Depeche Mode call off gig as frontman falls ill
A Depeche Mode concert had to be scrapped at the last minute after lead singer David Gahan was taken to hospital.
The influential British synth-rock act – whose hits include 'Just Can’t Get Enough' and 'Enjoy The Silence' – was due to perform in Greek capital Athens last night as part of their world tour.
But concert organisers told the 20,000 audience that the gig was being cancelled after Gahan, 47, fell ill in his dressing room with suspected gastroenteritis.
In footage of the announcement posted on YouTube, a spokesman for the band drew whistles and groans as he said: “Dave Gahan has been taken ill. Dave is not well, we have had a doctor in to see him back stage and unfortunately the advice from the doctor is that Dave cannot perform.
“He is on his way to the hospital now for a check up.
“I apologise on behalf of Dave and Depeche Mode – Dave really wanted to be well enough to perform.
“I am very sorry there is nothing we can do – he is genuinely ill. He asked me to pass on my apologies to you all.”
The spokesman then prompted cheers at Athens’ Terra Vibe park after telling the crowd that the illness was thought to be temporary, and the show could be rescheduled for today.
He said: “We are hopeful that it is a temporary illness.
“We are hopeful that Dave will recover by (today), and we are hoping that we can reschedule the show for (tonight).”
Depeche Mode – who have sold an estimated 75 million albums worldwide since forming in Basildon, Essex, in 1980 – are due to play in Istanbul, Turkey, tomorrow.
The band touring to promote their 12th studio album, Sounds of the Universe.
Forum pages on the group’s official website were quickly filled with messages from fans.
One, sleepingmarblegirl from Miami, wrote: “Dave I wish you a quick recovery and I hope you are already feeling a whole lot better. All of us, fans, love you very much.”
Another user, electroo, from Sweden, added: “Get well Dave! Hope it’s nothing serious.”
Gahan – whose other band members are Martin Gore and Andrew Fletcher – battled a heroin addiction during the 1990s.
