Enjoy the Silence... Until DMode brings the energy to Ratoath
Everything counts in large amounts and that will certainly be the case when Depeche Mode tribute band DMode play a homecoming gig, of sorts, at The Venue, Ratoath on Friday, 9th October.
DMode has been on the road, at times intermittently, for the past 25 years, celebrating the unique synth-pop and alternative rock sound of the beloved Basildon outfit. Over the years, the band has built up a loyal following, earning a reputation for faithfully recreating the music, energy and atmosphere that made Depeche Mode one of the most influential acts of their generation.
The upcoming show in Ratoath carries special significance for DMode, with the performance representing something of a homecoming for the band. Audiences can expect a set packed with classic hits and fan favourites spanning Depeche Mode’s remarkable career, delivered with the passion and attention to detail that has kept DMode entertaining crowds for a quarter of a century.
Whether you are a lifelong devotee of Depeche Mode or simply a fan of great live music, the concert promises an evening of memorable songs, infectious beats and a celebration of one of the most distinctive sounds in modern music.
DMode is made up of three members, each taking on a role inspired by Depeche Mode itself. Bass and keyboard player Gary Paul jokes that he is the band's equivalent of Andy Fletcher.
"I always joke that I'm the Andy Fletcher of the band. I probably have the easiest role, although I still manage to forget my part sometimes," he laughs. "Sean Barron is our Martin Gore. He's the musical genius who puts everything together, and Alan Kelly is our Dave Gahan, the lead vocalist."
Alan joined the band around five years ago following a number of lineup changes. "Alan has been a fantastic fit," says Gary. "Before that we had a couple of different singers, but life and work got in the way."
The band originally formed in 2001 and has existed on and off ever since. "We've been doing it for around 25 years, although it hasn't been continuous," Gary explains. "We all went off and did different things. Sean worked with Wolfgang Flür from Kraftwerk and had his own projects."
Like many stories of musical reunions, the band's revival began with a phone call. "Around Covid time, Sean rang me out of the blue and suggested getting the band back together. At first I thought it was just nostalgia after a few drinks, but a couple of weeks later he had rehearsals booked. From there, everything just took off again."
Since reforming, DMode has enjoyed a busy touring schedule. "Over the last couple of years we've played shows around Ireland, as well as London, Scotland and Belfast. The nice thing is that we're really enjoying it now. It doesn't feel stressful like it did years ago."
The upcoming Ratoath show is particularly significant because all three members have strong connections to Co Meath. Sean Barron, 54, works in IT and is originally from Dunshaughlin, while singer Alan Kelly, 53, now lives near Drogheda. Gary, also 53, works as a facilities manager in Dublin, and his mother's family hails from Meath.
"Interestingly, we've never actually played in the Meath area before, so this show feels long overdue," he says.
Among the band's recent highlights was a performance at the Liberty Festival in Thurles. "We played in front of around 5,000 people. Our set was only 25 minutes, so it was over in a flash, but it was an incredible experience."
Other notable appearances have included the Forever Young Festival, The Academy in Dublin and Cyprus Avenue in Cork. "Every show feels special because Depeche Mode fans are incredibly passionate."
Gary believes the growing popularity of tribute acts comes down largely to accessibility. "Concert ticket prices have become so expensive that a lot of people simply can't afford to see the original artists anymore. Tribute bands have become the next best thing. Also, many of the bands we celebrate are touring less as they get older. For younger fans, a tribute show might be their first opportunity to experience that music performed live."
As for Depeche Mode's enduring appeal, Gary has little doubt about the reasons behind their longevity.
"They were ahead of their time with electronic music and synthesisers. You can hear their influence in bands like Nine Inch Nails and Rammstein. More importantly, the songwriting is timeless. Albums like Violator still stand alongside anything released today. The songs have simply endured."
DMode's current production recreates the band's famous 1993 Devotional Tour and goes far beyond a standard greatest-hits set.
"We've invested heavily in visuals, staging and production, despite being a small band doing everything ourselves," Gary explains. "The set includes all the big classics people expect, but also deeper cuts that hardcore Depeche Mode fans really appreciate. We try to keep both casual listeners and dedicated fans happy."
The tribute act has even earned recognition from those closest to the real Depeche Mode. Through Andy Fletcher's son, Joe, Gary was introduced to Dave Gahan and Martin Gore when the band visited Dublin.
"Joe came to one of our shows in Belfast and loved it," he recalls. "Later he introduced me to Dave and Martin. I showed them photographs of our performances and they thought it was brilliant. The following year Martin actually remembered me and asked how our show had gone, which was a really nice moment."
For the upcoming Ratoath date, Gary believes audiences are in for something special.
"They'll see our Devotional Tour production with all the classic songs people expect, including Enjoy The Silence, along with carefully recreated visuals and staging. Alan is an incredible singer. There are times during rehearsals when his voice is so close to Dave Gahan's that it's genuinely uncanny. Sean is exceptional musically and, when everything comes together, it creates a really authentic experience."
His message to local audiences is simple: "Even if you're not a dedicated Depeche Mode fan, if you love live music you'll come away talking about the show. We'd love the people of Meath to come along and experience it for themselves. We put everything into every performance and hope audiences can see the passion and attention to detail that goes into recreating the Depeche Mode experience."