Heartland

Anyone been to Depeche Mode or Gary Numan on their current tour?

My friend and I are going to the Manchester dates for both, just want to know what it was like, what time they came on/finished etc you know just a general review

i saw (on DVD) DM show at ACL festival in Austin, first two songs were very bad played, the show lasted a bit more than one hour and David seemed on top form, you know what i mean .
for the rest the show is "Him" nothing justifies the mad price of the tickets(trying to purchase them for the Prague show in february)

Only saw on youtube and I must say I dont like them both. I cant stand their latest material which is very weak to my ears and, you know, they are supposed to play their latest material a lot to promote their latest albums. I will probably have to go If they decide to do a Best Off Tour one day..

Me and the Mrs are welcoming Dave and Co. to Leeds later

From what I've seen on YouTube Mr Numan is still dragging round the banks of light screens that he toured with in the 80s (when I last saw him live) and he seems to be in better voice than he was in America when some of his higher vocal lines we pretty excruciating TBH. Looking forward to your reviews !

Seeing the Numan tonight, will try post a review tomorrow

Gary Numan, Manchester Academy, 4*

Although the room isn't that full when we first arrive just as support band Losers do their last song and about 9pm Numan takes to the stage with full light and video display backing his entrance.

He starts off with 'I am Dust' before launching into 'Metal' and for the majority of the show the set list works round songs off new album Splinter before playing some older material. Numans' voice is perfect, he can hit both the high notes and growl perfectly as he plays pretty much nonstop for over an hour. The band sound perfect with the bass making my ribcage shake and everything being equally heard in the sound mix, no keyboards or guitars overpowering each other.

My only criticism is that he plays 9 songs off the new album which if you've heard might be good for you however if you, like my friend and I, haven't heard the new album it is a bit too much. I'd prefer to have heard some older songs 'I Die: You Die', 'My Jesus' come to mind.

After his set Numan comes on for an encore including 'Cars' and 'Are Freinds Electric?' before finishing on slow new track 'My Last Day', says his thanks and leaves the stage, I hope this was not the last day of Numans live career after such an entertaining evening of sound, visuals and showmanship. With a show as good as this and his first top 20 album since the 80's Numan is back and here to stay.

Gig Highlight: Down In The Park followed by Pure

I'll do one on DM tomorrow/sunday/when I get time

Me and The Wife saw 'Mode at Leeds Arena t'other night. Good to see the band enjoying themselves on stage - not least Martin, grinning after each solo performance, leading the crowd into a vast singalong after Home etc. Dave and Christian also regularly high-fiving it after songs.

Points to note:

1. They can still cut it VERY well live.
2. I've had my doubts over Delta Machine, but the live tracks fit in seamlessly with the back-catalogue.
3. Dave Gahan is a consumate showman.
4. Martin looks like Shirley Temple's Grandma.
5. Fletch looks like Elton John.
6. They played A QUESTION OF TIME!
7. They played BLACK CELEBRATION!
8. Just Can't Get Enough got everyone up on their feet.

Here's the review from the YEP:

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/w ... -1-6244185

Nice reviews Heartlanders, wish i could catch DM this time around but am seeing Numan at the Roundhouse tonight. Saw him do a lot of the hits & obscurities on Metal Machine Music tour not long ago, so looking forward to the new new noise noise. If anyone on here is having pre-gig refreshments in Camden gimme a shout, lots of my Numanoid pals are dropping like flies from manflu (any excuse ha ha)

hellboy69 wrote:Nice reviews Heartlanders

Couldn't agree more. Glad everyone enjoyed the shows.

Depeche Mode, Manchester Arena, 4*

I've wanted to see Depeche Mode for a long time now and when they released their album Delta Machine I knew it would be followed by a tour and that I WOULD be going.

They come on to the intro of Welcome to My World, which they then play live, followed by Angel. These songs sound a bit slow to start the set with and it's only when the drum beat of Walking In My Shoes kicks in that the gig feels like it really starts.

Dave is on top form vocally and definitely lives up to his 'overpaid stripper' remark slowly undressing throughout the set. Martin is wonderful on his acoustic songs including a lovely rendition of 'But Not Tonight'. The songs keep coming, the crowd keeps dancing however the sound does seem slightly muffled throughout.

Once they finish the main set my friend and I move towards the seats to catch the encore so we have space and time to get a cab to Piccadilly. When they come back, the sound is so much clearer from the seats and the visuals are definitely more appreciated and we still have room to dance like idiots. Perhaps next time we will have to be seated to fully appreciate the awesome live spectacle that are Depeche Mode.

Saw Numan in Bristol and would agree with the other reviews on here, setlist pretty similar for all UK shows by all accounts. Bristol was the first night of the UK tour I believe - it was heaving, enjoyed Losers (support), GN was on top form, sound was incredible, a really good 'quality' night....cracking version of single Love Hurt Bleed. Long may he continue....