Let's continue with the week dedicated to Depeche Mode, starting again from the late nineties.

 

1995 marks a crucial turning point in the history of Depeche Mode, as Alan Wilder decides to definitively leave the band due to growing internal conflicts and tensions. His decision, communicated via fax to Dave Gahan and in person to the other members, takes Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher by surprise, but they decide to continue the project without seeking a replacement. After overcoming the initial shock, the three remaining members find themselves in the studio with producer Tim Simenon to work on the new album, despite Dave's precarious health condition caused by his drug addiction. Their efforts lead to the release of "Ultra", followed by no promotional tour due to Gahan's health condition. Gradually, the group resumes recording new singles: the collection "The Singles 86-98" is followed by a highly successful promotional tour (the "The Singles Tour"). The new millennium opens with "Exciter", produced by Mark Bell, preceded by the single "Dream On", which takes the band worldwide with "The Exciter Tour". After a break in 2003, during which Gahan and Gore pursue solo projects, Depeche Mode reunites in 2004 to work on the collection "Remixes 81-04". But it's in 2005 that the band experiences a true rebirth with the album "Playing the Angel", produced for the first time by Ben Hillier. The album marks a new era for the band and is followed by a 124-date tour, including a highly appreciated stop in Italy. The two concerts held in Assago are recorded and released as the double video album "Touring the Angel: Live in Milan".

 

Today's listening is "Barrel of a Gun" from the album "Ultra".