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Depeche Mode Depeche Mode
A capacity crowd has filled the arena where two futuristic keyboards sit onstage like spare parts from the Starship Enterprise. On the left, a huge, menacing silver sphere is unveiled. Everywhere you look, people are shifting around- the air of anticipation could power a small rocket. A capacity crowd has filled the arena where two futuristic keyboards sit onstage like spare parts from the Starship Enterprise. On the left, a huge, menacing silver sphere is unveiled. Everywhere you look, people are shifting around- the air of anticipation could power a small rocket.
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As the arena plunges into darkness, the roar is deafening. Everything flashed red and the siren is incessant. When the band finally appears, a religious experience is set in motion- everyone has come to worship at the electro-pop church of Depeche Mode.

The band launch into 'A pain that I'm used to', the opening track from 2005's 'Playing the Angel'. It's a typically brooding tune with a thumping heartbeat and the instantly recognisable voice of Dave Gahan echoes around the arena. No-one else can deliver lyrics with such an impending sense of doom- Marilyn Manson sounds like a choirboy in comparison.

It's fitting, then, that the next song is 'John the Revelator'- an old gospel standard which has been remoulded by Depeche Mode's torturer-in-chief, Martin Gore. The crowd sings out in unison and millions of neck hairs stand to attention.

As you'd expect, the set swings to and fro like a pendulum through the 'Mode's back-catalogue, picking out the best tunes from seminal albums such as 'Black Celebration', 'Violator', 'Songs of Faith and Devotion' and 'Exciter'. Over the course of twenty five years, their incredibly high standards have very rarely dipped.

'A question of time' sees the stage bathed in white light as Dave furiously spins around like a one-man tornado and descends down the purpose-built platform, deep into the heart of the crowd. Like a magnet, he draws the focus of the crowd and a sea of outstretched arms attempt to touch the talismanic frontman.

Soon the tempo drops to good effect for 'Policy of Truth' and 'Precious' before pounding drums lead into 'Walking in my shoes'. At this point, Dave takes a well earned break, leaving Martin to step into the limelight. Rousing renditions of 'Damaged People' and 'Home' go down a storm and then, re-united the band kick into overdrive.

The undoubted highlight of the set is 'Personal Jesus'. Watching thousands of hands thrust into the air to the shouts of 'Reach out and touch faith' is a sight to behold and further reinforces the idea of Depeche Mode as a religion rather than simply a band. 'Enjoy the Silence', 'I just can't get enough', 'Everything Counts' and 'Goodnight Lovers' bring an epic end to an anthemic set.