Depeche Mode
Paradiso Amsterdam 1983
Modern day Amsterdam is a bit of an oxymoron. On the one hand, the city proudly brandishes its reputation for alternative and subcultures, pushing back against lawmakers and their incoherent policies to adopt approaches that are more realistic and levelheaded. On the other, its a place of such rampant commercial development the local government actively discourages visitors and new hotel developments. Look closely, though, and you can still feel the spirit of what, during the latter half of the 20th Century, made this place so special. Paradiso is one of those spots. A waterside cultural venue with a history first as a church, then an illegal squat, before becoming what it is today, the walls themselves seem to pervade a sense of brave, adventurous heritage. An ideal place to catch one of the most defining bands of the 1980s in their heyday, then, here Depeche Mode deliver an astounding set in a space with the atmosphere to match. SIDE 1: 1. Everything Counts 2. See You 3. Love In Itself 4. Pipeline 5. Photographic SIDE 2: 1. Get The Balance Right 2. Told You So 3. New Life 4. More Than A Party 5. The Meaning Of Love 6. Just Can't Get Enough