Depeche Mode

In a series of crazy concerts here in Zurich this fall (Pink, The Prodigy, Amon Amarth, Skunk Anansie, Green Day, ...), Depeche Mode had the honor of being the headliner (that's what the last band on the bill is, right?).

Veteran band Depeche Mode play a live show in Zurich

Or rather, I had the honor of shooting them. As I'd mentioned in my post about my trip to shoot Lita Ford in Germany, a lot of bands from the times of good music are coming back these days to kick some a** and show today's youth why their big brothers and sisters (or rather, moms and dads) are so crazy about music.

Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode at Hallenstadion Zurich

Depeche Mode is a big name and it seems that the vampires I'm talking about in that Lita Ford post really are making it out when they hear of good music: Hallenstadion was filled all the way up under the roof with people (dead or undead - I couldn't tell from the pit ;-) , and they've got another sold-out show today.

Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan live (and on the monitor)

In the usual pre-shooting briefing given by the promoter promised an asymmetrical stage - with an ego ramp almost all the way to the right, and all of the band, including Dave Gahan, to the left. They also warned us about a camera moving back and forth on the left hand side, but as all the band was supposedly over there, all 14 (!) photogs squeezed in on that side of the ramp.

Depeche Mode playing a live concert

Tiptoeing around the camera (thanx to the two roadies operating it - I got a photo of each of you if you read this - you guys were super cooperative with us annoying bunch :-), we got to shoot 4 full songs in good light.

Depeche Mode

Was a great show, and also a worthy dernière for my Canon 20D. It was my first SLR, and I learned almost anything I know about photography with it. It has served me well, but now it's time to give way to the younger generation. I've already sold the lens, the body's still up for sale - and money from that goes to the fund for a Nikon D700 to replace it.

Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode

On a personal note: After all this crazyness with one show after the other, I'm now taking a pre-solstice-festivities vacation, and I'm gonna be off the radar for a while. May the metaconcept of your choice have the desired influence on you, and happy holidays!

Logo for Depeche Mode's tour - interesting shape for a "D" :)