Depeche Mode in Budapest May 22, 17 or a fan takeover by Thomas or we feel so much inside

I couldn't go to Bidapest this year. I wasn't happy about that fact because always on every tour was there one of the best concerts of the tour. So here comes a very exciting report of my good friend and travel mate Thomas. It's an very touching report. Enjoy!


Budapest, May 22, 2017

Already on Saturday, 20.05.2017 the start shot for my Eastern Europe round trip, which should lead me over Vienna and Bratislava to Budapest and further to Prague and Leipzig. After a rainy, but so far the best concert of the tour in Bratislava, we went on a Sunday afternoons after an intense aftershow party on Saturday with the FlixBus to Budapest. Since I had unfortunately never on the note of Budapest during previous tours, I was all the more tense and full of anticipation for the city on the Danube. Arriving there, we first moved into the RUM hotel before embarking on a first exploration into the city. On the Danube in the kiosk, a rather stylish bar, we already met the first DM allies. It is nice to see how the Depeche Mode "Freundeskreis" grows from tour to tour or from event to event. No matter which city Depeche Mode is in, it is always a great flair to meet like-minded people. Our first day in Budapest ended traditionally with a delicious goulash and a few delicious drinks.

The next day started with a round trip through the enchanting Budapest and we walked the most relevant sights on foot. In front of the Bandhotel was the usual turmoil - the same picture as in every city where our heroes are enjoying. Our round led us past historic churches, memorials and the Hungarian parliament. If you look at the background of massacres as in the 1956 revolution or the meaningless killing from the world wars, you will first appreciate what luxury and comfort we have enjoyed in our lives. We can travel freely from A to B, can enjoy country and people, and for that reason only follow our favorite band across Europe and around the world. Unfortunately, the next incision in our lives should soon follow.

In the inner city of Budapest we already met many Depeche fashion fans who are always well-known about their T-shirts. Whether it's just a friendly nod or a conversation from fan to fan, you're easy at home. Feels like Home! So we met the two brothers Chris and Roberto from New York. Unfortunately, we did not get along at the concert. Who knows them, please give them the link to this blog.

To the concert warm-up we met again at the kiosk and enjoyed in beautiful sunshine in large DM family some beers and strengthened us then - no munching, no punching. The Groupsna Aréna was very accessible by public transport and the whole organization made a very positive impression. After the misunderstandings at the concerts in Bratislava and also Nice (too few toilets and meals) it was nice to see that it can also be different. Toilets in abundance and also the practical pee crosses for the gentlemen, made sure that there was no resentment among the visitors.

Also the prices at the merchandising ensured that we did not get out of the astonishment. If a T-Shirt costs 35 EUR so far, you were in Budapest with about 22 EUR at the start. Unfortunately without card payment, otherwise I would have probably bought the booth empty.

The concert then started on time with the snippet of "Revolution" of the Beatles before the official intro started. Already at the opener "Where's the Revolution", it was noticeable that today was somewhat different from previous concerts: the mood of the Hungarian thrilled everyone. From the first to the last row was applauded, the mood euphoric and this spark also jumped on the band. Dave worked as a substitute for the concerts before: he laughed, danced, animated the audience and ran with every further song to new top forms. The setlist did not make any major changes, but the Martin songs "A? Of Lust" and "Home" exchanged. A small change but with great effect, because the combination Home with Poison Heart worked better. With "EverythingCounts", my personal highlight came as well: since the atmosphere had already boiled over, it was clear that with "Everythings Counts", the biggest Hungarian chorus was singing: loud, louder, loudest. I still get goose bumps even when writing. So emotional and impressive was this moment. With "Stripped, Enjoy the Silence and Never Let Me Down Again", the concert ended in full euphoria.

In the entrance block, a few thousand mobile phone pocket lamps caused a lot more goose bumps with me and tears of emotion among many other visitors. With "Walking In My Shoes", the Bowie Cover "Heroes" and as well "I feel you" and "Personal Jesus", a wonderful concert evening ended. It was so far the highlight of the tour and finally we arrived where we would like to have Depeche Mode:  at a gigantic concert party for The Masses.

Unfortunately, the terrible news of the terrorist attack came to us this evening: Manchester.

Music and concerts should give people joy and a smile in the face. Unfortunately, it is just that something of crazy fanatics is abused to enforce their sick interests. I am deeply shocked and my compassion is with the victims and their families. I myself have planned many more concerts and will not let any distracted fanatics get away from it and use every concert as a reason to celebrate against these sick ...

Thank you, Thomas. So great written. I hope I translate it according to you.

Yes, indeed, no fear. Freedoms means to laugh, to love, to sing, to dance.

And I hope maybe one day, we can all be free.