Thursday, June 28 is the 38th anniversary of 101st concert of Depeche Mode's "Music For the Masses" tour, held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and later releases as a live album, fittingly titled 101, in March of 1989.
In celebration of that anniversary, I've selected one of DM's popular songs that also displays the power of the band and their fandom, "Never Let Me Down Again."
I am no Depeche Mode historian, so I can't say for certain whether or not this occcured before this legendary performance, but during the song lead singer Dave Gahan stepped to the front of the stage, extended his arms up high, and began waving them from side to side.
Of course, the crowd immediately followed suit, and thus began a tradition seen every single time DM performs this song, which can be seen in every recording of "Never Let Me Down Again" on every tour since.
It certainly helps that this album is seminal for Generation X, but also this performance is, without being hyperbolic, legendary.
Cheers to Depeche Mode and their historical show!
Enjoy!
Updated (04.24.26): since NIN/Boys Noize have since released Nine Inch Noize I have updated this post with the official version of the track below. At 30+ years old I think we can all agree that "Closer" was a hit that was about as perfect as it could have been, and has since become a classic. But ever since I saw NIN in Detroit, and even before, thanks to YouTube, I have been obsessed with this remix of the track. I thought maybe that would fade, but here we are weeks later and I am still impressed with not only the audacity to rework such a well-known, iconic song, but I'm equally astounding as to how well it works. And now, with the Coachella lineup announced (see above as well), it's obvious that this NIN/Boys Noize collaboration is going to continue as Nine Inch Noize. Personally, I love it, and am hopeful to get an official release of this version so I can buy it and listen to it to my heart's content. Welcome to Monday! Enjoy!

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