Depeche Mode and Los Angeles, a match made in heaven

It’s a Depeche Mode world, and we’re all living in it.

For those unfamiliar with French, I will enlighten you, as this is one of the few French terms I have ever attempted to learn. Depeche Mode means fashion news or fashion update.

For those of you that do not know what a Depeche Mode is, I will enlighten you, as they have been around for more than 30 years and rank number 98 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”

Depeche Mode is an English electronic music band with ties to synth pop and alternative rock music and have had such mainstream hits such as: “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence.”

Depeche Mode played their third and final sold out show at Staples Center last Wednesday. Their “Delta Machine” Tour was in support of their 13th studio album of the same name, which was released in April earlier this year and marks their first album in four years.

Even though the album didn’t receive high marks, their stage show did.

The band opened with one of their newer songs, appropriately titled “Welcome to My World,” as if they were introducing the arena into their world. The crowd was about to embark on a Depeche Mode journey of new and old that would include sing-alongs, breathtaking backdrops and an incredible band that will rise to the occasion and prove why they have so many years behind them and many more to come.

The eager fans, mostly older aged, went berserk when they the band stormed the stage.

With more than 30 years of performing, led by Dave Gahan on vocals, he and bandmates have had plenty of practice to perfect their onstage performance that other bands should take note of. Gahan, now at the young age of 51, is a resilient frontman with as much energy as a teenager.

The English rockers brought down the house with an a 21-song set that jumped from all their albums and included many of their hits.

The crowd sang along to every song and at times almost overpowered Gahan’s vocals. When this happened Gahan gave in and pointed his microphone at the crowd. Audience participation is a must for all bands because it encourages those in attendance to sing their favorite songs and it will add to the experience of the band and audience.

More than 10 years with a band is amazing. More than 20 is phenomenal. When you surpass 30 years, you hit legendary status. Depeche Mode is a group that has scaled and eclipsed the thing legends are made of.

Even though all of the members of Depeche Mode are now in their 50s, they show no signs of stopping. More than 30 years strong and hopefully more than 30 to go.