In 1990 they hit the road again in support of the phenomenal Violator album.
I wasn't sure if I'd be able to see DM on this tour. Seattle was to play host to the Goodwill Games that summer, which meant we'd be left off a lot of tour schedules that year. I knew Violator would take the boys to other cities around me, but without having many fellow fan friends, I wasn't sure a trip to one of those cities would be in my future.
30 years later, I am still in awe of that tour and what I got to experience as a result of it.
In 1990, I was a senior in high school. I was getting ready to graduate. I was going to turn 18 that summer. Things were good. A chance encounter with an acquaintance at a school function turned into something that was going to make things even better.
I overheard this acquaintance talking to another schoolmate about how excited she was to go see Depeche Mode over the summer. As a very shy person, it's not in my nature to strike up conversations with people I don't know very well. But there is something about DM that makes that shyness drift away and boldness take over.
I approached her and asked if I had heard her correctly about going to see Depeche Mode. We started talking and I found out she was planning on trying for tickets for both Vancouver, BC and Portland, OR. I asked if she'd mind an extra guest on these trips. To my surprise and joy, she said sure! We spent time talking, getting to know each other, and making plans.
The shows were going to be on July 16th and July 18th, respectively. My birthday being July 15th, my mom said she would pay for my tickets as part of my birthday present. When tickets went on sale, my friend's mom bought the tickets and we set our firm plans.
Monday, July 16, 1990:
My friend (we'll call her K), her mom (also a DM fan), her friend (we'll call her E), and I hit the road for 3ish hour drive north to Vancouver. K, E, and I gabbed and sang while her mom did the driving. We crossed the border and headed to Pacific Coliseum. We parked and K, E, and I headed off to walk around, then find some dinner before the show. We were parked near the back of the coliseum, and as we walked toward the front, we passed by the back doors where the bands, crews, and employees were coming in and out. We stopped for a bit to see if we could see anyone exciting. Someone from a group of people sitting on the grassy knoll above that area told us we had just missed Nitzer Ebb go in, but we did see a few members of DM's crew mulling about. We left soon after to eat, then headed back to get K's mom and head inside to our seats.
We were situated on the left side of the stage, about as far up to the top of the venue as you could get. We had a giant post blocking part of our view. But we didn't care. We were seeing Depeche Mode. The show was loud, exciting, and magical. Both NE and DM sounded amazing and put on great shows. There was an electricity that was abuzz all night.
After the show, we headed back to the States, stopping for a late night bite at a Denny's just across the border, with what seemed to be an entire restaurant full of very happy fellow concert-goers. Then it was the 3ish hour drive back home.
Wednesday, July 18, 1990:
This show was just going to be K, her mom, and me. This time K did the driving for the 3ish hour drive south to Portland. And this time I took a camera.
As we approached Memorial Coliseum in Portland, we were stopped by a red light. As we sat waiting for the light to turn so we could turn into the parking lot, I looked out the window and saw what looked like Bon Harris from Nitzer Ebb skateboarding in the lot. As I told K, a guy approached him and they started talking.
The light finally turned green and we turned in and found a place to park. Much like in Vancouver, K's mom was going to read and nap in the car while K and I walked around and found some dinner. As we left the car, we discussed whether we should go talk to Bon, who was alone again by that time. We decided to go for it, so we headed over toward him. We introduced ourselves, told him we'd seen the show two nights prior in Vancouver, and chatted a bit. He was very friendly and let us each take a picture of him. Did we think to ask if we could take pictures of ourselves with him? No. No we didn't. But he happily obliged these two teen girls with their old Kodak 110 cameras.
After the photos we said our goodbyes and were off to explore.
At one point during our walking around, an older gentleman sitting alone along the side of the venue told us if we go around back, we could listen to Depeche Mode doing their soundcheck. We headed to the back of the venue where there was a small group of maybe 10 people standing around. We joined them and could hear the tail end of the soundcheck through the open door. I vividly remember hearing Martin's vocals carrying throughout the area. All of us standing there were in awe.
There were crew and security buzzing about, and two boxy limos parked.
As we continued to listen, Bon and Douglas from Nitzer Ebb came out from a bus parked a little bit further out from the back of the venue. As they got closer, we saw Bon say something to Douglas, then they both waved at K and I before entering the venue. Soon after that both limos started up. Were DM on their way out? We weren't about to leave until we found out. Soon after some guys came out followed shortly thereafter by Alan Wilder. He acknowledged the small crowd, smiling and waving at us all before getting into the limo.
Next, Dave Gahan came out, put some things in the trunk of the limo, then also smiled and waved at us.
Their limo took off and we waited.
A few minutes later Andy Fletcher made his way out and retreated straight into the limo.
After the excitement of that brush with celebrity we left to grab some dinner. Once back, we grabbed K's mom and found out way to our seats. This time, no nose bleed seats, no obstructed views. We were in the first tier of seats off floor level directly across from the stage. We saw both NE and DM perfectly. And both were incredible. Getting to see the full stage this time, there was an even deeper appreciation of the performances each band put on. Dave was alive with his dancing and movements. The visuals on the screens played perfectly with the songs. It was another magical night.
After the show, as we made our way to K's car to drive home, we passed the same backstage door we were lucky enough to see the boys emerge from after their soundcheck. This time it was FULL of people trying to see the band. We happily made our way to the car knowing that what we got was more special than fighting to see through a crowd of sweaty bodies hoping to catch a glimpse of someone, anyone.
Around 2:30am I made my way into bed with a smile on my face - and wanting the new day to dawn soon so I could drop my film off to be developed. The photos aren't great, but for the time, 30 years ago, they aren't half bad. And they are the perfect photographic reminders of the memories I have held for all these years and will continue to hold for at least 30 more. They're also all I have left from these shows - due to an unfortunate incident, my t-shirts and tour program, along with my MFTM merch, found their way out of my possession, never to be seen again. I miss those programs and tees. But anyway...
I haven't been lucky enough to see Depeche Mode dozens of times. I don't have the means to travel around the U.S., let alone around the world, to see their shows. But I have been lucky enough to have amazing and special experiences when I have seen them. I've seen them in two of the most beautiful venues in the U.S. - the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. I've been in Row 2 and Row 4. I've met them in a pre-show meet & greet. Each show I've seen has been full of energy and life. But if I had to choose my favorite tour/show/experience, I have to go with World Violation. Having the best seats in the best venues doesn't always make for the best show. For me, it's the overall experience. The joy. My joy. The air that I breathe. My joy. The blood in my veins. My joy. Heavenly bliss. My joy...you move me...
