If you told me that there was a Depeche Mode concert somewhere else in the world, in the near future, I would max the credit card out and get my ass on a plane out there. The way I felt after seeing them live was the same way I felt after seeing NIN for the first time - I was hooked. These types of bands are what makes me love live shows so much - I adore the catalogs of both bands so much, but the live concert experience is just intoxicating to the point that I am craving more and willing to do stupid things to see them again. Sadly, I've only seen Depeche Mode once and it was amazing... so needless to say, I jumped at the chance to see Dave Gahan solo, even if it was for a short set, here in Los Angeles where he was being honored at the MusiCares MAP Benefit show.HRC joined me for this show and I warned her ahead of time that my behavior in the presence of Dave Gahan is, what I imagine, similar to that of a adolescent girl at a Justin Bieber show. All logic and reason flies out the window when I see him. Yum. Seriously. Yum.
Oh yeah, and Jane's Addiction was going to be there too.. Normally I'd be more excited for this, but my head was clouded with Dave Gahan giddiness.
We had to endure some pain before getting to the good stuff; Paramore and some other people... I didn't really care, I just wanted my Dave Gahan.
Jane's Addiction were great, as usual, but I'll admit I missed seeing Eric Avery up there. I'm glad I got to see a lot of shows the last round with him still in the band.
Then the time came... Steven Tyler came out to give Dave Gahan his award and while accepting it, mentioned being a bar which I thought was a bit awkward. But I was waiting for the good stuff - his performance! Although I'd kill for a Depeche Mode concert, I do love Dave Gahan's solo work as well, especially Hourglass, which he never toured for. I was hoping to hear a mix of DM songs and solo work and that was exactly what I got... and more. He ended up performing a total of eight songs, a mix of solo, Depeche Mode and some covers. Including what I would later refer to on Facebook as the closest I think I'll ever get to having a religious experience - his cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart". Joy Division is what I listen to when I'm in a dark place... it's very emotional music for me. To hear one of my favorite musicians sing it, and sing it incredibly... was simply amazing. I was so stunned when I heard the first few notes being played that my friend had to literally elbow me to get out my camera and I'm so glad I did. My eyes were watery by the end of it... it was one of my most favorite live moments in music ever. That one song made going to that show completely worth it. He could have only played that and it would have been worth it still.
He continued to perform a solid set, with special guest (gee, I was so shocked...) Martin Gore coming out to play with him on "Personal Jesus". I love Martin's guitar intro (so sexy) on this song, so I was pretty stoked.
I left the venue dazed about what I had just witnessed and couldn't wait to go and re-watch what I'd just seen on my camera. Which you can enjoy for yourself below...
When's the next Depeche Mode tour?
Dave Gahan Setlist:
Cracked Actor (David Bowie cover)
Dirty Sticky Floors
I Feel You
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division cover)
Low
New Rose (The Damned cover)
Saw Something
Personal Jesus (w/ Martin Gore)
Photos:
Video of Jane's Addiction performing "Stop":
Video of Dave Gahan performing "Dirty Sticky Floors":
Video of Dave Gahan performing "Saw Something":
Video of Dave Gahan performing "Love Will Tear Us Apart":
No comments:
Post a Comment