Singles Tour diaries

Notes

Jody Hardy was a member of the touring staff of Depeche Mode's Singles 86>98 tour, taking care of press & promotion. She wrote tour a diary for the Singles Tour, while Daniel "BRAT" Barassi, Depechemode.com's webmaster, wrote diary entries for the last couple of concerts which took place in California. The entries were uploaded on Depechemode.com and are still accessible here.

Jez Webb, guitar technician for Martin Gore since 1993, has written a tour diary for the European leg of the tour for Bong magazine issue #40, which was published in June 1999. Now-defunct fan-site Sacreddm.net had typed out this diary, and also has been copied below.

Tour diary by Jody Hardy

September 2nd | Tartu, Estonia (Tartu Song Fest Grounds)

"We got on our private plane for the first time today, and it was a little bumpy towards the end, but it was ok...we survived. I was a bit worried, but our air hostess (Eva), was wonderful. We came to the gig. The guys did the "Meet & Greet", which was very polite. The fans here are very polite. They come up and have their pictures signed, and they kinda get to the background. I'm sure it won't be quite the same in other places.
There were 12,000 fans here tonight, and they were absolutely mental! They were chanting "Depeche Mode" a half hour before the band went on stage! Dave and the band were brilliant.

It was six degrees here, and it's freezing out there. It's totally and utterly freezing. It's outdoors, it's cold, and there's smoke in the air when you breathe out."

September 3rd | Riga, Latvia (Lielupe Tennis Hall)

"When we arrived in Latvia (on Tuesday), they were over 100 fans waiting for us at the airport. They screamed when David, Martin and Fletch walked off of the plane. They even screamed (in anticipation) when Jonathan Kessler (DM's Manager) ducked his head out before the band walked out!
I found out later that a week ago, when The Rolling Stones arrived in Latvia, they only had two journalists waiting for them, and that was it. No fans - no nothing.
The band did a "Meet & Greet" before the show, and were presented with a Gold Record award, because they have sold more records than any other artist in Latvia.

It had been raining non-stop in Latvia. The only two days of sunshine that they have had started the day we arrived."

September 4th | Moscow, Russia (day off)

"We arrived in Moscow today, and there were a lot of fans at the airport waiting for us. The fans followed us (in their cars) from the airport, all the way to the hotel (sticking their heads outside their cars - while driving - and screaming). Now, they're waiting outside the hotel. The second they see Fletch, Martin or Dave, they start screaming at the top of their lungs. The band will be catching up with their old friend Flood in St. Petersburg on Monday (he is currently staying in St. Petersburg)."

September 5th | Moscow, Russia (Olympiski Stadium)

"We did the concert tonight in Moscow. It was a huge success. The fans in the front actually broke down the barricades, so the Army was called in (in combat gear) to form a human barricade between the fans and the stage! On the way to the gig, we unfortunately had to stop at every traffic light. At every stop, fans would come and scream at the van we were in. One car full of fans even had a Russian bear in the back seat, ducking his head out at us. Also, the band did interviews for MTV Russia (which should launch soon), as well as for WTN, which should go out on worldwide circuit."

September 6th | Moscow, Russia (day off)

"We got into the van, and basically drove around Moscow. We went to see the Kremlin, Red Square, and we also went to a museum. We got to learn about the history of Russia, as well as see things like Faberge Eggs, et cetera."

September 7th | St. Petersburg, Russia (SKK Sport Complex Arena)

"There were 19,000 screaming fans in the arena (more than capacity). Also, Flood came to the gig (just as a friend) to check out the boys. He is currently staying in St. Petersburg."

September 9th | Helsinki, Finland (Hartwall Areena)

"Andy Franks, the tour manager for Depeche Mode, had his computer stolen while the band was in St. Petersburg. He is asking the fans of Depeche Mode to help him find his computer, which has personal info about the band on it. If you are traveling through St. Petersburg, or in Moscow, and are offered a computer directly from Depeche Mode, please make the person a large offer, and immediately contact the webmaster of depechemode.com. You will be rewarded!
This morning we flew to Helsinki in our private plane (we now have Swiss chocolate on-board the plane!). Andy Franks was in the cockpit today, driving the plane (not!). He was bossing the pilots around, got on the P.A., and started saying "Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking...". :)
The band did another "Meet & Greet", as well as a quick interview with Q magazine (a two-page live spread for the October issue). The Q photographer was taking loads of pictures of the concert. The guys from Q thought the concert was brilliant!

The fans of Helsinki went crazy tonight, singing along to every word of every song. We will be going to our hotel after the show (haven't even had the time to see it yet)."

September 10th | Helsinki, Finland (day off)

(This is the webmaster speaking for Jody today)

"Not much of a diary today due to Jody working on her day off, but she wants everyone to send their best wishes to the crew of the Depeche Mode tour, who are suffering with the stomach flu at the moment."

September 11th | Copenhagen, Denmark (The Valby Multi Hall)

"Arrived a little late in Copenhagen due to problems getting clearance for the flight path - the skies looked pretty clear to us though. Managed to make it to the venue in time to have a quick sound check and then onto the press conference. The press conference was extremely well received and there were approximately 80 journalists/TV persons there. Most excellent.
The venue was a new one and we were the first people to perform there. It was full to capacity, over 12,000 people who all went extremely mad. It was the best concert so far and as usual Depeche were brilliant.
Mr. Franks is now up and running with his new computer - special thanks to Apple, however we are still looking for the original and any leads on its whereabouts please pass on.
We need to give double special thanks to Apple, who so far with all our inevitable computer problems, have been fantastic - they rock.
Lastly after show we went on to catch Tim DJ'ing at the Country Club, very deep, but cool.
We are off to Gothenburg today, flying this afternoon.

By the way...the crew are feeling much better today."

September 12th | Gothenburg, Sweden (Scandinavium)

"Played Gothenburg last night, DM rocked.
The live reviews the band are receiving are better than the best. The feeling is that the band look fantastic, sound fantastic and basically are fantastic. One local paper described them (a direct translation) as "fresh young horses coming out in the spring".

We are leaving for Stockholm today, last of the Scandinavian gigs before going onto Prague..... Andy and Martin are doing some promotion this afternoon with ZTV (national tv station) who are making a one hour special on DM for broadcast on the 28th September (in Swedish of course) and Aftonbladet (biggest daily newspaper)."

September 13th | Stockholm, Sweden (The Globe)

"Sorry about the delayed entry for Stockholm, it was just that we traveled and gigged three days in a row, at the end of which I went to Emma B's birthday (the supermodel - who is a lovely person) and then collapsed in the early hours. However having said that, it must be said that the fans in Stockholm were the best, the response was incredible and being the first time on this tour that the band had done three gigs in a row their support was extremely well received."

September 14th | Prague, Czech Republic (Day Off)

"We left Stockholm this after, and had a long flight (2.5 hours) to Prague. We got here, and now everyone has gone to a local restaurant.
Last night, Anton Corbijn was taking photos of the show.
We don't envy the crew at the moment. They are driving 936 miles from Stockholm to Prague!

We have our gig tomorrow in the beautiful city of Prague tomorrow."

September 15th | Prague, Czech Republic (Sports Hall)

"The gig in Prague was fantastic, the band were in top form and the performance was one of their best so far. The audience reaction (all 16,000 of them) was brilliant, with fans singing along to all the songs.
Tim S. DJ'd at a club later called Roxy, where he played an excellent set and packed the dance floor.

We are leaving for Vienna this afternoon for the gig there and then straight onto Berlin."

September 16th | Vienna, Austria (Stadhalle)

"Well we are now firmly ensconced in Berlin after a hair raising ride to the airport. We had to get there by midnight after the amazing (is there any other type with this band?) gig otherwise our plane would not be allowed to take off. Anyhow we lost the convoy so our driver proceeded to drive faster than the speed of sound only (and probably inevitably) to get stopped by the police who gave us a speeding ticket (happens all the time apparently).
Anyhow then we continued to speed along the autobahn (despite the ticket) and then got to the airport in time for the electronic gate onto the runway to start shutting. Our driver decided that he would make this and proceeded to put his foot down even more (it was going through the floor at this point) to try and get us through the gate before it closed completely.
To cut a long story short we were definitely not going to make it, but our driver did not realise this until we were at the gate whereupon he slammed on the breaks and we were nearly catapulted to the plane.
Great journey.

Going out for dinner tonight to a local restaurant - meant to be quite an experience."

September 18th | Berlin, Germany (Waldbuhne)

"It was a long journey from the hotel to the gig, but we did get to go through the Brandenburg date, and cross over the red line (which used to be "the wall"). That was quite good on the sightseeing side. The venue is fantastic in Berlin. It didn't rain (which is good, considering that it was an outdoor gig). The gig went off - it was totally nuts."

September 21st | Berlin, Germany (Day Off)

"DM performed two shows back to back in Waldbuhne, a fantastic venue in Berlin. The shows were incredible, and there are some pictures to prove it. Sold out over the two nights with 21,000 people each night. We then traveled to Erfurt on Sunday for another show, which again was great and here are even more pictures to prove it. After a day off (for most) in Berlin we are flying to Brussels tomorrow and then back to Germany for a gig in Stuttgart."

September 24th | Stuttgart, Germany (Day Off)

"Can't remember my last entry. However DM played a great gig in the Forest in Brussels, the reviews of which read that Dave Gahan was received as a God by the Belgian crowd. Also another one was that the delivery of 'Personal Jesus' and 'Enjoy the Silence" were so powerful that DM nearly set the venue on fire. We are on our way to Zurich today, followed by Bologna and then Milan. Life is good."

October 6th | Cologne, Germany (Koln Arena)

"First of all I must apologize for the lateness in my diary. Last week in the UK was hectic, massive guests lists, interviews, meet and greets and of course fantastic shows.
Wembley was great (both nights) and many famous people came to see the band's performance including Stephen Hawkins! The shows were both a sell out and the audience sang along to all the songs. Dave was on great form and sounding fantastic.
We then traveled up to Manchester (took 5 hours due to motorway road works) and again a great time was had by all. Left on Saturday for Birmingham and the show was attended by families and relatives. Again sell out, again fantastic.
After a much needed day off on Sunday we flew to Cologne yesterday and played in a brand new venue, the Koln Arena. We were the first international band to play there - all went extremely well. MTV filmed the whole show and were most pleased. They will be editing their footage down to make two specials which should be aired on MTV soon!
The band has just gone to Number One with their album in Germany and Anna from the record company will be presenting them with a huge cake in the shape of a No. 1 and in the colours of the album. I will take pictures tonight for proof!
We will be off to Paris tomorrow after our second show in Cologne tonight and will be doing off to Paris for a press conference and show tomorrow and then a most fantastic day off there. Hope the weather holds up.

Quite funny incident with security at the Koln Arena venue last night where Steph and Em (caterers extraordinnaire) were asked to be quiet in the backstage corridor as the band were on stage??! ok, no problem. All is well and all are well - will write again soon."

October 12th | Frankfurt, Germany (Day Off)

"Everything is going extremely well. We returned to Germany after a very successful gig in Paris. This week, we have done six shows in seven days - not bad going. The crowds as always have been great and the shows even greater.
It just keeps getting better.
Played in Frankfurt last night, now everyone has a day off then tomorrow we fly to Munich then onto Spain for three more gigs. Then we take America........
Mr. Andy Franks, our fantastic tour manager, was presented with a beautiful Rolex watch tonight. It was from the band, and the German tour promoter, because he is doing an incredible, fantastic job...and we love him. :)

Prior to the gig in Frankfurt last night, there was the World Table Football Championship, between the band, and the crew. The playing led to a gritty final, between Christian Eigner (the drummer), and Flo Guenand (wardrobe/production tech). After a tense 5-10 minute match, Flo won (for the girls), beating Christian with a score of 10 to 9. Although Martin and Fletch are incredibly good at table football, the girls won. ;)"

October 14th | Barcelona, Spain (Day Off)

"Well we are nearly finished with the European leg of the tour - wow it was tiring!! We finally left Germany yesterday to arrive in sunny Spain and are staying in a most beautiful hotel by the beach (many thanks to Mr. Franks, tour manager extraordinaire).
Thanks for the questions for Fletch, he will have a look at them tonight and then send the responses.......remember the winning question (as chosen by Fletch) receives a personally signed tour book and merchandise.
The weather is beautiful, the sea looks lovely and we are flying this afternoon to Zaragoza for the first of our three Spanish gigs. We play Barcelona tomorrow night and then Tim will be DJ'ing at a local club. No doubt it will be a late one for some....

Will let you have an update on the bar football championships..... till next time."

October 17th | San Sebastion, Spain (Velodromo De Anoeta)

"Well this is our final gig for the European leg of the tour. The competition between crew/band members for the bar football is heating up. We flew to France today from Barcelona only to then drive back into Spain to San Sebastian, coz they close the airport early here. Gig is going great (they are performing It's no Good at the moment - sounding most excellent).
New camera going to be purchased in New York to get enable me to get better pictures for the US leg of the tour.

A very happy night......"

October 25th | Boston, MA. (Day Off)

"We flew into Boston today, and were taking the day off to get used to the time change. Meanwhile our trusty and hard working crew are having a technical day to make sure all the equipment survived the trip across the ocean so that the show can continue..."

October 27th | Worcester, MA. (Centrum Centre)

"Today is the first show of the American leg, and everyone is itching to get on stage. (post show report) The show , as usual, was excellent and was definitely a great start to america. The audience were extra enthusiastic, and had all made a great effort to get there from Boston. Then we flew straight to NY after the show, squeezing all twenty of us into a little plane, which made for a very interesting and hairy flight....."

October 28th | New York, NY. (Madison Square Garden)

"Madison Square Gardens....We got to the "garden" at five and spent the sound check rehearsing the new arrangement for the song we're playing on LETTERMAN, tune in on Monday to find out which song we're playing.... Any way, the show was a stormer, we played to a full house of 14,000, and it was the tightest show of the tour (in my opinion!) We got fantastic reviews in the NY Post, Hollywood Reporter, Daily News and Variety to name but a few. Photographs will be posted as soon as Tom (our money-man) takes me shopping for the new camera...."

October 29th | New York, NY. (Madison Square Garden)

"Another tip-top, electropop-tastic show !!!!! Again another great night. Janet and Jordan premiered their new sexy silver catsuits, complemented by glittery mules - top marks to Flo Guenand (wardrobe, and table football champ.) Picture to follow. We had an after-show party with Helmut Lang, at the very trendy LOT 61 club. Celebrity guests present were; label mate MOBY, SASHA, MICHAEL BOLTON ?!?!?, BILLY MYERS, and two scantily clad go-go boys. A late night, but we've got two days off. New York shops here we come!!!!!!!!!"

November 2nd | New York, NY. (Late Night With David Letterman)

"Had to wake up late on Saturday, after dinner at the Tribeca Grill hosted by Reprise followed by our meeting up with our crew (a rare but very pleasant event) at the Bubble Lounge. It was a good party, but unfortunately it wasn't long before I had to retire to my bed - very tired after Madison Square Garden gigs.
Saturday, our fearless leader Mr. Andy Franks had to defy all odds by then trekking to VH-1 for the first of the many interviews for the forthcoming 'Depeche Mode - Behind the Music'. A great show.
This was Franksy's first ever full-on TV interview where he spilt the beans (and the pulses about DM). It must be said, there are a lot of beans.........
Please see picture of the main man, Mr. Andy Franks and his beautiful and luverly wife, Marla (after the interview - with an extremely cheeky grin on his face -I wonder why??).
Read here for broadcast dates.
Sunday came around very quickly, now its off to Philadelphia to play at the Spectrum. Was a little bored in the morning so decided to run the marathon then left for the venue with the band at around 2 p.m., avoiding all the other runners.
Sound check and dinner. Everyone was very happy as we got our espresso machine back, so we now get some strong coffee...
Started taking pictures with the new camera - the one with the dinosaur and egg was a test picture from my hotel room.
Gig was good and the crowd were most receptive. VH-1 continued to shoot for their special and were very very happy.....
Jonathan, the band's manager was interviewed too and was looking extremely cool in his suit. No hints about his interview - just tune into VH-1 on the assigned date.

After a quick few games of bar football we drove back to New York to prepare for Letterman today........"

November 5th | Toronto, CANADA. (Skytent / Toronto Skydome)

"After returning extremely late from Philadelphia, we got up the next day to go to Letterman. Also on the show (as I am sure some of you may have) was Sir Anthony Hopkins and Buzz Aldrin.....
After a most excellent rehearsal (at which I couldn't take piccys - except of the TV in the dressing room), the band and crew went on to produce the best performance ever for TV by Depeche Mode. After receiving our complementary t-shirts we departed the building to be met by a good number of fans. Early night as big promotional day tomorrow....
Left at the unearthly hour of 10 a.m. to go to the MTV Studios to record 120 Minutes with Matt. It was a really really good co-host and the band had a good time. The show will air this Sunday 8th on MTV at midnight - make sure you tune in....
Dave recorded an interview with MTV News then it was onto the Kit Kat Club to do the interviews for VH-1's 'Behind the Music'. Dave went first, followed by Martin and then Fletch. They all gave brilliant interviews. Watch this space to find out the airing time.
Wednesday was a nice relaxing day, some of us went to see PJ Harvey in the evening - she was really good. Today, Thursday (Bonfire Night for us Brits), we flew to Canada on our new plane which is just amazing (understatement).
Arrived in Toronto (very cold) and went to the Skydome, where the band are on stage at this precise moment of typing ('Question of Lust'). Will give full report of this gig, Montreal and Cleveland soon.

Pictures will shortly be posted for our MTV/VH-1 shoot and our fabulous new plane.........keep logging on."

November 7th | Montreal, CANADA. (Day Off)

"Post-Toronto - Woke up to snow in Toronto. Got on our beautiful big plane, and made our way to Montreal. Most interesting plane ride with various card games going on, game boy, dirty nappies (you had to be there) and great sandwiches.
Arrived in Montreal to the Molson Centre, which was so organized and poptastic - top marks to most excellent promoter and venue staff. Fletch did a great interview for Musique Plus, so watch out for that (if you live in Canada).

We have a day off today in Montreal, and are going to see an ice hockey game tonight - should be good. Off to Cleveland tomorrow, will write soon....."

November 10th | Detroit, MI. (Day Off)

"Cleveland - We boarded the plane and headed for Cleveland, a bit of a rough landing, but we got to the venue safely. During sound check the band tried some semi acoustic versions of the songs - v. interesting. The show turned out to be a great performance, considering it was a Sunday night. Lots of post show bar-football, and then back to the hotel for early bed!!!!!
Detroit - A short flight to Detroit, the home of our security men. One of whom is leaving us today for ten days, so he can witness the birth of his child, so good luck to him and his wife. A great show in "Motown" for both Stabbing Westward and Depeche Mode. Back to the hotel for yet another quiet night....What is going on?...

Day off - I woke up, opened the curtains, and it was blowing a gale force wind with possibilities of a tornado. Great. So out with the briefcase and computer for a days work. Roll on Miami and the good weather...........BYE BYE"

November 12th | Miami, Fl. (Day Off)

"Miami - We arrived in Miami the night before the show and were greeted in the airport by some serious humidity. Had relaxing evening in preparation for the show.
Miami show day - We arrived at the venue only to see the new Miami arena up in flames , it was in the middle of being built and apparently a welders torch set the scaffolding on fire. So everyone stood out side and watched the fire-engine-helicopter putting out the flames. I dont know if it was the weather, but the crowd went mad for the show, and as a result we had (as usual) another stormer of a gig.
Orlando (show day) - A few hours in the morning by the pool to start work on the suntans (Mr. Franks looking nice and brown) and then all aboard the Skylark for a quick sojourn into the skies and on to Orlando. As I sit next to Christian on the plane and ask him about the Orlando show he says- "I dont remember much except I we all rocked like animals!!!!!!! HA HA HA!!!!" After the show back to the giant hotel which was a cross between a train station and a shopping center. Not a particularly wild night..........
Tampa (show day) - For a change we drove to Tampa, a short burn up the highway. Tampa the excruciatingly hot city, played host to a fantastic DM show. Everyone was in top form and really got into it. The crowd once again went loony, especially on stage right (martins side). After the show there was much activity in the accountants office, and Tom came out rubbing his hands - he managed to look into a couple of openings that might bear fruit in the future-it must have been a good night all round. Then back to our lovely beach side hotel to prepare for two days of sun and fun.
Days off - Every one kicked back and got into beach life, and we all discovered our new passion - wave runners . Dave, Jeff, myself and Andrew were the first out hitting the waves and soon Christian was out as well. We spent ages on them, and also on the next day. Christian went out another three times - his butt is still hurting. Good food and swimming, chilling out and talking about things other than touring. Then we flew to Houston....

Houston (show day) - A short while by the pool and then we headed to the venue. A sold out night, we played to a seriously crazy, cowboy hat a wearin' 15,000 Texans. The result was another (you guessed it!) fab show. Great hip swinging by Dave, hand waving by fletch, and head banging from Martin!!!!!"

November 26th | Chicago, Il. (Day Off)

"As we left Miami, we found that we had inherited a new member on the tour, who introduced himself as Evil Bendy. This introduction happened over the tannoy of the aeroplane, and as you can see from the pictures, he was at the controls.
On arriving at the gig, he possessed Dave in the corridor and continued with the rest of the band and crew and then insisted on his own picture gallery on the website - this wish of course was granted. He also then took his place on the bar football league, challenging Fletch and Mart and of course beating them all (he must be female).
Evil Bendy comes from Seattle and has decided to join the remaining few weeks of the Depeche Mode Tour, he has his own dressing room, after show guests and even his own personal hotel room.(under the name Mr E. Bendy)
He embarked on a reign of total chaos, influencing the crowd for 'Never Let Me Down' during the arm waving, teaching Dave how to 'Reach Out and Touch Faith' and generally causing havoc - finally he finished the gig by standing on Christian's bass drum just to prove a point.
We hit New Orleans where Evil Bendy ensconced himself in Dave's dressing room. As we left the venue after another fantastic gig, he hid and therefore got to ride on the crew bus, giving him the opportunity to possess them too. Soon, many of his friends will be joining us, the Evil Bendy clan will outnumber the DM tour party.......so watch this space.

We came to Chicago for two excellent sell out gigs - Evil Bendy kept a low profile but I am sure will surface soon. Happy Holidays to all........"

December 11, 1998 | Oakland, CA (Oakland Arena)