For all their detractors, Depeche Mode have not only lasted out over 20 years in the music business, but done a lot better at cracking America than most British artists since (with notable exceptions perhaps only of Bush and the Spice Girls). 

Not as experimental as earlier synth pioneers like Gary Numan or Cabaret Voltaire, yet always retaining a touch more sophistication than more pop-oriented contemporaries such as Duran Duran and (post-Dare) Human League, the ‘Mode somehow found a magic formula between the two.

In their early days of Vince ‘Erasure’ Clarke inspired synth-cheese they were almost the 1980s’ Blazin’ Squad.  By 1988, when this video was originally filmed (on the Music For The Masses tour), the band had noticeably grown up a lot - Martin Gore had taken over the song-writing following Clarke’s departure and the band were tapping darker themes.

101, now being reissued on DVD, charts the band’s tour across the USA.  America had been raised on 1960s/70s rock’n’roll, and for a band to throw away their guitars and embrace keyboards and synths was revolutionary.  ‘Depeche Who?’ when they arrived, playing in front of thousands of fans at the Pasadena Rose Bowl (18 June 1988) cemented the band’s arrival.

The main documentary feature is a fore-runner of the MTV-style ‘real world’ rock-umentary that we’re now so used to, and bored of.  Groundbreaking in its day perhaps, now we’ve seen all the fly-on-the-wall backstage with the roadies before.  Eight fans were lucky enough to win a radio competition and accompany the band on tour.  For them, no doubt, this DVD is a brilliant memento.  Otherwise only the most ardent DM fan is likely to enjoy sitting through this. 

There’s no narration, just various band members and assorted hangers on gooning around, doing make-up and occasionally giving not particularly interesting insights into their lives.

Far more exciting, for me and probably most others, is the live set on the second disc (with surround sound or stereo sound options, naturally).  Hordes of screaming fans, the light show and the band themselves - somewhere between dark and gothic and 80s camp - on stage, it’s all there for 12 songs. 

Granted, several later hits are obviously absent (‘Enjoy The Silence’, ‘Personal Jesus’) but plenty of older favourites are present.  ‘Master And Servants’ could almost have come from Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine, but for all the oh-so-dark-and-moodiness of this and ‘Blasphemous Rumours’, you can tell the band are enjoying themselves from the way they smile through ‘Strangelove’.

Anyone who saw Dave Gahan at Glastonbury last summer will no doubt be shocked how much younger he looks - but then this was 15 years and a lot of drug problems ago.  Clearly enjoying being both a pin-up and centre of attention, he dances around the stage revelling in the attention.  For any fan of early ‘Mode it’s a great set - rounded off with the superb climax of ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ (the only Vince Clarke number, with that infectious catchy baseline), ‘Everything Counts’ (the live version with crowd singing along that appeared on their Singles 1986-98 CD) and ‘Never Let Me Down’.

The other treat for fans (particularly for those who own the original video) is the inclusion of recently filmed exclusive interviews with the band and some of their entourage - including three of the fans reminiscing about the tour, meeting Axl Rose, their vinyl collection and clothes.  I have to say, it’s hardly gripping footage, and only reinforces my view that these DVDs are only really aimed at hardcore fans.  If you are such though, I dare say you’d not be too disappointed with this in your Christmas stocking, if only for the live show.
(2˝/5)

Release Date: 10 November 2003

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