There was a "Black Celebration" at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park involving Depeche Mode on Aug. 30, but the classic track was not to be performed. "People Are People" was also not around or the sing-a-long "Blasphemous Rumours." They did play more than 20 other songs, starting with "Going Backwards" from the newest album Spirit.
The band is technically a trio at this point, with Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher from the original line-up. Tour drummer Christian Eigner and keyboardist Peter Gordon were added in to flesh out the group.
After seeing Music for the Masses back in 1988 it was interesting to see how little the band has changed as far as performance. The lead singer still has moves like Jagger and shakes his skinny bum constantly. With a thin moustache and hair slicked back the thin frontman rarely stopped moving on the massive stage.
Gore did three solo songs, an acoustic "A Question of Lust," the touching "Home," and after the encore "Somebody." It was radical to see him donned in leather outfits back in the day but this time he wore a more casual vest and shorts. He has always been the human and vulnerable side to the live shows when electronic music can sometimes be cold. He chose to play guitar the majority of the time instead of being behind a keyboard.
There was a spellbinding video segment for "Walking In My Shoes" where a long haired individual transformed into drag, complete with makeup and high heeled stilettos. Without saying a word Depeche showed they support their diverse audience.
The Global Spirit Tour had such a catalogue to cover with 50 songs on the UK Singles Chart that it must have been difficult to narrow down the set list. "Stripped" and "Enjoy the Silence" were reason enough for the trek out to see them from the city.
During "Everything Counts" Gahan finally cracked a smile as the crowd waved hands and participated with the band. For an electronic based group they continue to present music that must be seen live. Waving the microphone stand towards the front row is his signature move that has been around since their humble beginnings.
New song "Revolution" was a highlight with lyrics about questioning the government.
"Wrong" and "World in My Eyes" were included from past albums. A rare cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" was a surprise with a white t-shirt of the icon waved around by Gahan.
"Personal Jesus" ended the show on a beautiful starry night satisfying the legion of fans that sold out the venue.
Catch up with Depeche Mode on the road before the tour ends in March of next year in Sao Paolo, Brazil.