These distinguished gentlemen have come a long way. Not only in terms of their musical development and exploration, but also in regards to the absolute intensity they bring to a live show. I first saw DM live on the Music for the Masses tour. The music in that show was, of course, great. The performance by Dave Gahan was equally impressive (as captured in the documentary of that tour, DM 101). However, with all the pre-recording and feeling that the performers, besides Gahan, were somewhat removed from the audience, I felt at the time that DM just wasn't the kind of band that was essential to see live.
Times have changed. Martin Gore has come out of his shell. The writer-genius is now a master of (sometimes rockin' sometimes haunting sometimes both) live guitar performances. What's more, Andy Fletcher, who would not move from behind his giant keyboard set-up back on the Music for the Masses tour, has himself become a virtuoso of the lower range with bass lines that form the backbone of DMs lineup. He's (visually) as into the performance as Gahan or Gore, as evidenced by his "spooky" stance and waving arm as the stage fog melts over man and machine. Gahan, Gore, Fletcher - these musicians compliment each other as few musicians can, and they've sustained it all for 30 years with no sign of slowing down. The energy (kinetic) was palpable. This is a show to see, not out of nostalgia, but for the trip that it most certainly is. I left impressed, inspired...simply blown away and awaiting their next release.