Holy Sh*t, Depeche Mode Are Back!!

[@comeonandlietome]

Depeche Mode, the only thing that remains in my life. The immediate familiarity when you meet someone who is also a fan is amazing. We are lucky people for having them in our lives.

[@perihelion54]

👌🏻❤️👏🏻

[@piamaria71]

👌🖤

[@shessomethingelse1639]

That is the power of music, especially Depeche Mode. One of the few truly consistent things in my life while everything changes every day. Music is a safety blanket that I can truly fall asleep or relax to. It's incredible. I'm glad I am not the only one who feels this way.

[@vamnoone]

Same same! I’m 21 but jn my age there are not many people who understand this love

[@AlsaDruid]

Exactly this!

[@rangerwhite5165]

An awesome band. Martin Gore is one of the most talented and underrated song writers ever. Who'd have thought that band with the jingly keyboard pop songs, would go on to fill stadiums worldwide. Just a brilliant band.

[@sweetsuszie]

they are awesome and martin is a musical genius. Mode has been my favorite band since a bf introduced me to them at 16.... so going on 40 years. i have an uncle who was going to suprise me with concert tickets ... until he looked at the prices LOLOL he came home and was like "what in the actual fuck? i like depeche mode but i didnt know they could sell out huge venues." lol i was like i told you. LOL

[@youropionmattersnot]

The most popular unpopular band ever for a reason. Their sound was always more of a landscape to me.

[@karenka77]

Underrated? According to whom?

[@Terri_MacKay]

Dave Gahan is an amazing frontman with a fantastic and distinctive voice, true, but I prefer the DM songs sung by Martin Gore (like Home, A Question of Lust). He sings with so much emotion...when Martin Gore sings a song, it definitely hits you right in the feels. In concert, DG performs at 11/10 for the entire show, he just never slows down. Then MG stands at his mic with his guitar and pulls at everyone's heartstrings as he sings.

[@sweetsuszie]

@@Terri_MacKay im not a fan of the way martin pulls out notes. especially now. hes amazing too but his voice is not aging as well as daves. at any rate they are both amamzing long live depeche mode

My personal favourite on SOFAD is In Your Room (album version) - *that* is a masterpiece. This is a gorgeous melody-driven piece which is beautiful in its simplicity. My favourite band for 40 years and have seen them over fifteen times; they’ve never, ever disappointed. They’re the soundtrack to my life 🖤

[@neilcherrett9955]

I absolutely agree, In your room is an incredible work of art and I was just listening to it today.. along with Behind the Wheel and Never let me down again...I think they are a massively underrated band. When you listen to what they were doing in the late eighties and nineties it blows my mind listening to it now, its like a breath of fresh air considering the crap they knock out now. bring back the eighties.....

[@Servoboy]

totally with you . i’ve seen them but not 15 times . I still consider them to be part of the sound track to my life.

[@adala1007]

Violator is also a masterpiece making synth pop immortal...

[@fairdose]

I have loved Depeche Mode since 1984 when I first heard 'People are People" as an 11-year old. All the subsequent albums during the 1980s and early 90's, particularly "Black Celebration", "Music for the Masses", "Violator", "Songs of Faith and Devotion" followed my teen and early adult years. This was the soundtrack to my life. I've seen them 12 times in concert, met Martin and Fletch during the World Violation tour. As someone who grew up within a troubled family and under difficult circumstances, Depeche Mode's music really got me through some difficult times. Now as a 50 year old, who has lost almost everyone from my past, seeing Depeche Mode again, hearing their new music is one of the only things going in my life. The day they decide to fold as a band will probably be the saddest day of my life.

[@djkenny1202]

Wow! Its almost like Mirroring Me!

[@TheAdArchive]

It’s a solid song. To say they are 40 years into a career and can still knock a decent tune out says a lot - shame that they are rather dismissed by the UK music press.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

It still amazes me that in the UK DM are not taken seriously by the music press and shitty bands are fawned over. Why is that?

[@PM-vv3uc]

They are extremely popular in Germany by the way. I'd say almost 98% of the people here know them especially in Eastern Germany.

[@maramara7494]

Well they are very appreciated here in France, so unfortunate that the UK music press don’t recognize their talent 😩

[@miaschu8175]

Really? I've only ever read good reviews of DM in the British press.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

@@miaschu8175 DM are not taken seriously in the U.K. Bands like Oasis are still beloved but DM, not so much.

[@sebastienfayemendie2514]

I m a Metalhead and I really like Depeche Mode ! So well writen, so much emotions ! I don't speak about what's on the radio, I speak about their albums...brillant !

[@phoenixgirl70]

Wow I’d find it interesting the stories behind the one band that is the so different from their main genre and how it even happened. I guess they probably had a sibling or relationship where the person played it enough for you to really like the band and not just a couple songs?

[@tjanderson6561]

I also listen to mostly metal... but I grew up in the 80s so I do love my 80s pop music and Depeche Mode is by FAR the best band of that genre.

[@MrKahlerHahn]

I am mostly a rock/metal guy as well but i fell for mode when i heard enjoy the silence the first time when i was 8 and i never left ever since.

[@sebastienfayemendie2514]

@@phoenixgirl70 A friend of mine introduced me to Depeche Mode, we were playing guitar and he suggested to do a cover...why not ? Then I really listened to their music and I was mind blowing by the the songwritting, the lyrics, everything ! I was 26 back then ! 😁 I m 44...I m into Rock music since my childhood, everything related to Rock is interesting and DM is just brillant ! English is not my first language, sorry if I misspel some words

[@phoenixgirl70]

@@sebastienfayemendie2514 Your English is fantastic! Thanks for answering my question. I find it interesting. And yes, they are mind blowing! Hope you’re still playing guitar. That is such an amazing skill and beautiful instrument.

[@shadouk6737]

This is easily the best Mode single since Precious in 2005. I've loved all their material since 1981 especially Black Celebration which is probably my absolute fave from them. A remarkably consistent band and can't wait to catch them live in London this June. Bring it on.

[@comeonandlietome]

Since Precious, totally agree.

[@ezioauditore6038]

That's not saying much though

[@shadouk6737]

@@ezioauditore6038 You can judge how good a track is when the non-fans are praising the tune. 'Ghosts Again' is an instant classic.

[@alexnagy2044]

2009 - In Sympathy, 2013 - Soothe My Soul, 2017 - So Much Love 2023... Ghosts Again might be, who knows? What is important to me is to say: that these are NOT MY favorite songs, but ones that can be considered a hit through the ears of yours or the big crowd's ears. But there's no doubt that "Precious" was the most radio-friendly song. ✌DEVOTEE💜FOREVER

[@shadouk6737]

@@alexnagy2044 So Much Love and Scum should've been the singles from Spirit. I think at the end of the day, for a band that's been together for so long, they remain remarkably consistent and creative which is amazing really and quite rare.

[@BumblebumBear]

It’s a reflection of the grief and poignancy at the loss of Andy Fletcher. And a great tribute too. I imagine the album will be just as reflective.

[@excelsiormoviereviews]

I didn’t know that Andy Fletcher had passed until today. I wondered why there were only two in the video and I’m sad to hear this news.

[@glennoc8585]

I think a lot of songs were written before he died. It's more poignant now of course.

[@TylerKingNuReview]

The song was written before Fletcher passed away

[@NOWtheband]

@@TylerKingNuReview - Yeah, I found that interesting! 🙂

[@negentropy9560]

@@excelsiormoviereviews, he passed away last May because of an aortic dissection.

[@mikem8749]

I've been listening to them since 80-81. To me, they never disappoint. Nice review. Keep up the good work mate.

[@theoriginalbluey]

Same, since Dreaming of me. Bought a Bauhaus single the same day - Kick in the eye. What a life-changing day that was!

[@nikoletta7678]

My daily dose of Justin, talking about one of my favourite groups of all time. What a Saturday treat!

[@AbitLippy]

In my opinion Depeche Mode wrote one of the best guitar riffs of all time with "Enjoy the Silence"

[@kraftwerk974]

Been listening for 40 years and have no intention to stop 🖤

[@rubaidaallen2764]

At all. Fan for 39 years and I’m always in awe. I wish Alan would come back for one or two more albums if they are going to call it quits. Go out on a high note.

[@deepzepp4176]

I admire your tolerance to torture. Kudos 😉

[@popeye089]

Depeche Mode are up there with all the greats. Their music has spanned 4 decades and they still sell out major venues. Add to that, they are fantastic showman and performers when you see them. There are a lot of great albums made by musicians but not everyone can be a great showman.

[@teddybears4life240]

💯💯💯 i saw DM 4 TIMES❗️❗️❗️

[@sweetsuszie]

you are right!!! they are amazing live!!! Dave reminds me alot of freddy mercury when he was on stage. Dave is an amazing front man. long live depeche mode

[@phoenixgirl70]

@@sweetsuszie Oh you’re so right! How did I not see that when I saw them in concert? And no music magazines/sites have noticed it. Wait they had to. You know what I bet it was because of Dave’s very public addiction problem and they wouldn’t put Freddie with someone like that because (sarcastic now) that would mean Dave was a very bad ‘person’.

I’ve seen them over 15 times and they’ve never, ever played a bad show. They’re one if the best, in my book.

[@michaelhenri2002]

for me..they are the best..I never understood why others should be ranked above Depeche just because they started as a synth pop band...I followed quite few bands but as you said Dave Gahan is one or if not the best frontman alive today...The consistency of DM is undeniable.

[@andywilliams6074]

The video is based on the Ingmar Bergman film The Seventh Seal. Massively underrated band.

[@brucedickinson12]

chess with death

[@adrianmccombe625]

Excellent new song. Glad to see them back. Best synth band ever!

[@martinboylan1006]

You nailed what I was thinking about the lyrics. Raw, no subtlety. Thank you. I thought I was losing it for a sec.

[@dragon2knight]

I'm absolutely amazed at how well Martin can spin a tune, he's among the best in the world at it for sure!

[@longcroftmargate]

I’ve loved DM since Speak and Spell and have seen them live many times. I’m never disappointed - and can’t wait to see them in June this year. Thank you for reviewing!

[@avEPalanthe]

It's just so aesthetically pleasing to look at them, beautifully aged. Real faces. Was not an uberfan, but my first ever bought LP was Music for the masses, in green Vinyl. When I saved my pocket money to buy this gem, I felt thrilled- today I am just as excited to hear from them again. ❤️ from germany

[@johnafirth]

Their run from Black Celebration through to Ultra was great. They can be a bit hit or miss, but this one's sounding like a definite hit.

[@alexandergrafvonrothenstein]

The best albums was from Speak & Spell till Black Celebration. After that it was all music for the masses till the Album Ultra comes, and now the new track is great again, like in the 80's before the album music for the masses 🥰

[@brody5211]

@@alexandergrafvonrothenstein ultra was a brilliant album

[@alexandergrafvonrothenstein]

@@brody5211 yes, it was a great album.

[@Bhud-so8zz]

No love for Some Great Reward? As much as I love a lot of BC and MFTM, they do have a lot of songs on each that do nothing for me.

[@alexandergrafvonrothenstein]

@@Bhud-so8zz some great reward is one of the greatest album from Depeche Mode 👌

[@lightwavelive]

Justin, this video (and walking stick) is a nod to the 1957 movie The Seventh Seal. Plot: “A knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague.” So thrilled you love DM too!! This song and video is the epitome of why I love them. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@littlemouse7066]

exactly. I'm glad someone else saw the reference.

[@theoriginalbluey]

Another instant Depeche Mode classic. Still so sad about Andy, whilst really looking forward to their big Twickenham gig. The album will, of course, be fantastic. Thanks Justin, you have such good taste.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

This is one of the most beautiful songs by DM since Precious. Absolutely love it. So poignant and heartbreaking and it resonates. I’ve been a DM fan since 1984 so I’m very familiar with this magnificent bands very unique and classic sound. Since Alan Wilder left, there have been very few Depeche Mode sounding songs. This gem is definitely one of those few. This is classic Mode and I’m so thrilled they’ve gone back to what made them great in the first place. Bravo gentleman 👏👏👏❤❤❤

[@samuelabernetti658]

"Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning 'remember you must die'. A basic memento mori painting would be a portrait with a skull but other symbols commonly found are hour glasses or clocks, extinguished or guttering candles, fruit, and flowers."

[@sierrasample8632]

Love Depeche Mode! Their sound is so distinct and just pierces your soul. It must be so different for Dave and Martin to continue without Andy, but Andy's legacy lives on through their music. I had the pleasure of seeing them perform in 2013, and they were absolutely incredible. I will treasure that experience always.

[@lockingdiff]

Depeche Mode are one of my all time favorite bands. Saw them live and also saw Dave live solo during his Paper Monsters tour, beautiful concert full of DM and his solo songs.

[@ruiz212]

Saw Paper Monsters at the Majestic in San Antonio was the best concert I have ever seen. Haven't missed a DM tour in over 30 years.

[@alexnagy2044]

@@ruiz212 Wow, you are my "heroes" guys! +Locking Diff and you are fookin lucky bastards 😅LOL But serious, the Paper Monsters just my fave Dave album ever and i love watching the concerts he had during Live Monsters...He was completely in his element, full of spirit and energy. In addition, he was surrounded by a band he had always wanted. Went the rock n roll so hard! To this day, it is a pleasure to watch. The tattoo is also here on my arm, so I envy you. ✌DEVOTEE💜FOREVER

[@gasgiant7122]

@lockingdiff I just read your comment in a “smashy & nicey” voice😂👍

[@Thejohnnylove69]

The seventh Seal👍🏽 one of my favorite bands of all time. blasterous rumors!

[@guillermoflores1245]

Proud of you that you go see your grandma! Love Depeche!!!

[@TheHulksMistress]

Imagine your grandson being Justin Hawkins of The Darkness. That’s one lucky nana

[@yoginella]

I think it was Mr. Gore himself who once said in an interview that he writes songs on guitar, even back in the early years of their career, and then transfere them to piano, synthizer, etc. When they made Violater they started using guitars on the songs instead of switching to the previously used instruments. They wanted to try something different, liked it and combinded the different instruments from then on.

[@charliebluechaos4963]

DEPECHE MODE!!!!!!!!!!!! and that guitar!! Much love to you Mr. Hawkins

[@blazerhawkdarren68]

Never had any album from Depeche Mode but I do like their songs. If I was given the chance to see them in concert, I'd definitely go.

[@StephenRandall]

Violator is my favourite! Songs of Faith and Devotion is fab too :)

[@mirceapintelie361]

Black Celebration all the way to Ultra is peak Depeche Mode

[@sheydoll]

I own a few and love them all! I regret not seeing them in concert😥

[@julielardner5622]

Go if you can!!

[@blazerhawkdarren68]

@@julielardner5622 oh I will.

[@nightwolf2666]

The skull on the end of his walking stick is simply an aesthetic effect to reinforce the concept of death in the video. It's subtle but very clever. We love your channel here is the States.

[@rachelpenny5165]

I like this new song by them, they played it on my local radio station yesterday. But I have liked Depeche Mode most of my life, and I was born around Christmas 1972. I use a walking stick as I have mobility problems due to multiple sclerosis (was diagnosed in 1991). My walking stick is decorated. I have a few, one is like a tropical rainforest, one has lots of union flags on it, one has animal print on it. They have normal handles on them. But I don't like boring. My favourite songs from Depeche Mode are Condemnation from Songs of Faith and Devotion and the 1980s one People are People. But I like most of their stuff.

[@KatSnow11]

Looking lovely today, Justin! I’m so happy that you are able to spend time with your grandmother. That fills my heart!

[@endcensorship874]

“Momento Mori” is a key aspect of the Stoic philosophy

[@louisgz1]

I think the death's head walking stick motiff is an homage to a very famous Robert Mapplethorpe self portrait he created towards the end of his life. The fact that the cinematography was done by a photographer would point towards a Mapplethorpe influence as well.

[@TheBoomtown4]

Ah, thanks. I’ll check him out.

[@olazissou2211]

The main inspiration is Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal.

[@73Goodfellow]

I first saw them live in 1990. One of my best concerts ever.

[@bmyers0206]

Love the name of the album from them. On another note your One way ticket is still a complete album from star to finish. Thank you 4 your content

[@rosemarymcgrory]

This isn't even a question...Depeche Mode are the best British band in the world ..I absolutely love their new music ..and ghosts again is a awesome 👍 hypnotic dark , Beautiful song love DP

[@anacarolmsc]

I love all eras of DM, they never cease to amaze me. And their concerts are splendid!!! I'm so glad they're still going.

[@MrKahlerHahn]

Heck yeah. I love songs of faith and devotion so much. Such an underrated album

[@mirapiccolo6601]

I'm happy to see DEpeche Mode again tonight on TV, guests at an important song festival...Thanks for this beautiful video Jusin, have a nice week end..greetings from Italy

[@darrenoconnor6241]

Great to see Justin that you are also a Depeche Mode fan. By the way the first single is sounding great it's going to be a cracking album.

[@apl2606]

So looking forward to hearing and seeing them live this summer.

[@Nodens242]

Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) has credits as co-writer of this song and many other songs this new album

[@MisAnnThorpe]

That can't be right, surely?!

[@Nodens242]

@@MisAnnThorpe Memento Mori Credits: My Cosmos Is Mine - Martin Gore Wagging Tongue - Dave Gahan & Martin Gore Ghosts Again - Martin Gore & Richard Butler Don't Say You Love Me - Martin Gore & Richard Butler My Favourite Stranger - Martin Gore & Richard Butler Soul With Me - Martin Gore Caroline's Monkey - Martin Gore & Richard Butler Before We Drown - Dave Gahan, Peter Gordeno & Christian Eigner People Are Good - Martin Gore Always You - Martin Gore Never Let Me Go - Martin Gore Speak To Me - Dave Gahan, Marta Salogni, Christian Eigner & James Ford

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@Nodens242 Thank you. Yes, I did some checking after seeing your comment and was shocked to see that you are indeed correct. I can now actually hear the Butler influence in the vocal melody and lyrics. This actually makes more sense to me as a Richard Butler song than a Martin Gore one if you just reduce it to its basic melody. It wouldn't have sounded out of place on his solo album.

[@Nodens242]

@@MisAnnThorpe when the album credits were published, some people in México made jokes about this album is a "Depeche Furs" or "Psychedelic Mode" album

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@Nodens242 Looking at the lyrics to this song it really does have Richard Butler's stamp all over it. I'm now really curious to hear the other Gore/Butler songs on the album. What's your opinion of this song?

[@scottchristy]

the production on SOFAD is absolutely amazing. they should do a masterclass on that.

[@deniseb3917]

The magic combination of Alan Wilder and Flood, my fav Depeche Mode era musically speaking.

[@wjec1970]

I couldn't agree more. SOFAD is one hell of an album, both the songs and amazing production.

[@radorado666]

Love Depeche Mode. Great to hear you Justin complimenting their lyrics as well, since I feel that's often overlooked and their song are often indeed very clever on that front.

[@neilstoddart00001]

looking forward to seeing these gents in Bologna this summer. In the 80's who would have guessed these electropop boys would mature so well?

[@ltlt1219]

Hello, Mr Hawkins. Just want to say you are very talented, sir! And I look fwd to hearing new Depeche Mode!

[@antoniotorres3936]

There are hard core fans in North, Central and South America that will see them because they have grown up with them since the 80's, some of which will take their kids.

[@AlternativeGuitars]

A new Depeche track and album is always welcome - they're up there with the greats like The Cure + Nine Inch Nails. Thats me off to listen to Songs Of Faith And Devotion..

[@Rocksarum]

I remember once seeing The Cure live. I loved them and enjoyed the show, but I felt frustrated for not being able to see the last 3-4 songs as I had to choose between see the end of the show or dying of hypothermia. They usually play for more than 3 hours (never enough time for fans👍), but that day was so f**ing cold.🥶🥶🥶

[@richardd9863]

And Smashing Pumpkins

[@larsvontrio]

Love those walking sticks with a brass-encased screw-top compass for a handle. Cool, and practical. Great for when you get lost in those backstage passages!

[@deborahsdavies2477]

Love them there always be amazing

[@stephenyurisich9147]

Love you J.H!!! From Vancouver 🇨🇦 highlands !! Lol... keep up the love !

[@MrRumbledethumps]

World Violation tour at the NEC and SOFAD at Crystal Palace in the early 90s. Great gigs! The new song is brilliant.

[@Rinconesdrg]

Walking in my shoes, Love thieves, sister of night, blue dress, useless, behind the wheel, Never let me down again, shake the disease, I feel loved, wrong, precious. Depeche mode have sooo many amazing songs, these are some of my favourites.

[@witch_haunts_ghost]

Yay! I was hoping you would cover this song! I'm so glad you did. Amazing!! I just love the new song. I hope they tour Australia. They haven't been here since something like 2003. Waaaaay too long. Thank you for covering it. Dave Gahan looks amazing in his suit in this video. And Marty Gore FOREVER!! My favourite album by them is "Violator" and I think "Enjoy the Silence" is one of the greatest songs ever written. This song is really concise and a return to form.

[@spahndirge]

Even longer than that, it was 1994 when they last toured Australia. Unfortunately, I’d say we have two chances that they’ll tour ever again…Buckley’s and none.

[@witch_haunts_ghost]

@@spahndirge Man! That is way too long! I remember when they toured in 91 but I didn't realize it was '94 after that. I thought they had done 2003 as well, and I heard that Dave Gahan was in a really bad state health wise and they ended up only doing Melbourne or something, but maybe none of that is true! Maybe that was the 94 show. Either way, it's nuts that it's so long ago since they've toured here, that I can't even remember the damn year. I hate those two choices :(. They need to come back, damnit!

[@spahndirge]

@@witch_haunts_ghost They do, but I guess they won’t. They’ve only toured Australia twice…1990 & 1994. The first, with the World Violation Tour initially had two dates, one each for Sydney and Melbourne. Unfortunately Dave strained his voice on the Sydney date, so the following Melbourne concert was cancelled.

[@FoxyRockyLou]

Have to confess I have seen Depeche Mode 4 times and booked in for MK in June - can’t wait …. ❤ Highlight of my day as always ❤ so sad for their loss…. Hope you never need a walking stick Jussy 🥰😂

[@Rocksarum]

Nice tribute to their mate. I like Depeche Mode because they have a really authentic style (one can identify inmediatly each of their songs). And also Dave Gahan has a wonderful voice, appart from being such an elegant and stylish man😎 On the walking stick suggestions...I think you will not need one in very looooong time, as you have a 10 physique🤸‍♂️(though a shure super 55 mic, a hawk or a tiger head would be some options for the cane handle)😘

[@donnyvillan]

I actually smiled all the way through this. I've been a DM fan all of my life, first seeing them as a starstruck 17 yr old in 1981, and will be following them to Rome and Milan on this latest tour. This video made my day, particular highlights on this video for me were "I feel you" and the walking stick conversation. I can feel your passion for the band, and I think you've absolutely nailed it in your comments about Ghosts Again. DM are the story of my life, which has recently had more than it's fair share of tragedy, so for me, anything that makes me smile these days is absolutely massive bonus. So for this, I say Thank You with all my heart.

[@floyd75dylan]

My favourite Depeche Mode music videos are, Wrong, Hole to Feed, & Heaven. Ghosts again is another great music video again that compliments their fantastic song.

[@paulalamore4154]

I saw Depeche Mode in their old days at Red Rocks !! They were great then, but I’m excited they put out new tunes !! I just found out when you just told me !!! Glad I’m one of your fans !! AND I just found you at Taylor’s tribute with Wolf Van Halen !!! Great music time for me !! 🎶🎶

[@UnderTheMillkyWay]

I've been a huge fan of DM since the 80's. My favorite concert was when I saw them at the Santana Barbara bowl I think in 2013/2014. It was an epic show they put on and I hope to see them again.

[@irevisibel9237]

Listened to the new single over and over and love it. Tribute to Andy and in general some kind of retrospective.

[@christopherreynolds9254]

As a walking stick, I think you could have a wizard’s staff, something akin to Gandalf’s in LOTR

[@brody5211]

The best song in years it’s a masterpiece . It’s the new enjoy the silence. It’s so uplifting with amazing melody , superb vocals and melancholic beauty . The video too …

[@trevorsmith9220]

If you want a unique walking stick, you can't beat the one my dad used to have. He had a favourite rose bush and when he saw it losing its fight with life, he cut the main stem and varnished it. It saw him through to his end. But no doubt whatever your choice it will be uniquely you. Boss channel, brightens every day. Cheers.

[@joycastle.]

I have always considered Depeche Mode (at least after 1984/1985) to be a rock band that happens to play synths. And, as far as Martin Gore is concerned, a Gretsch. Sadly, my rock friends can't seem to overlook the fact that synths aren't standard rock instruments (granted, you can't wear them at knee height, that's definitely a downside). I'm sure DM would be one of their favourite bands if they played the exact same songs, just with electric guitars and real drums. Martin Gore is a brilliant songwriter, and that's all there is to it.

[@sweetsuszie]

well your friends are right... they are not a rock band. they are a synth band and have only started using live instruments on stage during the later tours. when dave was hooked up with the bitch. he is a rocker at heart i think but NO they are a synth band. out of thier own mouths always will be

[@douglasmilton2805]

I was at one of Dépêche Mode’s first ever London gigs, in the company of NME journo Paul Morley, at some tiny venue in Soho - can’t even remember the name, one of those ephemeral clubs that lasted a week or so back then. The Mode were totally ace, PM wrote a piece about them, Just Can’t Get Enough came out and bang, they were massive. A bit accidentally - in the beginning they were aiming more for the avant garde Mute Records image, or at least Vince was.

[@timharrison2076]

Musically they seem to have gone back to their synthpop origins. This one has a touch of OMD about it.

[@emilybaker3703]

If you ever get to the stage where you need a walking cane. Maybe you could get one with a bejeweled Hawk on top of it, or one with a hand reaching up ready to clasp your hand. Idk those were the first ones that came to mind. 🤷‍♀

[@summerbranam1446]

Skull on the walking stick is technically a momento mori so it fits with the album title and the idea of the song. 😎

[@darcy6874]

A return to form is an accurate summary Justin, DM in my opinion haven't made a great album since Songs of faith and devotion, but they are back to form, this album has some incredible tracks including wagging tongue. ( written by Gahan )

[@taz3940]

You mentioned Depeche mode ... You just got a new subscriber 😊.. ps : on a side note , forget Vince Clarke Alan wilder was Depeche mode along with Martin Gore as an amazing songwriter and Dave as the best front man of the 80s/90s . Thank you for this video an amazing band to this day . ❤

[@Darrenski]

Yeah i was never a fan of the vince clark stuff. The only really early stuff I liked was see you and that was kinda their first more darker post pop sound. Vince clarke leaving was the best decision DM never made.

[@marksigsworth2195]

An absolute Gem from DM. Rolling back the years from slightly darker albums. 'Ghosts Again' is a perfect example of Martin's brilliance and the unique sound of Dave's voice. Really looking forward to my trip to Twickenham in June to see them again. I have been a huge fan since their very first single 'Dreaming of Me'. PS: we'll miss you Fletch!

[@Lisztomania1]

Another gorgeous guitar 🎸 you have MR. Hawkins 😊

[@SRDhain]

I've been fortunate to have listened to and/or own everything they've done. They've had three distinct periods with sonic changes each time ; Vince clarke -1980 to 81, Alan Wilder 82- 95 & various producers since then. To their absolute credit, they've never sounded like they've 'phoned it in', so to speak, even during changes (and losses) of personnel. That's some going for an electronic music based band who've now existed professionally for 43 years. They're consistently releasing output with a varied sonic pallette and maintaining quality on each album. I hope they're around for at least another decade, as there's not many acts that can sustain (and maintain) their calibre of output in the genre.

[@kellybrincks]

one of the greatest live bands ever

[@scottsmith1455]

40 years strong! This tune is tremendous, everything you want in a Mode tune, brilliant!!❤❤

[@kevincross9206]

Bodes well for the album. They’ve always been so strong as a band, even in the “darker” days.

[@91vasi]

I liked you before but now you said you love depeche mode? i like u even more!

[@MichaelBLive]

Love Depeche Mode.

[@RennieDJ]

Depeche More are still the best Live band I’ve ever seen. Dave is an unbelievable front man. RIP to Fletch ❤

[@nancymoore9952]

I was very happy 😃 I get exactly the same when I hear them, black and white and of course a chiselled Dave 😉

[@ninawildr4207]

Sofad is my favorite ..Thx ALAN !.. but yes this song is brilliant and a return to form...

[@bobbler42]

The skull on the walking stick is a memento mori. As a trope in early modern arts it has a variety of meanings - see Holbein’s the A,bassadors, for one, where the juxtaposition of a distorted skull you have to bend down to see properly with the opulence of their dress and setting has a sort of “vanity of human wishes” meaning, viz. all worldly things are fleeting. It’s also frequently seen family portraits, where it has a kind of “we know we’re going to die, but what will survive of us is love/in the meantime we like each other” vibe (look for partners touching a skull). I’m no Göthe expert, but the story of him keeping Schiller’s skull on his desk would fit the same vibe. As the Latin name suggests I think it’s fair to say it’s a ( era) Catholic idea - man hath but a short time to live, etc. The point of carrying a “reminder of death” (skull ornamentation, say) is to show that mod is aware of, and comfortable with, one’s mortality. Not so much that one has a big chopper and is a total badass. Meaning is mutable, though. I suspect given the recent passing of a band mate and encroaching age DM may be going for the former.

[@laurajerele1737]

Watching you sway to new DM lush vibes whilst waxing poetic about their talents is a true joy! I love this.

[@mrbigglesworth_Official]

DM are amazing, love to see them live

[@kellsinpdx]

I love Depeche Mode! I'm glad they're releasing new music. Rest in peace, Andy Fletcher!

[@incognitoatunknown2702]

The music had been done for the most part although Fletch hadn't heard any of it before his untimely exit. Gahan said that Andy would have loved the album but would have also wondered why every song had to be about death? Lol. This song feels like premonition to me and nearing the point in life where you're starting to see the ghost of death out of the corner of your eye, knowing eventually it will be your turn. It's such an interesting sounding song, uplifting but traumatic. DM are so good at that. Listen to Heaven, it sounds like a bar band playing at the end of the universe but the lyrics... wow. This one's got a bit of a New Order feel to it which I found jarring before I realised that's what it was. I actually think I love weathered DM more than 1980 Baby DM. Ghosts does actually sound even more amazing on guitar, you're right Justin. I hope there's a guitar based remix in the offing at some point. Perhaps The Darkness might do a version of this in tribute? On another note, I've decided that if they aren't going to let Johnny Depp keep playing that pirate character of his, Justin would make for a remarkable recast. That's a performance I'd love to see.

[@CJH2024]

Hope the Scottish weather stays good for you Justin keep up the good work. 🎸🙏

[@Rich69C]

Such a nice balanced review. Particularly liked your recognition of their live output. Like you sensed, the album was a return to form.

[@CupofCloud]

this is what happens when depeche mode tackles that basic but nice chord progression. well done and makes me want to check out their new album

[@jurgenwerndl1139]

80s,90s,2ks and now.....this band is my whole life on my side and i love it so much....

[@excelsiormoviereviews]

I just now discovered that Andy Fletcher passed away in 2022. This explains the dark video referencing The Seventh Seal chess match. Ultra was their hard rock album that I love, even though Barrel of a Gun sounds like a John Christ riff.

[@CaledoniusD]

With your passion all things Queen surely a Freddie style mic stand is your perfect walking stick

[@freedompanda9438]

If the rest of the album is anything like the first single, it’s 🔥 FIRE 🔥

[@stevensteltenpool904]

The skull walking stick is heavily loaned from / homage to: Robert Mapplethorpe's "Self Portrait" 1988. If Anton did the video it make's allot of sense. Well worth watching the documentary on Robert Mapplethorpe, were his brother talks about making that image.

[@PeachsPalace]

To some, they never went away. They’ve been consistently good for 30+ years. They’ve never lost their edge like so many “rock” bands

[@JeterSwisherFan88]

Great commentary! And by the way, I absolutely love the album “Songs of Faith and Devotion,” along with pretty much every album I’ve heard by DM thus far. Big fan of them, by the way.