Sep 30

Sep 30 118 P 3

Depeche Mode performing ‘Walking In My Shoes’ on 29. September 2023.

The view definitely was better than expected. In fact, as I walked around the arena before the show started, I noticed the views were good from anywhere within the Moody Center. As for the acoustics, people were right when they said they are amazing.

I sat in section 118. Row P. Seat 3. At first when I glanced around the arena, I was skeptical when I noticed many empty seats. However, those seats became quickly filled after the opening band, DIIV, finished playing.

There were two ladies to my left, in seats 4 and 5, with whom I struck up a conversation. I wish I could remember their names. They had so much fun and seemed so happy to be there.

‘Are we standing people?’, the one next to me asked.

‘Yeah! We are standing people’, I replied. The couple to the right of me were not.

Depeche Mode performing ‘Wagging Tongue’ on 29. September 2023.

I ended up standing for the entire concert. And yes, I did end up wearing my new, really tall BED|STÜ boots. They were a bit tight around the feet and I got a blister on my right ankle, but it was so worth it. I know they will stretch with time as my other shorter BED|STÜ boots did. The ones I initially wore in Baltimore ten years ago. But walking to the arena and back to the car did prove to be a bit of a challenge, especially since I got so turned around leaving the Moody Center after the concert.

Depeche Mode performing ‘It’s No Good’ on 29. September 2023.

Depeche Mode performing ‘Sister of Night’ on 29. September 2023.

Depeche Mode performing ‘Speak To Me’ on 29. September 2023.

Depeche Mode was phenomenal. Dave was amazing. As always. His moves were graceful and at times seemed to resemble ballet moves. The crowd was energetic and engaging. Martin was wonderful as well, especially during his two solo songs. ‘A Question of Lust’ and ‘Soul with Me’.

Martin Gore performs ‘Soul With Me’ on 29. September 2023.

They played 23 songs. Only five of them were from the new ‘Memento Mori’ album, but all of the songs were the classic ones everybody loves. My personal old-time favourites are ‘Walking in My Shoes’, ‘Stripped, ‘Enjoy The Silence, and ‘Never Let Me Down Again’. But I also love the duo performance of ‘Waiting For The Night’ where Dave and Martin share a hug. The loss of their bandmate Andy Fletcher has definitely brought a closeness they haven’t had before.

Depeche Mode performing ‘World In My Eyes’ on 29. September 2023.

As I recall my time at the concert, I remember a joy unlike anything I’ve felt in recent years, aside from attending the other two concerts this past summer. A happiness. I was actually smiling. I was truly in my happy place.

When I returned home and looked at the new t-shirt I bought to add to my collection, I noticed it was an older one. The cities listed on the back of the shirt were from the Leg 1 North American tour. I sent an email to the address I found on depechemode.com and hope to have that replaced, as the shirt that was hanging for sale had Austin listed as the first show of the Leg 3 tour. It’s not too big of a deal as I will possibly get another shirt of some kind at the next concert during this North American tour.

Depeche Mode performing ‘Never Let Me Down Again’ on 29. September 2023.

As for the next concert, my thoughts are wandering towards the East Coast next month. Life is too short to stay at home and just hope life gets better. You need to make things happen before it’s too late and you end up with nothing but regrets.