Saliva is sacred. Especially Dave’s. Or?
Fan love sometimes bears strange flowers. Stars are idols that you would like to get an autograph from, that you would like to take a selfie with, that you might even want to touch. But it can also be more radical. A spectator at the Depeche Mode concert held up a sign with a very special wish at the band’s concert on Tuesday (February 20, 2024). It said: “Spit On Me”.
The Facebook fan page “Ultra Depeche Mode” captured the memorable moment in Berlin’s Mercedes-Benz Arena. The subline also includes the pun “Every Sign Counts”, a variation of the 1983 song title “Everything Counts” – Every sign counts.
As shown in the picture, Dave Gahan may have seen the sign with the hopeful message flashing right in his face. It is now considered impossible that the singer fulfilled the fan’s request for bodily fluid and spit into the crowd.
The reactions from Facebook users so far have been rather amused. “I would be worried if someone behind me held up a ‘Spit on me’ sign,” one wrote. “Okay, I think this might be the thing they call ‘Strangelove,’” wrote another user, alluding to the hit “Strangelove.” Another comment: “Is she collecting it to sell on eBay or what’s going on here?” Another has a different guess: “I think it’s meant to be sexual.”
With their third Berlin gig, Depeche Mode ended their residency in the German capital as part of the “Memento Mori” concert tour. In April the band ends their tour in Cologne.
On Tuesday, live keyboardist Peter Gordeno also celebrated his big birthday – he turned 60. There was also an arena-wide “Happy Birthday” for him. Birthday parties on the road are nothing special for the Brit. Depeche Mode often go on (hall) tours at the beginning of the year. There have also been serenades for Gordeno in Riga (2018) and London (2010).