Depeche Mode is one of the most influential and successful bands in music history, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. The synth-pop pioneers have cultivated a massive global fanbase over their 40+ year career, making their highly-anticipated tours massive spectacles that sell out arenas around the world. However, after their last tour wrapped up in 2018, fans have been wondering if Depeche Mode will ever tour again.
What’s the latest news on a new Depeche Mode tour?
There’s been much speculation about Depeche Mode touring again, but no official announcement yet from the band. The last tour promoting their 14th studio album Spirit wrapped up in July 2018 after a whopping 130 shows across Europe and North America.
In recent interviews, Depeche Mode members have hinted they are open to hitting the road again soon. In 2021, frontman Dave Gahan told Rolling Stone “I’m sure we’ll tour again at some point” and that he was “looking forward to touring” after the pandemic halted live shows.
Founding member Martin Gore told Consequence of Sound in 2022 that he “definitely” wants to make another Depeche Mode album at some point and is “sure that touring would follow.” However, he cautioned that due to their expansive live productions, planning a Depeche Mode tour takes years of preparation.
So while it seems likely Depeche Mode will tour again based on recent comments, nothing official has been announced yet. Fans continue to eagerly await news of a new album and accompanying tour.
What factors could impact if/when they tour again?
There are a few key factors that will determine if and when Depeche Mode decides to hit the road again:
- New album: Historically Depeche Mode has toured behind the release of new music, so a new album would make a tour much more likely.
- Band member availability: The schedule and willingness of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, and other members will play a big part in tour plans.
- Logistical challenges: Their tours are massive productions that take years to coordinate. Venues must be booked well in advance.
- Dave Gahan’s health: The lead singer has struggled with health issues associated with his past substance abuse, which could impact rigorous touring.
- Member ages: Band members are now in their 60s, so their energy for lengthy tours may be a consideration.
If all the key members are willing and enthusiastic about touring, then it’s likely just a matter of time until a new round of tour dates are announced. But if health or logistics pose challenges, they may limit touring or pursue other projects. Fans hope they have the energy for at least one more epic world tour.
How long do Depeche Mode tours typically last?
Depeche Mode has a reputation for marathon world tours – they often stay on the road for well over a year to bring their live shows to as many cities and countries as possible. Here’s a look at the duration of their last few global tours:
Tour | Duration | Number of Shows |
---|---|---|
Global Spirit Tour | March 2017 – July 2018 | 130 shows |
Tour of the Universe | May 2009 – February 2010 | 102 shows |
Touring the Angel | May 2006 – August 2007 | 164 shows |
As you can see, even into their 50s Depeche Mode maintained a torrid touring pace, playing for well over a year straight and hitting virtually every major market. Fans can expect any future tour would likely follow a similar pattern and last 100+ shows over 12-18 months.
What have band members said about the challenges of touring?
While they clearly love playing live, members of Depeche Mode have admitted that the physical rigor of touring does take its toll after so many years. Here are some insights they’ve shared recently:
- Dave Gahan told Rolling Stone touring is “really hard on the body” and admitted “I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to do it.”
- Martin Gore told Consequence of Sound: “I’m definitely getting creakier…Touring takes a lot out of you.”
- In the Spirits in the Forest documentary, Gahan revealed he struggles with loneliness on the road away from family for so long.
The band appears mindful that their energy and health may only allow for a limited number of tours going forward. This means fans definitely shouldn’t take any potential final tour for granted.
What kind of production and setlist could we expect on a new tour?
Based on their spectacular last tour, fans can expect any new Depeche Mode tour to be an elaborately produced global spectacle. They would likely play a career-spanning setlist of greatest hits and new material, blended with stunning visuals and high-tech staging.
Their Global Spirit Tour featured a high-tech “catwalk” stage that extended into the crowd with moving screens and walkways allowing band members to get closer to the fans. Creative visuals and films complemented the music for an immersive experience. Expect a similar level of theatricality.
Setlist-wise, you can count on hits like “Enjoy the Silence,” “Personal Jesus,” and “Just Can’t Get Enough” alongside a sprinkling of new songs. Consistently playing 20+ songs per night, the setlist would highlight the new album but dig deep into their 80s and 90s classics as well.
How quickly could Depeche Mode tour dates sell out?
When a new tour is announced, demand will be massive. Considering their legions of multi-generational fans, most tour dates would likely sell out quickly.
Their last tour saw instant sellouts around the world – in cities like Chicago and Amsterdam, tickets were gone within minutes. Even huge stadiums like London’s O2 Arena (20,000 capacity) sold out immediately.
Given the prospect of this being their last big tour, hype will be even greater this time around. Fans planning to get tickets will need to be ready the instant they go on sale, or look to secondary markets where resellers will charge premium prices.
How much could Depeche Mode tickets cost?
If Depeche Mode mounts one last huge tour, ticket prices will likely be expensive given the sky-high demand. Here are some sample ticket prices from their recent tours to give an idea of potential costs:
- On the Global Spirit Tour, average ticket prices ranged from $60-150 for lower bowl seats to $250+ for floor tickets.
- In major markets like London and New York, the best floor seats topped $500+ each.
- High-end VIP packages with perks like meet & greets went for $1,000+.
Prices could trend even higher if this is billed as their final tour. But overall, expect an average ticket in the $100-$300 range depending on the market and venue. Die-hard fans will undoubtedly pay premium prices for the chance to see Depeche Mode on stage one last time if rumors of a final tour turn out to be true.
Conclusion
Depeche Mode touring again seems inevitable – the only question is when. Band member comments indicate they’re open to hitting the road for at least one more epic world tour. When they do announce a new album and tour, demand will be extraordinary given the potential it could be a farewell. Tickets will be scarce and expensive. Considering the band’s history of marathon tours, fans can anticipate 6 months or more of shows across North America, Europe, and other continents if it ends up being a final celebration of Depeche Mode’s stellar 40+ year career.