Depeche ModeIf you’re a diehard fan of Depeche Mode based in Australia, the chances are probably pretty good you’ve been eagerly awaiting a return for more than three decades now.
First formed in Essex back in 1980, Depeche Mode have spent more than 45 years one of the most revered groups to emerge from the '80s synth pop and new wave scenes.
For the vast majority of the group's career, their core membership has revolved around lead vocalist Dave Gahan, multi-instrumentalist Martin Gore, and keyboardist Andy Fletcher, who passed away in 2022.
However, while the band have been immensely popular not just in terms of chart success, but amongst their devoted fanbase, Australian fans have been given a tough time when it comes to live shows.
First performing in the country in 1990 in support of their Violator album, only Sydney got a look-in that time, before 1993’s Songs Of Faith And Devotion brought with it a larger tour the following year.
However, since that five-city run of Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, local devotees have been left wanting.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
It’s not as if there hasn’t been discussion of a return, of course. In 2023, rumours abounded that the group could make their return in support of that year’s Memento Mori – their 15th studio release.
In July 2023, fan account Depeche Down Under wrote on Twitter in response to an image of an impending announcement: “Next set of #DepecheMode tour dates announced 6pm Monday Sydney time. Likely European indoor venues. Could give an indication as to whether an Australia/Asia tour is realistic.”
In a conversation with Depeche Down Under, the fan said that they’d heard from a source in the UK that there was a “strong chance” of the band coming to Australia in 2024. Ultimately, dates were announced, but only for fans in North America and Europe, and since the conclusion of that trek, Depeche Mode have yet to return to the stage.
However, in a recent discussion with The Music, Australian promoters Untitled Group have revealed that a Depeche Mode tour is one they would love to deliver to local fans.
"We've thrown our hat in the ring before and tried to bring them to Australia," explains co-founder Filippo Palermo. Reportedly, the reason for this inability to bring the band to our shores relates to Depeche Mode’s epic stage set-up.
"They will not compromise on their production – and you can only have respect for their artistic integrity behind that,” Palermo says. “It impacts the budget.
"With some artists, it may impact the budget to a point where it's not feasible – because Australia's so far, especially freight for some of the infrastructure. It's very, very different to moving a show from Los Angeles to San Francisco. It can't just go on the back of a truck and then you tour it around.
“So there's some shows that we've had to get infrastructure here by cargo ship. It takes a very, very long time – and it's tricky,” he adds.
So while discussions surrounding a Depeche Mode tour of Australia are still taking place, it remains to be seen when and if it will occur.
However, if Untitled Group have their way, it very well may be that dedicated fans will be eschewing airports and instead lining the harbour to witness the group’s stage set-up dock upon our shores.
Frankly, 32 years since their last shows in Australia, we’ll take whatever we can get.
