The Delta Machine Tour
The Delta Machine Tour was a worldwide concert tour by the English electronic music band Depeche Mode, consisting of principal members Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, and Andy Fletcher, undertaken in support of the group's thirteenth studio album, Delta Machine, released on March 26, 2013, by Columbia Records.[1][2] The tour, produced by Live Nation, commenced with a warm-up performance on May 4, 2013, at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, France, followed by the official launch on May 7, 2013, at the Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv, Israel, and spanned multiple legs across Europe, North America, and the Arabian Peninsula before concluding on March 7, 2014, at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Moscow, Russia.[3][4] Featuring a mix of new material from Delta Machine alongside the band's classic hits, the tour played in arenas and stadiums, including high-profile venues like Milan's San Siro Stadium and Paris's Stade de France during its initial European leg of 34 shows across 25 countries.[5][6] The North American portion, marking Depeche Mode's return to the continent since their 2009–2010 Tour of the Universe, ran from August 22, 2013, at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, to October 8, 2013, at the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix, Arizona, encompassing 22 cities and generating $17.8 million in ticket sales.[7][8] A show in Abu Dhabi in November 2013, followed by additional European legs from November 2013 to March 2014, brought the total to 106 performances in diverse settings, from amphitheaters to large-scale stadiums.[9][10] Known for its innovative stage design, including curved LED screens and atmospheric lighting that enhanced the album's industrial and blues-infused electronic sound, the tour drew critical praise for Gahan's commanding vocals and the band's tight instrumentation.[3] Financially, the Delta Machine Tour was a major success, frequently topping Billboard's Hot Tours chart; the initial European leg alone grossed $60.8 million from 24 reported shows attended by over 788,000 fans, while the second European leg earned $19.2 million and the final leg $29.7 million, contributing to an overall estimated box office exceeding $127 million across reported figures.[11][12][9] It solidified Depeche Mode's enduring popularity, attracting a multigenerational audience and underscoring their evolution from 1980s synth-pop pioneers to mature electronic rock innovators.Background
Album context
Delta Machine, the thirteenth studio album by Depeche Mode, was released on March 26, 2013, via Columbia Records.[1] The record marked a return to the band's electronic roots, blending industrial textures with blues-influenced melodies and rhythms, drawing from the Mississippi Delta's raw emotional depth while incorporating machine-like precision in its production.[13][14] This sonic fusion, produced by Ben Hillier, evoked a sense of dystopian introspection, with tracks featuring gritty guitar riffs, pulsating synths, and Dave Gahan's brooding vocals.[14] The album's themes profoundly shaped the accompanying Delta Machine Tour, serving as its primary promotional vehicle and infusing the live presentation with corresponding visuals and set design. Anton Corbijn's direction for the tour incorporated dark, abstract imagery that mirrored the record's industrial-blues aesthetic, including LED screens displaying fragmented, monochromatic projections and a minimalist stage layout emphasizing stark lighting and mechanical motifs.[15] These elements created an immersive environment that extended the album's conceptual world, enhancing the performances' atmospheric intensity.[16] In line with Depeche Mode's tradition of extensive album-tied tours, the Delta Machine Tour represented the band's first major outing since the 2009–2010 Tour of the Universe, which had drawn over 2 million attendees across 102 shows.[17] Building hype leading into the tour, the lead single "Heaven" was released on February 1, 2013, offering a melodic entry point to the album's darker tones and setting the stage for the live promotion.[18]Announcement and planning
The Delta Machine Tour was officially announced on October 23, 2012, during a press conference in Paris, where Depeche Mode revealed details of the initial European leg comprising 34 stadium and arena shows starting in May 2013.[6] North American dates for the summer leg were disclosed on March 11, 2013, through the band's official website and various press releases, initially adding 20 performances across the continent, later expanded to 23.[19][6] These announcements followed the completion of the band's thirteenth studio album, Delta Machine, which served as the tour's creative foundation.[20] Planning for the tour involved close collaboration with Live Nation, the promoter handling production logistics for both European and North American segments.[5] Visual elements were developed in partnership with longtime collaborator Anton Corbijn, who designed the show's video projections and overall aesthetic to complement the album's thematic motifs.[15] Initial band rehearsals commenced in April 2013, building toward full production run-throughs ahead of the European opener.[21] The tour was envisioned to encompass more than 100 concerts spanning Europe, North America, and the Middle East, reflecting Depeche Mode's ambition for a global outing in support of Delta Machine.[6] Ticket sales for the European dates began shortly after the October 2012 reveal, while North American presales started March 12, 2013, via Live Nation, with general on-sale following on March 15.[19] In pre-tour interviews, frontman Dave Gahan expressed enthusiasm for the live performances, noting the band's eagerness to bring the new material to audiences after wrapping album production.[20] Gahan highlighted the creative energy from recent studio sessions and the anticipation of reconnecting with fans through an extensive world tour.[20]Tour overview
Legs and itinerary
The Delta Machine Tour began on May 4, 2013, at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, France, and ended on March 7, 2014, at the Olimpiski in Moscow, Russia, for a total of 106 shows.[6] The tour was organized into three primary legs, beginning with the European leg that accounted for the majority of performances. This leg spanned two periods: May to July 2013 with approximately 34 shows across southern, central, and eastern Europe, including the warm-up in Nice and opener in Tel Aviv, Israel, and a return from November to December 2013 with about 24 shows in western and northern Europe, starting with a performance at du Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 3, for a combined total of roughly 58 shows in the region. Venues ranged from arenas like the O2 Arena in London to stadiums such as the Stade de France in Paris, with festival slots including Rock Werchter in Belgium on July 6, 2013, and Optimus Alive in Portugal on July 13, 2013.[22] The North American leg followed from August 22 to October 11, 2013, featuring 24 shows primarily in amphitheaters and arenas, starting at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, and concluding at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas. This segment covered the Midwest, East Coast, West Coast, and southern United States, with support acts including Bat for Lashes and Crystal Castles for most dates.[23] The final leg resumed in Europe from January to March 2014, with 29 shows in arenas across Spain, Germany, Poland, Scandinavia, and Russia, beginning at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain. Key milestones included the band's first performances in Belfast, Northern Ireland, since 1987, and Oslo, Norway, since 1985, during the winter phases.[6] Transcontinental travel marked the itinerary, with the band shifting from Europe to North America after the summer festivals for a two-month break before the winter return, allowing recovery amid the demanding schedule of over 100 dates in 30 countries.Production and staging
The production and staging of the Delta Machine Tour were overseen by Anton Corbijn in his role as production designer, incorporating an industrial aesthetic that aligned with the album's thematic elements. Corbijn, a longtime collaborator with Depeche Mode, directed the visual components, including black-and-white films projected on a massive rear-stage screen to enhance the electronic performances. The stage setup emphasized a raw, machine-like environment, with geometric LED arrangements providing dynamic backdrops for the shows.[24][25] Video integration was handled by XL Video, utilizing 15 Chromlech Elidy Big LED panels elevated by 15 Kinesys Liftkey motors for versatile positioning and immersive displays. These elements supported live video feeds captured from multiple angles, contributing to the tour's cinematic quality, particularly evident in filmed performances like those in Berlin directed by Corbijn. The visuals featured stark, monochromatic imagery that complemented the band's synth-driven sound without overwhelming the live energy.[24] Lighting design was led by Paul Normandale, with an extensive rig including 23 Vari*Lite VL3500 FX spots, 10 Martin MAC III performers for strobe effects, and additional moving heads like 10 Martin MAC 700 Profiles, all controlled via two High End Systems Hog 4 consoles. These fixtures were synchronized to the electronic beats, creating intense, pulsating atmospheres through beam effects and rapid strobes that amplified the music's intensity. Atmospheric effects incorporated two Reel EFX DF50 Diffusion Hazers and two Orka Smoke Machines, generating fog to evoke industrial machinery and depth on stage.[24] Sound production focused on custom mixes that accentuated the album's bluesy synthesizer tones, achieved through RME audio interfaces integrated into the setup. Keyboard rigs for Andy Fletcher and Peter Gordeno employed two RME Fireface UC units, while drums utilized an RME Fireface UFX for precise control and output. The band adopted Ultimate Ears UE 11 Pro in-ear monitors across the tour, enabling a wedge-minimal stage with subwoofers for low-end support and marking vocalist Dave Gahan's complete transition to in-ears for enhanced monitoring clarity.[26][27] Key crew members included lighting director Graham Feast, video and LED directors Jon Shrimpton and Joe Makien, and stage manager Shawn Saucier, ensuring seamless execution of the technical elements throughout the 106-show run. Production management was handled by Tony Gittens, with overall tour management by Tim Lougee, supporting the integration of these components for consistent delivery across venues.[24]Musical elements
Setlist
The standard setlist for The Delta Machine Tour typically comprised 23 songs, blending tracks from the 2013 album Delta Machine with selections from Depeche Mode's extensive back catalog. It opened with the atmospheric "Welcome to My World," immediately followed by the brooding "Angel," both from Delta Machine, setting a tone of industrial electronica before transitioning into fan-favorite "Walking in My Shoes" from 1993's Songs of Faith and Devotion. The main set continued with high-energy renditions of "Precious" (Playing the Angel, 2005), "Black Celebration" (1986), "Policy of Truth" (Violator, 1990), and "Should Be Higher" (Delta Machine), building momentum toward mid-set highlights like "Barrel of a Gun" (Ultra, 1997) and "Higher Love" (Songs of Faith and Devotion). A dedicated solo acoustic segment by Martin Gore followed, often featuring intimate performances of "But Not Tonight" (Black Celebration B-side, 1986), "Condemnation" (Songs of Faith and Devotion), and "Home" (Ultra). The set then incorporated additional Delta Machine tracks such as "Heaven," "Soothe My Soul," and "Secret to the End," culminating in the anthemic closers "Enjoy the Silence" and "Personal Jesus" from Violator. The first encore typically included "Goodbye" (Delta Machine) alongside "Halo" (Violator) and "Just Can't Get Enough" (Speak & Spell, 1981), while the second encore wrapped with "I Feel You" (Songs of Faith and Devotion) and "Never Let Me Down Again" (Music for the Masses, 1987).[28][29][30] Of the 23 songs, approximately 7 were drawn from Delta Machine—including key singles like "Angel," "Heaven," and "Soothe My Soul"—with the remaining selections spanning the band's discography from 1981 to 2009, emphasizing enduring hits and deeper cuts for variety.[31][32] Concerts lasted about 2 hours and 20 minutes, structured as a lengthy main set of around 17 songs followed by two encores totaling 6 songs, allowing for a dynamic pacing that alternated between high-intensity electronic numbers and more reflective moments.[33] This configuration balanced promotion of Delta Machine's new material—showcasing roughly one-third of the album—with beloved classics like "Enjoy the Silence," "Personal Jesus," and "Never Let Me Down Again" to engage a broad audience of longtime devotees.[28]Performance variations
Throughout the Delta Machine Tour, Depeche Mode occasionally deviated from their standard 23-song setlist to incorporate rare tracks, particularly during select arena shows and pre-tour showcases. For instance, "Only When I Lose Myself" from Ultra was performed five times, including at the band's warm-up shows in March 2013 and early European dates, while "World in My Eyes" from Violator appeared in five concerts, such as the May 31, 2013, performance at The O2 in London. Similarly, "John the Revelator" from Playing the Angel was swapped in for four shows, notably during the June 13, 2013, gig in Copenhagen where it joined "Higher Love," "Walking in My Shoes," and "I Feel You" in a sequence not played together since 1993. Festival appearances often required shortenings; at Rock Werchter on July 7, 2013, the set was condensed to approximately 18 songs, omitting deeper cuts like "Judas" and extended encores to fit the headlining slot.[31][34][22] Live performances featured improvisational elements that added dynamism to the standard template. Dave Gahan frequently incorporated vocal ad-libs, extending phrases in tracks like "Personal Jesus" to engage crowds, while Martin Gore rotated solos on guitar-driven songs such as "Barrel of a Gun," varying riffs based on venue energy. Extended intros were common for "Policy of Truth," with the band layering atmospheric keyboards and delaying Gahan's entrance for heightened tension, as heard in recordings from North American shows. Gore also debuted arrangement tweaks, including a band-supported version of "When the Body Speaks," and prolonged a note in "Home" during the October 6, 2013, Las Vegas performance, directing audience participation.[34][35][36] Special moments highlighted unique interactions and support acts. Danish electronic artist Trentemøller served as opener for several European stadium dates, including the June 8, 2013, show in Bern, Switzerland, and UK legs in November 2013, blending his live band setup with Depeche Mode's industrial aesthetic. Audience engagement peaked in instances like the September 1, 2013, Toronto concert, where fans' singing during "Enjoy the Silence" prompted Gore to describe the atmosphere as "like a musical." No major guest appearances occurred, but foundational member Vince Clarke attended the September 6, 2013, Barclays Center show in Brooklyn, marking his first Depeche Mode concert since departing in 1981.[34][37][38] The tour's evolution included minor pacing adjustments after the European leg, with the North American portion featuring slightly shorter sets—around 21 songs on average—to accommodate larger amphitheaters and travel demands, as noted after the August 21, 2013, Atlanta opener. Mid-tour rehearsals in Glasgow during November 2013 led to on-the-fly reworks of classics like "Black Celebration" for improved flow, ensuring sustained energy across the 106-show run.[39][40][31]Personnel
Depeche Mode members
Dave Gahan served as the lead vocalist for Depeche Mode during the Delta Machine Tour, bringing his signature energetic delivery to the forefront through dynamic stage presence and choreographed movements that captivated audiences across the 106-show run.[20][41][10] His performances often featured fluid, rock-infused dancing and crowd engagement, emphasizing the tour's themes of raw emotion and industrial edge. Gahan's long-term recovery from addictions—achieving sobriety in 1996—played a key role in sustaining his stamina amid the tour's rigorous physical demands, allowing him to maintain high-energy shows without the setbacks that plagued earlier outings.[42][20] Martin L. Gore contributed vocals, guitars, and synthesizers throughout the tour, blending his multi-instrumental skills with the band's electronic core while occasionally stepping into the spotlight for solo acoustic sets. These intimate segments showcased stripped-down versions of tracks like "Shake the Disease," providing emotional contrast to the high-production numbers and highlighting Gore's songwriting depth in a more vulnerable light.[43] Andy Fletcher (died May 26, 2022) focused on keyboards and synthesizers, anchoring the electronic arrangements that powered the tour's sound design and ensured seamless transitions between the album's blues-inflected synth-pop and live adaptations.[44][6]Additional musicians
The additional musicians for the Delta Machine Tour were Peter Gordeno and Christian Eigner, both of whom had been long-time collaborators with Depeche Mode since joining the band's live lineup for the 1998 Singles Tour.[45] No new musicians were added to the touring personnel for this outing, maintaining continuity from prior tours.[22] Peter Gordeno performed as a multi-instrumentalist, contributing on keyboards, piano, and bass guitar, while also providing backing vocals and handling live mixes during performances.[6] He notably played bass guitar on tracks like "Personal Jesus" to augment the electronic elements with live instrumentation.[6] Christian Eigner served as the touring drummer and percussionist, delivering live drumming that complemented the electronic and sample-heavy tracks in the setlist.[22] His role involved precise syncing with pre-recorded samples and synthesizers to maintain the band's signature sound.[6]Concert dates
European leg
The European leg of the Delta Machine Tour encompassed two distinct phases in 2013 and early 2014, featuring 81 performances across more than 25 countries in a mix of headlining stadium and arena shows alongside festival slots. Launching with a rehearsal concert in Nice, France, on May 4, 2013, the initial phase ran through July, emphasizing large outdoor venues and festivals that attracted over 788,000 attendees across 24 reported concerts, generating $60.8 million in revenue.[11] The subsequent phase, from November 2013 to February 2014, focused on indoor arenas in 19 cities, adding $19.2 million from reported sales.[12] Particularly robust attendance marked shows in the UK and Germany, where the band played multiple dates in iconic venues like the O2 Arena in London and various stadiums in Germany, underscoring their enduring popularity in these markets.[6] Overall, the European dates drew more than 1.5 million fans and contributed an estimated $100 million to the tour's global gross, blending high-capacity headlining gigs with festival appearances at events like Rock Werchter in Belgium and Optimus Alive in Portugal.[6][11][12] Key performances from the leg are summarized below, highlighting a range of venues, capacities, and financial outcomes where reported:| Date | City | Country | Venue | Attendance | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2013 | Nice | France | Palais Nikaia | 9,904 | $678,141 |
| May 28–29, 2013 | London | UK | O2 Arena | 32,434 | N/A |
| June 11, 2013 | Leipzig | Germany | Red Bull Arena | 43,816 | $3,466,135 |
| June 15, 2013 | Saint-Denis | France | Stade de France | 67,103 | $5,332,840 |
| July 7, 2013 | Werchter | Belgium | Rock Werchter Festival (Main Stage) | ~80,000 (festival day estimate) | N/A |
| November 19, 2013 | London | UK | O2 Arena | 15,953 | $1,127,258 |
| November 25, 2013 | Berlin | Germany | O2 World | ~17,000 | N/A |