I remember my older sister’s stereo when I was a kid back in the mid-80s. It was shiny black plastic with a dual tape deck and a turntable on top. A compact model, there were slots in the turntable cover where the vinyl stuck out past the side of the stereo. Lights on the front pulsed up and down with the music. CDs were heard about only in rumors. At a time when I was concerned with He-Man and Legos, she was shopping for the latest cassette singles from bands like Soft Cell, Erasure and Depeche Mode. I remember staying up with her so we could watch Friday Night Videos on NBC. That’s when I first saw Dave Gahan dragging around a lawn chair while wearing a cape and crown in “Enjoy the Silence.”

Since 1981, Martin Gore, Andy “Fletch” Fletcher, and David Gahan have been delivering their signature New Wave gems, influencing countless musicians along the way- just give a listen to some of the bands currently dominating the indie and mainstream charts.

Electro, industrial, Goth, dance rock, synthpop - these genres and more owe something to DM’s mix of dance grooves, electronic instrumentation and pop styling. Their dark, intensely personal themes, spare yet rich orchestration, and melodic prowess give their music a hauntingly seductive quality, having won them avowed life-long fanatics and guilty-pleasurers all around the globe. Unfortunately, that night I missed openers The Bravery, but didn’t particularly mind- I prefer seeing the progenitors over the revivalists. The Garden was packed with a legion of humanity that spread way up to the rafters. All around, fans both new and old lined the aisles. Corporate businessmen stood alongside baby Goths, slacker hipsters beside soccer moms, all in rapt anticipation. When the band hit the stage, the crowd exploded in a roar to rival the Garden’s wildest hockey match. Opening with “A Pain That I’m Used To” (off of the new album), the next hour-and-a-half showed DM playing with a fervor and intensity that isn’t even found in most of today’s young up-and-coming groups. In an interview (off of their website www.depechemode.com), lead singer Dave stated that, “I want to go out there and tear it up…it’s kind of like a duty to go out there and be on top for.” These veterans came to connect with their people and prove that time hasn’t slowed them down.

Joined onstage by a live drummer and second keyboardist, they ran the gamut of DM hits dating all the way back to “Just Can’t Get Enough.” “I Feel You”, “Policy of Truth”, and “Walking in My Shoes” were cheered like returning heroes. Cuts like “Precious”, “John the Revelator”, and “Damaged People,” off of the new album, fit seamlessly with their classic tracks. Lights played across the bulbous silver keyboard stands, looking like flying saucers come down from outer space, as people in the audience danced unselfconsciously. Thousands of hands shot up when we were told to “reach out and touch faith.” The entire crowd sang along, Dave even letting us do some of the choruses, feeding off of our vibe and shouting love back. Martin Gore poured his heart out on “Somebody” while strumming a star-shaped guitar. Fletch kept his hands on the keys, making sure that the hits kept coming.

Even up in the nosebleed seats, the energy was incredible. It was a scene akin to the Roman spectacles of old, without the lions and dead Christians. There wasn’t an inch of stage not covered by Dave and Martin as they tried to soak up every last bit of adoration. Like true rock stars, they played above and beyond any expectations. One encore wasn’t enough, and the crowd clamored for a third that disappointingly never came.

I have to admit that I was ready to pass on this show. Though I do like most Depeche Mode tracks, I never considered myself much of a fan. Luckily, a little convincing changed my mind, or I would have missed out on an amazing, high-octane performance. I normally detest seeing shows at such a big venue, but DM filled the space with a rapturous power that was irresistible. Even after all these years, this band continues to grow and progress. Playing the Angel is the first album with songs written by lead singer David Gahan. Seen by some as a return to their roots, the album relies heavily on classic analog synths, instruments that define the Depeche Mode sound.

If you missed them this time around but are still jonesing for a fix, Depeche Mode will be headlining a day at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California this year, set for April 29th and 30th. If heading out west isn’t your thing, it’s been rumored that the tour might be extended for another swing across North America. Keep an eye on their website for more on this as well as the latest news, releases and other special goodies. If you are at all interested in them, do yourself a favor and make the effort catch them before they decide they’ve gotten too old to be worshipped.