Ok – seriously. Dave Gahan is really hard to capture on camera as anything but an energetic blur of motion! At least for my little point and shoot camera.

The man does not stop moving!!

But such is the joy of a Depeche Mode concert! All energy, all passion, all the time.

And there was so much passion going on this night, November 21, in Edmonton. I suspect it was the nature of this concert and the album it supports – Memento Mori.

This album and tour are the first from Depeche Mode since their band-mate Andy Fletcher passed away in 2022.

Apparently some of the writing began during the COVID pandemic – and so between these two heartbreaking events, the themes of death are strong on this album in particular.

I mean, a memento mori is, according to the Tate Museum’s website, “an artwork designed to remind the viewer of their mortality and of the shortness and fragility of human life.” It is latin for ‘Remember, you must die.’

And while it may be a reminder that we must die, this album, and arguably this tour, is also a goodbye to and mourning and celebration of those who already have – namely, Andy Fletcher.

Depeche Mode is no stranger to these darker, melancholic, gothic themes. They were the vampire band before vampire bands were a thing, both in appearance and in music.

And oh, the music. I do love me a good soundscape band. Love me some simple drums, guitar and bass too, but, wow, when you bring in the synth, the everything else, and the unexpected arrangements of Depeche Mode – just wow.

It moves me to my core. It’s just genius.

It’s actually kind of funny, but then also perfectly perfect, considering the complexity of Depeche Mode’s music and lyrics – that everything-ness of the soundscapes and the depth of lyrical topics – there is a simplicity to this concert.

The big M and the graphics/videos on the back screen are super cool; the lighting, dramatic and does what lighting should do for a show.

There’s a B stage/catwalk (which really could be used more…). And there’s the band. And that’s it.

This concert is all about the music and the band performing it. And oh, that music is phenomenal. I cannot believe this is only my second time seeing them.

Like I said, in this post about that first show – that’s just the direction life took – but still – just twice?!?! This is not enough! Depeche Mode are sooo good live.

Yes, 1000% (yes, that’s an extra zero in there on purpose) the classics, the hits – Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence, Walking in my Shoes, etc.

But the new ones from Memento Mori – Ghosts Again, My Favourite Stranger, in particular. It’s like I’ve known these songs forever.

There is a reason Dave Gahan can’t stay still long enough for a clear photo – I couldn’t sit still either.

The music moves me.