Depeche Mode gave one of the most memorable concerts of its career Wednesday night (February 17) at Royal Albert Hall in London. An impromptu visit by Alan Wilder during the song Somebody is one of the reasons.
Alan Wilder added another dimension of sound to Depeche Mode when he joined the group. This helped propel the group to international stardom and success. But there were always a lot of disagreements between Martin Gore and Wilder during the creative process. Their stormy relationship pushed Wilder to leave the group in June 1995 after 13 years together.
The group played for the first time in its career at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London yesterday. It was a benefit concert for Teenage Cancer Trust. Wilder surprised the crowd when he joined the band on stage to play Somebody, sung by Martin Gore.
"Dave (Gahan) contacted me a few weeks back and asked if I’d be willing to join them on-stage," says Alan. "He assured me that everyone in the band was into the idea. I was very happy to accept, especially as it was all in a good cause and we were long overdue some kind of reunion of this sort. It was great to see everyone again and catch up a bit, and it was also the first time I have actually ‘seen’ Depeche Mode perform!"
Alan Wilder’s enthusiastic presence last night has sparked rumours. Depeche Mode was not the same after he left. Even though they always played to sold-out concerts, album sales seriously diminished after his departure.