Dave Gahan and The Soulsavers – at Capitol Records Studio A – Hollywood, CA

My Saturday morning began with news that a “secret” “invite only” “private” concert was to take place somewhere in Hollywood at an undisclosed location by one of my favorite singers of all time, Mr. Dave Gahan of alternative mega giants Depeche Mode. The info was vague, but the chance of catching him at a private concert was too good to pass up on. I’ve seen Dave perform to crowds as large as 90,000 and as small as 15,000, this gig sounded more like a once in a lifetime opportunity; I had to be there, no if’s and’s or but’s about it, it just had to happen.

As lunch time rolled around I realized time was not on my side by any stretch of the meaning, I’m sure the guest list for this event was tight and as it got later would be next to impossible to make any sort of connection. The shows location was still unknown to me and my crew, and with the abundance of venues in Hollywood it seemed almost relative to finding a needle in a haystack. Hope was not entirely lost though, I knew someone was bound to accidentally share the good news with the world, and with the click of a twitter search the “secret” location now became Capitol Records; a building I’ve been fascinated with entering since the first time I walked by it as a child. It now seemed I might get to see a show take place there, how unreal!

I can’t disclose my method of getting by security (what I imagined would be difficult), though I can say this much; you can learn a thing or two from growing up watching Mission Impossible and James Bond spy films. With the hard part now behind us it was time to enjoy what would be one of the coolest gatherings I have witnessed in my short life. With our free coca colas in hand thanks to the open bar, we scooted our way up front and waited for the band to hit the stage. There was no barricade or security, just a small crowd of maybe 70 friends and family and a stage only a few inches off the ground floor, this was as intimate as it gets and we were front row. I thanked the rock gods up above for watching over us as we went from not knowing where or how to get into the show to finally being there with the best spot in the house.

Dave and The Soulsavers hit the small stage shortly after 9pm and proceeded to play 7 tracks (about half the album) from their new record “The Light The Dead See”. The songs are fairly new and perhaps unfamiliar to most, but they are amongst the heaviest and deepest Gahan has written in his career and that is exactly how they were delivered live. Some tracks are on the acoustic side of the spectrum while others have the beautiful work of a cello, which makes for a haunting live experience as Dave lets it all out. The emotional outpour  during the bands 45 minute set was moving in a way I’d never witnessed before, it was like a spiritual experience through the power of music. Some songs took on a Nick Cave’ish gospel feel with the aid of soulful female backup singers, it had a feel that could not be faked, this was real and direct from the heart. With a band that relies less on synthesizer and drum loops in favor of a more traditional setup, Gahan is able to let his vocals shine in a way that brought him closer to his audience than perhaps he expected. Halfway through the set he mentioned “I’m not used to being this close to people” as he smiled before kicking into his next number. The stand out tracks were definitely “In the Morning”, “Bitterman”, “Take Me Back” and the set closer “Gone to Far”

Unfortunately the set would soon come to a close as the band only planned to make this short and sweet. Thankfully it was recorded by at least two professional cameras placed in the studio above the crowd and straight to a soundboard where I believe KCRW is going to be broadcasting it more sooner than later. Instead of the night coming to an end, it continued with more free drinks at the open bar and a cool atmosphere where everyone seemed to discuss that what they had just witnessed was beyond amazing and certainly a once in a life time opportunity. Unlike the usual concert experience where the band would hide away backstage, Dave and the co. hung out with the crowd and chatted with everyone around. Any notion that he was a rock star with no time for fans was thrown directly out the window, Gahan was there and his fans took the rare chance at talking to him on a casual yet personal level. This was the place to be and quite the night for an unusual level of fun.

As I walked out of the Capitol Records building and onto Vine St I felt pretty damn good about what had just happened. Not only did I get to witness a crazy once in a life time kind of show, but I got to do it in one of the most famous building’s in the world. I then realized how Dave Gahan sells out the largest venues in the world but chose to debut his new work in the smallest capacity possible and still own like its nobodies business. My respect for the man went through the roof so to speak as it sky rocketed to the heavens.

In related news, Dave is currently recording with the rest of Depeche Mode in Santa Barbara for their as of yet untitled 14th studio album. With the Soulsavers material going over so well Saturday night it may be possible that Dave and Co. will set up a proper show in LA for the public to finally witness between his time in the studio. Lets hope this time next year we will be reviewing a live Depeche Mode concert for all you readers out there.

Set list
Presence of God - In The Morning - Bitterman -Just Try - Take Me Back Home - Tonight - Gone To Far

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist

 

 

 

 

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