The last shows of 2009 will be an interesting excursion. Not only will this be Depeche Made’s first full length gigs, but due to other commitments from Thorsten it will also be the first with electronic drums.
“It’s been a challenge to program the drums,” commented Simon. “I’ve tried to follow what Thorsten plays live. It’s been quite an education and a deep appreciation of just how good and tight he actually is.”
The two gigs are structured around Depeche Mode’s Saturday night sell out concert at the Glasgow SECC.
Details are:
ROCKERS
14 Midland Street
Glasgow
G1 4PP
Pre-Show - 4.30pm (Admission £3)
Aftershow - from 11pm (Admission £8)
“We’ve had a few rehearsals recently and we’re really pleased with how things are sounding,” said Steve. “Seeing Simon working in the studio was an insight to how much effort goes into the programming / sound design and just what an incredible keyboard player he is. It turns out he can also play the guitar, though his Martin Gore vocals are a bit scary!”
The guys have come up with a fabulous set featuring all the classics and many fan favourites.
Steve continued, “We have rehearsed over 25 songs including a couple of deviations into Vince Clarke territory which have been great fun. We are playing 2 sets. One in the afternoon and one later in the evening. We have a good selection of songs which we’ll rotate across the 2 shows and have tried to come up with a balance that will compliment what we anticipate Depeche Mode will be playing on the night at the SECC. Rockers is an intimate venue, so we have gone for a ‘club vibe’ and for the most part kept everything quite up tempo.”
You can hear a 3 minute montage of early rehearsals featuring clips of - RUSH / BLACK CELEBRATION / WRONG / WORLD IN MY EYES / IT’S NO GOOD / IN YOUR ROOM / SHAKE THE DISEASE / HIGHER LOVE / PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE / DON’T GO / A LITTLE RESPECT here:
Depeche Made Rehearsal Montage
Simon enthused, “I’m not sure what we’re most excited about. Seeing Mode at the SECC or playing our gigs. Mode fans are amongst the most dedicated in the World and I’m sure they’ll enjoy what we have in store and see how passionate we are about the material. Steve does a great Gahan and ironically - and much to my surprise Alison Moyet too! It will be a great way to round off a fabulous year. As Jack Black would say - This is not the greatest band in the world – This is a tribute!”