English electronic band Depeche Mode took over Tinley Park this past weekend at the Midwest Bank Amphitheatre as fans drove from the surrounding areas and downtown Chicago to catch their set.
The problem was the driving. Even though there were some options such as bus packages—including the gay bus leaving from Boystown—there was no train system such as the Metra to take people to the doorstep of the show. Snaking off of the highway the lines went on for miles and kept concertgoers waiting over an hour for entrance. I halfway expected Dave Gahan to walk by hitchhiking just like that other Dave, Mr. Matthews, did at his show recently! Many missed the haunting set by openers Bat For Lashes. An outdoor venue is definitely the place to see Depeche perform live; I saw them perform in 1988 at the Starwood Amphitheatre in Tennessee, but parking here was a problem.
That being said, when the sun went down it became a "Black Celebration." Leading off with "Welcome to My World" (from Depeche's latest album, Delta Machine), the band has held up well over the years. Despite some lineup changes the trio of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher has remained constant. They looked happy and healthy. Gahan still has moves like Jagger, with a lithe frame and tattoos blazing. Gore remains solemn and stoic but did crack a smile in places. His androgyny was toned down a bit but a copper lame' skirt was much appreciated. Fletcher prefers to stay in the background, providing some remixes this time out that not only created a tone adding to the catalog but had fans dancing in the aisles at the right times.
The men from Essex knew how to compose a set list that kept longtime listeners happy and it was orchestrated in the completely right order of progression. New track "Angel" was played second; by the time "Walking in My Shoes" was performed, everyone seemed to relax and take a ride with their best friends. Live favorites like "Black Celebration" and "Policy of Truth" brought the lawn attendees to their feet and kept them excited. The grass was packed with lawn chairs and blankets and thanks to large video screens they had visuals to go with the impressive concert.
Gore had his solo moments center stage with "Higher Love" and "Shake the Disease," giving Gahan a break to rest.
He returned to sing two new tracks—"Heaven" and "Soothe My Soul"—following it with a remix of "A Pain That I'm Used To."
It would not be a Depeche Mode concert without "A Question of Time," complete with a spinning microphone stand, and Gahan seemed happy to oblige. "Enjoy the Silence" was a highlight and spotlighted the band's massive set and video featuring models contorting on glass. Then, "Personal Jesus" had people stamping their feet.
The encore was slow, with an acoustic "Home" and "Halo" that a Goldfrapp remix didn't pep up. "Just Can't Get Enough" and "I Feel You" mesmerized the crowds impressed with the 51-year-old frontman's energy. He jumped on speakers, posed, then belted out in a baritone voice "Never Let Me Down Again" as the last song, bringing everyone back to the '80s.
People waited for more clapping and screaming but after 21 songs it was time to let this decade-spanning group rest and take the long trek home.
Follow more of The Delta Machine Tour at www.depechemode.com .
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn
