Depeche Mode @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | pics

October 31, 2005

It was incredible. Depeche Mode put out a new album and decided to tour arenas across America (including two nights at Madison Square Garden in NYC). Then they announce that they’re kicking things off with a warm-up gig at the 550-capacity Bowery Ballroom in NYC (October 28, 2005). I got my (very real) ticket at J&R Music World with the purchase of the new CD. Someone said J&R gave out about 100. I don’t know where the other 450 came from, but the place was PACKED with Depeche Mode fans. It’s rare to see a show in Bowery Ballroom where people are screaming their love for the band on stage, and it was definitely the first time I saw people holding up “I love you” signs in the audience.

The sound was amazing. The band brought their own sound system with them. There were huge speaker stacks on the floor on both sides of the stage. The entire stage-right side of the room was shut off with a mesh wall. Some sort of crew sat behind it. There were extra security guards. I got there right before the 9:00 PM starting time. The street outside was mobbed with people hoping to get in. Many of them got their wish about 50 minutes into the 90 minute show. People were dancing. There was lots of dancing.

Though I don’t love the new stuff on CD, it was all fun live. It goes without saying that “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence” were the major highlights of the evening. The songs Martin Gore sang felt really good too.

SETLIST via Melody Nelson and Productshop

Intro / A Pain That I’m Used To / John The Revelator / A Question Of Time / Policy Of Truth / Precious / Walking In My Shoes / Suffer Well / Damaged People / Home / I Want It All / The Sinner In Me / I Feel You / Behind The Wheel / World In My Eyes / Personal Jesus
Encore: Enjoy The Silence

AOAMLL got some pics of Dave Gahan arriving at the Bowery. Carlos D (Interpol) was spotted in the crowd.