerful tribute that touched the hearts of everyone present.
Depeche Mode concluded their epic 2+ hour performance with an awe-inspiring encore, including “Waiting for the Night,” “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “Never Let Me Down,” and, of course, “Personal Jesus.” Once again, the crowd of 10,000 strong joined in a massive singalong, pouring their hearts into each lyric until they could sing no more. As the band took their final bow, the audience erupted with wild enthusiasm, paying homage to one of the greatest bands to ever grace the stage. With over 40 years of remarkable music under their belt, I couldn’t help but wonder if this might have been one of Depeche Mode’s last live performances. However, I truly hope that this isn’t the case, as their captivating presence and extraordinary talent deserve to be experienced by generations to come.
YOUNG FATHERS
