How Depeche Mode Created This 80s Synth Pop Masterpiece | Professor of Rock

[@djwozzer1575]

BEST MUSIC CHANNEL ON KZbin. PERIOD. SALUTE YOU PROFESSOR.

[@shanedanielson2768]

I FOUND SOMETHING SPECIAL AND LIKEY NOT HEARD. A COMPLETELY NEW VERSION OF PALE SHELTER BY TEARS FOR FEARS LIVE AT THE ROCKPLAST IN 1983. NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE IT.

[@YOURTECHFRIEND]

Spot on DJ Wozzer

[@commentfreely5443]

best theory is rick beato

[@jgmyers71]

I agree

[@amedeo29]

Anthony Fantano’s page is pretty good, arguably better. 🤷🏻‍♂️ But this page is good.

[@thoughtsbeforesleep]

"It's not a song - it's a religious experience" - this sums up Depeche Mode for me - works of pure genius.

[@swimmyswimmy8937]

Black Celebration was the soundtrack to my teenage years, what an amazing album! So lucky to have grown up in the 80's, the best decade for music, movies, fashion, & FUN!!! "I'll drink to that!"

[@oldirtydawson]

You're the friend I never met when I was younger that I always wish I had. 100% agree with everything you said. You covered it all. "Stripped" is my favorite song. Ever. Favorite album by my favorite band. I'm a Martin guy, and Black Celebration is definitely more a Martin album. We lived similar childhoods, and thanks for articulating so well how I felt back then. Took me right back. I wouldn't be here without the music of Depeche Mode. Got me through so much. Thank you, Professor. You're such a cool guy. This was my favorite video yet. Made my day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you for sharing, that's cool! Well we're friends now, glad to have you in the community.

[@markthompson6368]

the Professor speaks for many of us.

[@TrebleForTheBass]

Go listen to the Rammstein version- thank me later.

[@weakanklesfornamjoon]

Hear, hear

[@mariogonzalez5107]

I was born in 86 and didn’t get to experience what the 80’s were like but I feel like the music, movies and pop culture was the best decade ever, so much talent from everywhere, I feel a nostalgia hard to explain and wouldn’t change the way I feel about this decade and its music.

[@monalisamoshpit]

"And then there's Stripped..." I got chills!

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Yeah yeah!

[@ricardojmestre]

Yesssss

[@ScottWozniak]

My favorite DM album. Been listening to it for 35 years and still hear new things on each listen. I wish they'd get Gareth Jones to produce a new record. And while they're at it, get Alan Wilder back in the band! ❤️

[@bongo4unme]

Ah..we can dream can't we.

[@FrankHerfjord]

I think maybe you didn't formulate that correctly. What you meant to say was "get the band back together, call Alan Wilder". DM without Wilder is like New Order without Hooky. It's just... not.

[@LewisShieldsUS]

DM, Smiths, Cure oh yes. A time remembered. Needed Bauhaus and The Mission to cheer things up. Thanks so much, great show.

[@vsander09]

Just add JD/New Order and you’re there

[@18dcallaway]

Oh the Cure!! Loved them!

[@FrankHerfjord]

@@vsander09 hold on. Once Sioxsie's in we're off to the races.

[@mutazah]

When Stripped comes on everything must stop. If time could be stopped I would stop that too.

[@rosesofonyx747]

100 percent agree

[@HakainoMegami]

YES!!!! THIS!!!!

[@annwyn321]

I loved it when I heard the album, but when I heard the live version on 101, it slayed me. When that percussion hits, it stuns me speechless, to this day.

[@andrewironside3506]

@@annwyn321 I remember this surreal moment when I was young driving a bicycle around my town at night with 101 on my Walkman. Stripped was that good.

[@kimmcconnell3854]

DM made me feel like I wasn't alone when it felt like I was.

[@KennethDillard]

DM's run of albums from "Black Celebration" through "Songs of Faith and Devotion" was as strong a run in terms of growth, and song strength as almost any artist in history, save for the Beatles.

[@jetjaguar72]

They just got better and better... What an incredible run.

[@FrankHerfjord]

I would go further back. "A Broken Frame" was a bit of a miss, but "Speak and Spell" and the other two previous ones were also a great part of that incredible journey. Here's a gift for you to remind you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nneznXp6gMycj8U

[@bicyclist2]

DM is way better than the Beatles.

[@rnkmode1876]

I agree and there was no other band of their genre that could compete with those albums. Not Tears for Fears, not Duran Duran, etc.. Depeche Mode were the Kings from 1986 and on.

[@tannoys2008]

@@bicyclist2 DM are my favourite band and always well be and hits me like no other band ever could and have done it there own way but the Beatles changed everything and i love them for that.

[@RYXPfan]

I'd have to agree that the feeling of listening to Depeche Mode is unlike any other group. There's a uniquely attractive blend of darkness and musicianship that pulls me in.

[@meliroq]

This album will always have a spot in my heart because it’s when my love for Depeche Mode exploded. I already enjoyed Some Great Reward but Black Celebration was everything for me at 13 years old. Nearly 35 years later, it’s still awesome.

[@thevellocet]

What a run of albums. Black celebration, Music for the masses, Violator and then Songs for faith and devotion. In terms of evolution it's something you rarely see anymore. Let alone a string of albums just getting better.

[@djigor]

Absolutely! Incredible streak of albums with great singles in them!😎 There is another band that had a similar string of great four albums though. Pet Shop Boys with: Please, Actually, Introspective and Behaviour.

[@elvissanchez8985]

The best review I’ve seen for this album. Prof. Of Rock is so passionate about music and it shows through in every video he produces. Thank you

[@anabanana4526]

Yes, yes, and YES to everything you've said! There's no one like DM. Especially in the 80's. Black Celebration to me is like a balance of darkness and the light. There's so much humanity in the lyrics. "Stripped" to me is the standout. Love them!

[@bicyclist2]

I love DM with all my heart. I've been a big fan for over 35 years. Listening to this brings back so many memories of my teen years. Professor of Rock has managed to accurately put into words, all the strong emotions and feelings I have for DM. When all the songs are as great as they are, it's impossible to have a favorite. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@alexandrialubomir4805]

Loved it. There is nothing like the cure, Depeche Mode, and smiths to see one through the angst filled years.

[@bicyclist2]

Amen!

[@Quaisior]

Depeche Mode saved my life too and Black Celebration is my favorite of their albums. I only got to see DM live once when I was 16 and "Stripped" was absolutely magical. It rained during just that song and everything got all misty. I'll never forget the atmosphere, it was perfect for the song.

[@stanleywissmar3455]

DM and Howard Jones were the reason I could not just stay a rocker. Their genius melodies and unique use of synth sounds made it impossible to not embrace it! Hence under period I alternated weeks of being a Hard Rock dude and synth fan enraging some friends in both camps.... and eventually today merging to a POR mini-me. 😉 Great work, Professor! 🙏🎼♥️

[@EmpressTouch]

Huge credit to you for stepping outside your comfort zone in the name of great music. It speaks volumes of your character.

[@stanleywissmar3455]

@@EmpressTouch Thanks for those kind words. 🙏 I've restarted my musical path recently with an ode to Gary Moore and the ominous song " Victims of the Future", kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnawhal8fb2rg7c

[@EmpressTouch]

@@stanleywissmar3455 Good song. Unique vocal delivery, but when you look beyond the video's meaning towards the song, it echoes many other warnings from the future, starting with a simple reminder what happens when you walk backwards instead of forwards (you can't see what you're treading upon). As I find myself saying on Twitter a lot: "Stay classy!".

[@JohnNewkirk1]

Same for me. I grew up in a family of musicians and have a very eclectic taste in music. It has always fascinated and amused me how different groups could be so condescending and such snobs toward others who listen to anything but what they listen to. Great music has no genre. It just is. I was a going through a decidedly metal shift in the early to mid 80s when I discovered DM. Loved them ever since. And Gary Moore, RIP, VOTF album is amazing! Saw him in 86 in (West) Germany with Queen. Thanks for speaking those memories!

[@mrclaytron]

Stripped. One of my favourite songs of all time! Great video man, I'm a big fan of your channel!

[@syrophenikan]

If it wasn’t for Fletch’s “killer clap”, I don’t know how I would have survived my teenage years.

[@innerstatejt]

Haha brilliant

[@MikeF5]

Well, you have to do something standing in front of an unplugged keyboard.

[@bgdrummer100]

NO ONE's got the clap like Fletch!

[@exrli5464]

lol the way we come at Fletch thoooooo

[@d10srelish40]

Imagine if Fletch was the one who left DM not Alan 🤔 .

[@PapoPistola]

I started listening to DM on their Sounds of the Universe era only having known some of their hits, then worked my way back. When I got to Black Celebration, I could not believe I hadn't heard it before. It is undoubtedly my favorite album of theirs and maybe of all time.

[@adamanderson8835]

I was 10 when this album came out and it became a soundtrack of my childhood. All those feelings we’ve had listening to this masterpiece are put into words by this gentleman...kudos to you.

[@dougherty1980]

My favourite depeche mode album.

[@MegaEvildan]

Mine too.

[@BillGraper]

I think "Violator" is their best album, because of "Personal Jesus," "Policy Of Truth" and my personal favorite, "Enjoy The Silence." :)

[@BilboCameron]

Number 1 in my book. "Fly on the Windscreen" has such amazing an feel.

[@Lunarisx718]

Same!

[@KidMrRemixes]

My favourite album of theirs. For all the talk of it’s dark nature, it has huge amounts of colour, melody and brilliant song structure.

[@MrPrice2U]

Spent a year as a kid listening to this album in the dark. It has to be their darkest. Music for the masses is a true masterpiece but doesn't explore those dark aspects of life. Thank God for Alan Wilder.

[@RayEttler]

then you must have overheard "to have and to hold" ... sinister enough to darken the whole album

[@angelawidemon2912]

Especially, thank God for Mr.Gore!!!

[@chriscannon4616]

Violator had some pretty dark tracks too such as “sweetest perfection” but black celebration has to be one of the darkest albums up there

[@MrPrice2U]

@@RayEttlerNah, man that's on "masses" and that's my other favorite album. Black Celebration oozes with darkness.

[@MrPrice2U]

@@angelawidemon2912 Yeah, must have been tough after Vince left.

[@spoonfudge1284]

Please do an episode on Split Enz. One of the most underrated 80’s bands ever. They were way way ahead of their time.

[@TnTBLACK95]

His response should be "I Got You".

[@danbev9313]

@@TnTBLACK95 You can see my eyes...you can tell that I'm not lying...

[@Cassella_and_Salt]

@@danbev9313 Charlie

[@danbev9313]

@Pajola Productions Hey now, hey now dont dream it's over. The Corona virus wont win

[@vanillacoffee]

What more can a poor boy do?

[@attegranattehsts]

Stripped is a masterpiece for the ages ❤

[@briantherockandmetaladdict1173]

You've done it again professor, out done yourself. This album is a masterpiece in and of itself. I never get tired of this album. DM is soooo underated and while I was in high school this album was my soundtrack of my life(along w The Cure) . I can never get enough of this either. You've dissected the songs tremendously. By far your channel is one of the BEST on KZbin .

[@bobmoe5934]

I’ve been a DM fan for 35 years! Love these guys! Thank you for doing this video. I’ll drink to that! Alan Wilder is fantastic. Thanks for giving him the props he definitely deserves!

[@bioniccop40]

Right I have been Devotee since Some Great Reward and like everyone else we want to see the line-up we grew-up on reunite some day ~~Alan Wilder~~!

[@r32657]

When you said "also saved actual lives," I know exactly what you mean. I was there. I've been a fan since the 80's.

[@bicyclist2]

Same. Agreed.

[@Scorpio_Moonshine]

Absolutely agree with you on "Stripped." Experiencing it at their concerts, it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! 👐🏻

[@immortal2u]

DM, it’s music, and this particular album was a huge album for my girlfriend and I at the time. We’d lay there in her darkened room, as I sang “Fragile, like a baby in your arms..”. We’re celebrating our wedding anniversary today, and I still sing her this song. It always brings a smile to her face.. The music means as much to me now, as it ever did. A brilliant band, a genie in a bottle.

[@Kristina_D.]

So sweet ♡ Happy Anniversary!!

[@immortal2u]

@@Kristina_D. Thank you, so much. We were introduced at a teen dance club on her 17th birthday by a mutual friend. We broke up, and lost track of each other for 30 years. That missing piece I always felt was missing.. Yes, it was her.

[@sonofhibbs4425]

It’s so not fair...not enough DM lovin’ guys to go around for us DM lovin’ gals. Envy aside, great story and happy anniversary!

[@StphLGuerrero]

Happy anniversary!

[@immortal2u]

@@sonofhibbs4425 Thank you! You'll find yours, when you least expect it.

[@ninjakbly]

This album, Disintegration, Power Corruption & Lies, and Blue Sunshine have ascended beyond music to me and are part of my DNA now.

[@tuomosuonkoski6959]

Thank you professor. I am from Finland and I must say that you are doing really great KZbin videos. When I was teenager during 80's Depeche Mode was like a culture and religion for many young people (like me) in Finland, they dressed in black and there were clubs for Depeche Mode etc. Black Celebration was perfect album and that song Black Celebration is one of the best songs ever created. And like you said Professor especially these lyrics: "Your optimistic eyes seem like paradise to someone like Me..." Thank You Depeche Mode, thank you especially Alan Wilder also, those golden years...

[@willh1970]

1986. Dublin. Myself and all my friends went to see DM during a concert over Easter weekend. I was on my friends shoulders and , little did we know, we were recorded for some video. You could only see my back as I sat on my friends shoulders but we were practically famous in school!!! We went on to live together in London between 1988 and 1990. He was the best man at my wedding in 1994, divorce ten years later, and unfortunately my best friend was killed in Philly in 2002. Hit and run. But we had some adventures for sure. And so many revolved around Depeche Mode. Thanks for sharing. So many memories came flooding back.

[@The_Dominic]

I consider this to be their greatest album... when this was released, I couldn’t believe how amazing this sounded and how unique it was with all of the tracks blended together. And I also consider this the greatest electronic album of all time. An astonishing achievement in lyrics and sound...

[@NormaTLeon]

I remember being 16 and rocking out to “Fly on the Windscreen” on my worse days!! I put the line “The more I look, the more I see, the more I feel” as a quote in my high school yearbook!! DEPECHE MODE 4ever!! Seeing them again this Saturday in Brooklyn!!

[@puddytat2556]

All time favorite band their music got me thru a lot and saw them live at the rosebowl and was blown away. Took my sister for her birthday and it was amazing.

[@RivetHead]

As a freak that never fit in when in high school, Depeche Mode was the band that opened my eyes to the fact that I wasn't alone in the world. This album in particular helped me through some very tough times and I listen to it to this joy with a sense of melancholy and joy that can only be found listening to a few bands. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on this timeless album.

[@ms.lisamurphy269]

oh man, for me ..?it was tears for fears/the hurting. To put this in context, at the time, the soundtrack of the weekend parties and our lives really, consisted of Ozzy ,Priest, Van Halen (any with DLR) ....Zeppelin,...ac/dc., I'm from the south so Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot were big as well, I can't remember how i was exposed to this particular record, the massive hit "SHOUT"was on the next record - and nothing on "the hurting " were radio hits - at the time. I love how the first song - the hurting duh - had this weird off key, weird time chandes -the boys sang in unison - yet each is distinct and resonating- that first track was like a dirge - . I suppose "Mad World" is one of the most familiar songs on the planet. it's been reborn again and again by artists in every genre. But back than - it was at best an example of this new "alternative" music. I kind of liked that it was....different, a complete departure from the status quo. So one night - between bong hits and a punch made with friutpunch and everclesr -I (gasp)took of Charlie Daniels ....and put "the hurting" on. Everyone loved it and the party raged on.....NOT!!!! The loud din of plastered older teens, got quieter.....What the fuuuuck man????My best friend even looked at me quizzically, like, huh???? No , my friends, that night - my quaint North Carolina hometown crowd didn't appreciate ....music appreciation. So before actual booing stsrted - I carefully retrieved my record, and compromised - flipped through my crate of well worn albums and pulled out "The Police" ......Everclear and Roxanne ....and we partied on. The End🌈

[@RivetHead]

@@ms.lisamurphy269 I got into Tears For Fears later and missed the Hurting until after Shout was a big hit. For me the song on that album that stole me away was Change . I never had Tears For Fears slow down a party that I was at, but later in life when I was in University in the late 80's I had a bunch of friends over and I had really gotten into the alternative scene. I was enamored by The Sisters of Mercy and Floodland was on constant rotation for me. I put the album on and all of my friends who were fairly normal turned and looked at me like had 3 heads. Needless to say that was the last party I had where I was the only freak. Afterwards I was surrounded by like minded folks that would turn and look at you weird if you put Def Leppard on. Haha

[@ms.lisamurphy269]

@@RivetHead RH....gotta be real here. The death of Eddie Van Halen was gut wrenching. I surprised myself how devastating his death affected me. Music is our history. I was 14 when VH catapulted out of nowhere. The bands my friends and I listened to were radio bands. In 1978, MTV was still a few years away. There were shows like The Midnight Special and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. These shows were broadcast usually late on weekend nights. But they frustratingly always put the band you wanted to see on last. My punk ass couldn't hang- and I'd fall asleep! It was really really hard to see bands unless you went to a concert. I was too young. ( My first ever concert was Ozzy Osbourne/ Diary or Bark at the moon. It was at a really crummy auditorium in Fayetteville NC.. which FYI is the home of Fort Bragg Army Base. So 95% of that audience was a near rioting mass of plastered soldiers. I remember Ozzy with his frosted hair scolding the rowdy crowd- threatening not to perform if they don't settle down. How bad must a crowd be - when Ozzy Osbourne is the rational one. But at 14 , it was Foreigner, The Cars first record, OMG I cant possibly translate how huge KISS was. You definitely had to be there. They freaking owned planet earth at that time. I painted a lifesize mural of the Destroyer cover in my 8th grade art class. Than ..... The very first VH song I ever heard was Jamie's Crying. VH imploded the rock band mold. I am pretty was sure - after that 1st record came out, I wore out many needles most of 78 and early 79 listening to 2 records : VH 1, and CARS /Candy O. The girls loved David Lee Roth, the dudes worshipped EVH. And beyond his virtuoso abilities - he was just a good guy. Always smiling. Always gracious to fans. An inventor. A philanthropist who has a foundation I'm place so kids can obtain instruments they otherwise could never afford. As fucking colossal loss. You got rock stars blowing their brains out,hanging themselves and slowly dying from drug addiction. Than get martyerdom status and a statue. SMH. Before I go. There is one artist I think Professor Rock should really deep dive into. Gary Numan. Im pissed because he wasn't given much exposure I'm the states. Even though he did have a huge hit with 'CARS' .... As far as VH1 ( the channel) is concerned- he was a one hit wonder. PFFT! WTF!!!! Not long ago - recovering from surgery to screw my ankle back together, boredom and monotony had me hopscotching all over youtube. Than...I found " Are friends Electric' - the song, the eerily prophetic theme,.Gary's cold yet beautiful appearance. His voice. I watched every iteration I could find of the song. Than I began to explore. METAL? FILMS ? DOWN IN THE PARK? CONVERSATION? I DIE YOU DIE??? VAPOUR SONG?? WE HAVE A TECHNICAL??? The magnificent stage sets that would still mesmerize today. I felt cheated ! But also glad I did find him and realize he is still making what can only be called his own genre of music. Visionary, prodigal genius - his voice still stuns. At 60ish he still looks boyish and genuinely enthusiastic about what he's doing. Absolutely the real father of a new wave. Nite y'all.

[@bicyclist2]

Same.

[@maureenbraga8569]

So many great songs! DM forever! Love all the well known ones like Stripped, Fly on the Windscreen, Question of Time, etc. But one of my faves is Sometimes. Love that harmony with Dave and Martin. Brilliant!

[@EmpressTouch]

Very similar in approach to the 1984 ballad 'Somebody', which PoR has already documented, but I like 'Sometimes' ever more for its' warm inner feeling, which balances very well on the 'Black Celebration' album with the following track: 'It Doesn't Matter (Two)'.

[@bicyclist2]

I heard that "Sometimes" was recoded in the nude. I've been a DM fan for over 35 years.

[@magicmatt1969]

When I first heard Black Celebration back in the 80s..... Wow!! It was simply mind boggling good. A game changing sound that was unmatched at that time for sure

[@bbkory82]

I’ve been back and forth on favorite DM songs and albums but “stripped” is still my all time favorite. Agreed that Black Celebration changed the tone of Depeche Mode. All the songs on this album were brilliant!

[@ogrehaslayers605]

I bought my boys (10 and 17)an old tape deck stereo I found at a thrift shop. I dug out my box of tapes (it was a giant collection) and they now listen to Depeche Mode all the time! I couldn’t be more proud.

[@88strange88]

Excellent breakdown of the album. “Consolation, I want so much, Want to feel your touch tonight”. My favorite lyric from any song ever. Not necessarily the meaning but the way it’s sung. Keep up the great work.

[@GhostSound2]

I enjoy Black Celebration a lot,but for me their best album (both of 80s and at all) is Music For The Masses. Catchier and somewhat brighter than Black Celebration,yet still dark and atmospheric. No bad words to say about Black Celebration though,a fantastic album Really appreciate your videos, it's plain to see that you have love for music you are talking about

[@lutchlutive]

YESSSS! Just this past week I've coincidentally started to listen to this album a whole lot.... Loving the timing of this video, such a great band, album, and thank you so much for making these videos my friend!!😁😁🎶🎶🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's perfect! Thanks for keeping the music alive my friend!

[@lutchlutive]

@@ProfessorofRock Absolutely! :D

[@MrAl67]

Can you imagine if Alan rejoined the band how many more masterpieces they would create?

[@d10srelish40]

Imagine if Fletch was the one who left DM not Alan..... 🤔

[@rhinohelix197]

I have been fervently wishing for this since 2010.

[@stumm71]

Es un sueño que ojala un dia suceda.

[@k.m.2251]

I imagine what it would be like if some fans finally stopped whining that Alan left... nearly 30 YEARS AGO.

[@skrullymack]

@@d10srelish40 Seems to me that Fletch is the apparent glue that has helped to hold the group together over the decades. Musically, he doesn’t seem to offer much, but he mostly likely has played a major part in the longevity of DM.

[@javigomez1697]

I remember entering a Tower Records and getting the tape on a Saturday morning, March or April 1986, spent the whole weekend listening to every song (But Not Tonight was the last one on the B side). A great time for being 16!

[@johnpaulpatton9786]

You perfectly describe the escape and hope that this music gave me in high school. Thank you so much for this video and for all that you do to bring music back to the people and what it means to our lives!

[@greymack]

Not tonight is a bombastic track that fills me with memories of childhood and youthful times.

[@CarLyGer]

As soon as I read the title of the video, I knew you were going to talk about my all-time favorite album. Really enjoyed your insights into this masterpiece!

[@MVRemastered]

Totally love this album. Stripped is one of the best songs I know.

[@thirdlantern]

Masterpiece. It marked the beginning of their second journey which culminated so gloriously with Songs of Faith and Devotion.

[@ninawildr4207]

Agreed!

[@Scotty-P]

Nuh, I say it's the end of their journey.

[@pen64]

And heroin addiction for Dave Gahan....

[@TheEntilza]

Martin also wrote the music to his songs, not just the lyrics. I really love this review of one of my favorite albums of my favorite band. Please do a review of 101.

[@EmpressTouch]

Totally agree. The greatest full live recording of all-time. The Simple Minds' 1987 release, 'LIVE: In The City Of Light', recorded the previous year, comes a very close second, but the live interpretations of Depeche's 1980's compositions are superb in hindsight, as they must have been at the time. Great call!

[@OAlem]

@@EmpressTouch Thanks for the mention. I'll check that out now as well.

[@Scotty-P]

It's funny, I was SO heavily into Depeche Mode in 1986, and I wound up buying the '101' video when it was released, but I found myself watching it as an outsider. I no longer really related.

[@maximultra]

Nailed it with Stripped. Great video. Great band.

[@localh]

Black Celebrations is in my own top ten album of all time and my favorite Depheche Mode masterpiece. I felt like I'm the only one who loves the song "But Not Tonight".

[@tripwest4402]

I saw a Depeche Mode play the Black Celebration concert at a new, yet unfinished outdoor venue called Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, New York. It was all but empty. Inside seating was sparse to say the least. Outside on the lawn was a smattering of a few more people in the rain. The opening band was Book of Love! They crushed it with "Boy" (I have the remixes of that one on 12" vinyl. Classic!), "I Touch Roses", and "Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls". They played in front of a very very large black curtain that covered the entire stage, corner to corner, top to bottom. Everyone was on their feet dancing. They put on a great show. Evening brought a dimming of the early summer sky when DM began to take the stage. Voices and whining over a slow plinking arpeggio began as the music swelled. Everyone inside was pretty close to the stage, on their feet, struggling to see what was going on. Anticipation building, excitement growing as the intro played over and over. It seemed like forever. The small crowd was cheering and jumping up and down. Then words sung out over the sound system, light flashed up and out onto the screen... "Let's have a Black Celebration, Black Celebration, Tonight". People lost their freakin minds! Immediately after Black Celebration finished, a low bass note began followed by rhythmic hissing, then a synth began with a deep booming drum machine... "Death is Everywhere! There are flies on the windscreen, for a start..." Then began the real light show, black screen still up. I can't remember which song played third, but as soon as the vocals began, the entire screen fell from the ceiling onto the floor of the stage and revealed the band in clear focus. Again, the small audience lost their minds. After the three song intro to the concert, the band took a minute to talk to the audience. It was still pouring and Martin and David yelled to everyone outside, "Come on in, there's plenty of room". A few came in, a few stayed out to dance in the rain and mud. The venue was so new that the lawn had not filled yet. It was so long ago, but I remember it vividly. I even remember the kid standing next to me. We were both trying to take forbidden pictures (with film cameras). I was on the look out for security because they were actually taking peoples cameras and film away! Just as the kid next to me raised his arms to take a shot, the security guard turned around and looked right at us. I quickly slammed the his arms down and motioned towards the guard. He smiled and said thanks. Years later I was bartending in a dingy, dark alternative night club, the kind that would play DM, Cure, Smiths, NIN, and Nirvana. One night, that same guy came in as the newest bouncer. When I was introduced to him, I said, "we've met, a while back, at that DM concert at FLPAC. I sat next to you and kept you from losing your camera". He remembered! Then he said, "That was a great show". I heard of a study that found that people who regularly attended concerts are happier and live longer. I believe it. 🎶😆🤟🎵

[@jamesbiggs8187]

"And THEN there's Stripped" @12:19 and "The second that you hear THIS in the song" @13.37. Professor - you and I are kindred spirits 🙂

[@timharper3390]

The Greatest Band of My Youth. Loved them as another “misunderstood “ teen in the 80’s and they enthralled me again throughout my 20’s in the 90’s. ‘Celebration was, and is, a fantastic journey of an album only equaled by Violator. And I won’t get started on the epic concert(s) that became 101. Thank our lucky stars for DM.

[@andyo22]

My favorite album of all bands. Listening to it did transport one to another world, back in the day and still does. It'll always be the best.

[@rafaelsegura2266]

My favorite album. Black celebration!

[@TrebleForTheBass]

Alan Wilder's hair - the second best thing from DM other than the music

[@ninawildr4207]

And his magic fingers😍

[@rosangelrodriguez9383]

His Bread hair? I agree 😆

[@pen64]

I had Martin Gore hair, myself...

[@eric_hates_the_poor]

Fav song on my fav album, released when I was a freshman in high school, was and still is Here is the House. I still have the very record that I bought at tower. The only differences being: the $40,000 stereo I now play it on and my white hair. Thanks for another great vid.

[@dannymatthews1898]

I've been waiting for this, my all time favourite band 🙌🏽 love your work, please keep it coming...

[@abbynormal942]

I was 13 in 1986, when I discovered Black Celebration and it was life changing. I thought I was alone in the appreciation for this album until the smashing success of 101. Everyone I knew who later got turned onto DM with 101 or Music for the Masses, immediately became huge fans of Black Celebration. It is without a doubt, the nucleus of the DM sound. Thank you for highlighting this unappreciated gem. 🖤

[@spruceeagle4684]

This album is absolutely masterful. It's just gives you chills, both haunting and euphoric. No other band I think can really do that the way that Depeche Mode can. I think you should do a Vox episode on Marten Harket of A-Ha and a tribute to INXS.

[@roddmatsui3554]

Black Celebration had a refined and almost mechanistic cold feeling. When it wasn’t despairing or rationalizing, that is. But there is some HAUNTING material on that album, I mention in particular the track “It Doesn’t Matter”, unusual depth of emotion there. Very profound.

[@ninawildr4207]

The great Alan Wilder ....yes!

[@joebondo2422]

Black Celebration was the catalyst album that began DM’s ascension into superstardom. Their follow ups, Music for the Masses and Violator catapulted the band into a league of their own. Songs of faith & Devotion and Ultra were great follow ups to those albums. My favorite track on Black Celebration is the titled song, Black Celebration. An astounding mix of fantastic lyrics and melody. I believe this is their most underrated song of all time. I heard the band assembled the song But not tonight in a day and was a “throw away” track which many of their fans have come to love including myself. Stripped, Question of time, Question of lust & Flys on the windscreen, wow! What a truly magnificent album. Thanks again professor! And that Violator shirt is absolutely classic. I wish I had one👍

[@cheewawa4065]

It’s their best album. I don’t care what anyone says.

[@paulyoung8371]

Most definitely

[@frankfrank7921]

I disagree, but do you care?

[@JamesSerapio]

I'm rather fond of Violator myself, but Black Celebration is fantastic. Not a bad track on it.

[@mirceapintelie361]

I think its their most organic album.Violator is the most crafted and SOFAD the most pasional

[@youtoo2233]

I disagree, I don't care what you say.

[@Tbass323]

👍 Great episode! As a metalhead, I discovered DM a bit later in life. A workmate insisted on taking me to a DM concert (Stockholm, Sweden, early 90's) and I agreed. I had no idea the fans were so die hard dedicated! The lights dimmed, DM entered the stage, and the fans went apeshit! Still one of the best live experiences I've ever had (I had tears in my eyes when 'in your room' started...) My teen-depressions were cured with Motörhead ♠️ and actually, Lemmy & co saved my life (blessings to all members in Motörhead+the road crew) ❤️ Have a Great weekend! 🤘💪🎼

[@christianhelwig]

Still my fave Depeche Mode album. Even more fantastic in 5.1 Surround Sound. Sheer brilliance.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right there with ya

[@Sabrina-qg5tk]

I'll drink to that!

[@KidMrRemixes]

Here here

[@bensanchez6136]

Thanks for the thoughtful tribute to DMs masterpiece.

[@kellyque]

Having bipolar and social anxiety my whole life I’ve always felt like an outsider, having Depeche Mode during my childhood and teenage years was a true life saver. ❤️

[@twistedviewlabs]

This album literally got me thru high school and made me a die hard fan. I ended up seeing them live in very late 1993 (I was 18 by that point) with that classic lineup. From the opening of the first track (Black Celebration) to the final notes of But Not Tonight (yep, I'm in the US too), this album always transports me to another world. Now with DM, I didn't get really into them until about spring 1991 (I was in 10th grade....I would've been 16 by then). I started my DM journey then by buying their CDs in chronological order. Took me nearly 5 weeks to buy them all up to Violator (I was working a minimum wage job then). By the time I bought Black Celebration, that sealed the deal for me. I also wanted to say, FINALLY, someone that still recognizes Alan Wilder's importance to the DM sound. Anyone that doesn't hear it, I'd recommend listening to Recoil's Bloodline (for those who don't know, Recoil is Alan Wilder's side project) and listen back to any DM release up to Songs of Faith And Devotion. You'll hear it instantly. You can also hear this on post-DM releases like Unsound Methods or Liquid. He DEFINITELY deserved more credit than he never got. As for post-Wilder releases, the only ones I play as much as I do the classic ones are Ultra, Exciter and Playing The Angel. I've seriously thought about getting a petition to get Alan Wilder back in the band. Could you imagine? The show I saw in 1993, I was maybe 10 rows from the stage at The Forum. The The opened (I'm surprised no one discusses them, they were amazing). They opened with I Feel You and ended with Everything Counts. It was over 2 hrs of bliss that I didn't want to end. If you want an idea of what it was like, watch the Devotional DVD. It's the closest to the same set I saw. Funny side note, I had my house keys in my pocket. The keychain had the tapered end of a drumstick (I'm a drummer). Anyhow, I danced so hard that it was lost on the floor of the arena and didn't realize it until I got home. My mom was pissed that I woke her up at 1AM to let me in but I didn't care. I had just witnessed the best show ever at the time.. This was topped 11 years later when I saw Bowie at The Greek (that show ended literally on my 29th birthday. No house keys were lost then... hehe).

[@GeneLLynch]

First song I heard off this LP was Question Of Lust. Sang it at the top of my lungs when I saw them in Pasadena

[@GeneLLynch]

@Steamed Hams oh yeah!!!!

[@markthompson6368]

lucky dog!

[@kimmcconnell3854]

Sooo jealous!

[@BuyOneGetOneFree]

OMD were brilliant that day.

[@SuperAlrisha]

WIsh I'd known anyone like you in high school. Actually, I did introduce my high school boyfriend (now husband) to Black Celebration and we may have been the only two people in our rural HS to ever have listened to it. It's still "our" album and we still catch DM on every tour. Thank you for highlighting this great album! My fave DM, one of my faves of all time.

[@Shag471]

Been a DM fan all my life, all the way back to their earliest albums! ❤️

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@chadmanfredo9174]

I'm 50 now and have been listening to Depeche Mode from the very beginning. They made being a teen in the 80s bearable. They helped me through the 90s. And to this day I listen to them on a daily. Black Celebration is my favorite album. Thank you for giving them the just they deserve and thank you for giving Alan the proper respect he deserves.

[@lt.petemitchellmaverick8698]

One of the Best in the 80’s..i also grow up with this band..great songs..too many to mention..🤙🏼🤙🏼❤️

[@alfredotejada2081]

Black Celebration is my favorite album ever. Thank you for this video. Excelent review 😁

[@luigiperrone8169]

Beautifully broken down. This album got meet through a dark time of illness and subsequent breakup during college, like a Saviour. It solidified my love of my favorite band of all time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Music is powerful, thank you for sharing.

[@Limagris912]

I'm so glad I found your channel, especially after I heard how you praise DM, I believe this is one of the most trascendental bands of all time, stupidly underrated by some. Great review and analysis

[@jgutie1552]

Stripped has always been my favorite DM song as well. Especially the 101 version

[@daphnewallis8618]

I can remember that euphoric feeling when about to play the new cm vinyl album release for that first listen no other bands do that for me still can't shake the disease

[@deborahpaley21]

Music for the Masses girl myself. Madison Square Garden show was a beast.

[@bigworldddd9566]

Back in the days of 92.7 WLIR :)

[@DoomWraith]

Sacred is my favorite song off that album if not my favorite DM song period!

[@gregrisley1050]

Great work Professor. I always get that these videos are almost as much therapy for you as they are informative to me. In the 80's I stood with you from middle of nowhere New Mexico while never knowing you were out there going thru the same things as me and my friends. Hold tight to these great memories and keep bringing the love of this great music.

[@DeflatingAtheism]

Daniel Miller, Mute Records founder, to Depeche Mode: "Sorry guys, I'm not hearing a single here. Back to the studio you go!" Daniel Miller, Mute Records founder, to Einsturzende Neubauten: "TOP 40 RADIO HERE WE COME!!!"

[@hunterdavis3003]

Lol

[@JamesSerapio]

What? The sound of chainsaws aren't Top 40 material in your estimation? 🤣

[@judithgoulding8046]

Always admired DM for taking such risks in revealing their inner souls in alot of the songs they so uniquely and beautifully created. Great album!

[@smarglegargle3314]

Depeche Mode love all day!!

[@dewdew34]

I saw them after Violator came out in 90 at MPP. The show was like a religious experience and Gahan was like a Electronic Rock Messiah. It was that good.

[@myona24]

Amazing video for an amazing album. Well done Professor of Rock!

[@joeaverage3444]

Definitely one of their most enduring masterpieces. The 80s really would have sounded much less interesting (and monumental) without this record, and without the band as a whole.

[@Mr17Strangelove]

Let’s celebrate the fact that we see the back of another great episode of Professor of Rock! Black Celebration was the album that got me into Depeche Mode, and I’ve been a hardcore fan ever since I heard the epic song ‘Stripped’. It’s arguably the darkest of DMs records along with Songs of Faith and Devotion. A true masterpiece that I listened on cassette over and over again. Thank you Professor for bringing us the greatest moments of music history and definitely the best music channel on KZbin! We salute you🤩

[@keithdoran89]

It is probably in my top five albums of all time.

[@mmccormick3085]

Thank you Professor!! This album is in my top 10- not a bad song on it. I can’t believe they were underwhelmed at the demos. I find this best listened to at one sitting best. Several bands of that era honored the storytelling album. ABC is also a band that utilized this technique- most definitely would be interested in your thoughts on them. Thank you for being so insightful and sharing your music journey.

[@davidellis5141]

Black Celebration was the best album of 1986. Flawless.

[@EmpressTouch]

There were many that year; 'Black Celebration' being the pick of a very high standard of music.

[@grantbangkok]

Great video. Look forward to hearing you talk about the album ,that you're wearing on your T-shirt.

[@mgoulet002]

A-Ha’s Scoundrel Dats is another of these “dark” horse albums of the 80s that were artistic triumphs.

[@KidMrRemixes]

Totally agree. Still sounds great today. Morten’s vocal on the title track is stunning.

[@MyBehrmann]

As a huge DM and A-ha fan, I couldn't agree more! These were the sounds of my teens. My personal escape.

[@joebondo2422]

Many Depeche Mode fans are indeed A-ha fans as well, including myself

[@EmpressTouch]

@@joebondo2422 @Matt Goulet @Kid Mr & @Jeepgirl Meg: 1986: arguably the best year for albums ever. 'Scoundrel Days' is a brilliant album. 'The Weight Of the Wind' inspires me just as 'Enjoy The Silence' does. Yes - many Depeche fans here in the UK are fans of a-ha's music too. Check out the 'Crywolf' (extended version) 8-minute 12" if you haven't already - great music. Just like the 'But Not Tonight' 12", included on the 1986 'Black Celebration' album CD.

[@jaysterling26]

Yes, but side 2 : The whale song & 'maybe ,maybe ' should have been consigned to b sides.

[@charlesmussard857]

First concert I ever went to, Wembley Arena April’86. Absolutely blown away by the opening, the instrumental start to Black Celebration, then Dave’s deep voice, all still with the curtain up. Then the tempo speeds up, the drums kick in, the curtain drops, wow, what a great way to start a gig.

[@strychnyne3530]

Gr8 video professor. However i feel like glossing over "It doesn't matter" was disappointing. It's a great track.