Monday, August 10, 2009

Music for the masses

What can I say? My first Depeche Mode concert ROCKED! But, let me start from the beginning. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to use my camera. I need not have worried! Personal cameras were OK! They checked bags for other sorts of contraband, but everything was fine!

The opening act Peter Bjorn and John were entertaining enough. But, judging from all the empty seats, most people were there for the main event. I had a great seat, but it turned out I never sat in it after Depeche Mode took the stage. Everyone stood up...and most stayed on their feet for the whole concert, including myself. But, that was alright...when you're having a good time, who cares. I experienced that time and again at Five For Fighting shows. Depeche Mode was just awesome! I have a couple of their concert DVDs, so I knew they put on a terrific show. And, I wasn't disappointed. They played songs from their new album, Sounds Of The Universe, and most of their hit singles. The fan favorite by far was Enjoy The Silence...I love it, too!

The atmosphere throughout the concert was electric. I was amazed that the vibration from the speakers actually seemed to cause the air to vibrate, too! And, yeah, it was pretty damn loud! But, I was prepared. I was wearing Hearos Rock & Roll ear plugs! You can still hear the music just fine, and it will save your hearing! I can bet you pretty much no one else in the audience was wearing ear protection!

Oh, and I made sure to purchase the obligatory, but much coveted Depeche Mode concert t-shirt! When the guys left the stage for good after their second encore, I found myself thinking about my next concert... Pet Shop Boys next month! They are also one of my Top Five favorite music artists, and like Depeche Mode, I've also never seen them perform. I'll be doing the VIP thing, so it will be an extra special experience for me! I can't wait!




Rockin' at the Key

Well, it's about 3 hours before the start of the Depeche Mode show at Seattle's Key Arena. Their opening act will be Peter Bjorn and John. I've never heard of them, thus I'm totally unfamiliar with their music. But, it doesn't matter. This is seriously the biggest concert I've ever attended, so I plan to just drink up the experience.

Right now, I'm relaxing in my downtown Seattle hotel room. Earlier this afternoon, I took a stroll over to Seattle Center, which is where Key Arena is located and is also home to the famous Space Needle. It only took me about 20 minutes to get to the Key, with one brief stop to snap a couple photos of the Chief Seattle statue.

I took some additional photos of Key Arena, and made note of signs outside saying that audio and video equipment were prohibited. Did that mean digital cameras, too? I inquired at the ticket booth, and the guy there thought personal cameras would be OK if discreet. I made note to carry my camera in my jacket pocket when the time came. Then, I discovered the secure area, which was full of tractor trailers...and parked band buses! There were four tour buses...I guess one each for the three Depeche Mode guys and the fourth for the opening act? Since there was no chance of seeing anyone...and I didn't plan on waiting around to find out...I settled for just taking some pics of the buses.

So, I'm ready for some great music! Depeche Mode is in my Top Five all-time favorites list...Five For Fighting being Number One, of course! I've never seen them in concert, so needless to say, this is a huge deal for me! I'll be posting a blog tonight after the show. Rock on!