DEPECHE MODE, PETER, BJORN & JOHN, E Center, Aug. 25
WEST VALLEY CITY — On May 12 of this year, Depeche Mode lead singer Dave Gahan was hospitalized with gastroenteritis. While in the hospital, doctors removed a malignant tumor on his bladder.
Then in July, Gahan injured his leg, causing the band to cancel a show in Spain.
However, seeing the man perform in the E Center Tuesday night, no one would have ever known the ailments that plagued him this year.
The charismatic singer was in top form when Depeche Mode returned to the E Center after four years. This time the band was touring in support of the new album "Sounds of the Universe."
All eyes were drawn to Gahan as he emerged in a charcoal sport jacket, black leather vest and black pants.
He was flanked by guitarist Martin Gore, who wore a flashy lame suit, and keyboardist Andy "Fletch" Fletcher.
Joining the three core band members were drummer Christian Eigner and keyboardist Peter Gordeno.
The band was backed by a massive LED screen with a three-dimensional orb that was utilized throughout the performance.
The orb became a raven's eye, a fish-eye lens and a video rubber-ball dispenser. The screen also flashed animated live shots of the band and added a tint of hallucinogenic filters to take the rabid audience on a musical and visual trip.
The set kicked off with "In Chains," the first track from the new album. The mix was a little big muddy at front, but in the back, Gahan's broody baritone was clear.
There were times when he stopped singing and let the audience fill in the blanks to the choruses of the classic "Enjoy the Silence," "Walking in My Shoes" and "Policy of Truth."
New songs "Wrong" and "Hole to Feed" were greeted with cheers and screams.
Gore took the spotlight a few times during the set and, with his trademark tormented expressions, sang "Jezebel," "Shake the Disease" and a "Question of Lust."
Gore and Gahan were able to reach further into the front rows of the audience, thanks to a stage extension.
Fletch was content playing the synths, singing backups and getting the audience to clap along with the songs.
Gahan was the dark shaman who seduced the audience as he sang and danced. He spun, stroked and danced with his microphone stand and entranced the audience, who became his loyal followers Tuesday night.
Swedish garage synth band Peter Bjorn and John opened the evening and did everything right.
The band engaged the audience with its dynamic set, which featured "Let's Call It Off" and "Nothing to Worry About."
But it was the courage of singer Peter Moren, who walked into the audience while singing, that really endeared the audience to the band.
e-mail: scott@desnews.com