November 17th, 2009 by Andrew Thomson

Depeche Mode’s massive, nine-month, 70+-date Tour of the Universe claimed its latest scalp in Madrid on 16th November, with the first of two sell-out show at Palacio de los Deportes.

Since opening in Luxembourg in May, halted by Dave Gahan’s bladder operation, the band’s tour restarted in Germany a month later and has since taken in four continents in two legs.  In South America, Gahan drew controversy when he was heard to thank the wrong country at the end of a show in Lima, allegedly saying goodnight to “Chile” instead of “Peru”.  This was quickly denied by the band’s management who claimed no such mistake was made.  Although he could be forgiven for such a slip, given the sheer number of countries involved in the tour and the maturity of the act’s participants.

The tour, in support of Depeche Mode’s 2009 album Sounds of the Universe, comes home to the UK on 12 December for dates in Glasgow, Birmingham, London and Manchester.  The May date at the O2 Arena, cancelled due  to Dave Gahan’s illness and subsequent logistical issues, is rescheduled for Febuary 2010.  Tickets to all these events – and more – are available to compare and buy at tixdaq.com.