It’s been six years since Depeche Mode’s last album and four years since the final show of the group’s last tour. The absence only whetted the appetites of its fans, but while planning and preparations for its latest full-length recording Memento Mori were underway, vocalist David Gahan and main songwriter Martin Gore received news that founding member Andy Fletcher passed away unexpectedly in May due to aortic dissection, an injury to the main artery connected to the heart.
Founding member Fletcher had long been the conduit between Gahan, the heart of Depeche Mode, and Gore, the brains. While Alan Wilder, who left the group in 1995, was considered the quartet’s most accomplished musician, Fletcher segued into becoming its soul as Depeche Mode’s early career, total transition to synthesizers rendered his position as bass player obsolete. His role became more of a spirited team member and No. 1 fan.
Gahan and Gore had already decided on the title of the new album, due to be released the day after the March 23 start of the latest tour in Sacramento, before Fletcher’s death, but it took on new meaning. “Memento mori” translates roughly as “remember you will one day die” and was meant as a reminder to people in power to be humble. It also has a “seize the day” meaning that the creative core of Depeche Mode embraced: We are mortal, therefore we must live life to the fullest.
Fletcher’s passing added a new dimension to the already-chosen album title. The only way forward was to carry on. Depeche Mode has been together now for more than 40 years, brought synth-pop influenced by industrial music to the masses, indulged in excess and survived substance abuse. Gahan’s voice is in fabulous shape judging from an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and if Gore’s collaboration with Richard Butler of Psychedelic Furs on lead single “Ghosts Again” is any indication, fans will not be disappointed.
T-Mobile Arena, 7:30 p.m. March 30, starting at $49.50. axs.com
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