In an announcement that has electrified fans around the globe, Depeche Mode—one of the most influential and enduring bands in electronic music—have revealed plans to release a new concert film titled ‘M’. The film, a sweeping audiovisual experience, will offer an intimate yet epic look at their latest tour and creative resurgence following the death of co-founder Andy Fletcher in 2022. More than just a performance documentary, ‘M’ promises to be a deeply personal and reflective project, chronicling a pivotal era in the band’s storied history.
A Band Reborn
Since their formation in 1980, Depeche Mode have carved a unique path through the music world with their blend of synthpop, industrial, and alternative rock. With anthems like “Enjoy the Silence”, “Personal Jesus”, and “Strangelove”, they have transcended genre and generation, earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Yet the past few years have been a time of both mourning and reinvention.
The sudden passing of Andy Fletcher, the band’s keyboardist and founding member, was a seismic event. For surviving members Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, the decision to continue was not taken lightly. Their 2023 album ‘Memento Mori’, released shortly after Fletcher’s death, became a poignant tribute to their friend and a meditation on mortality, memory, and meaning. The subsequent world tour, also titled Memento Mori, was a powerful fusion of past and present, filled with emotional weight and renewed energy.
Inside the Film: What is ‘M’?
Directed by longtime collaborator Anton Corbijn, ‘M’ is more than a concert film—it is a visual essay on grief, legacy, and the enduring power of live performance. Corbijn, whose stark, atmospheric style has become synonymous with the band’s visual identity, has previously helmed iconic Depeche Mode visuals including music videos and the acclaimed 2007 concert film ‘101’. With ‘M’, he turns his lens once again to capture a band both at its peak and in transition.
The film is expected to weave together footage from multiple performances across the Memento Mori tour, including standout shows in Berlin, Los Angeles, and London’s O2 Arena. In addition to dynamic stage visuals and a thunderous setlist that spans their 40+ year catalog, ‘M’ will feature behind-the-scenes interviews, archival material, and moments of personal reflection from Gahan and Gore. The title, ‘M’, a minimalist nod, is rumored to represent multiple themes: Memento Mori, music, memory, and perhaps even Martin—the band’s creative heartbeat.
Setlist and Cinematic Sound
While the full tracklist for ‘M’ remains under wraps, fans can expect a blend of classics and new material. Songs like “Ghosts Again” and “My Favourite Stranger” from Memento Mori are likely to feature prominently, capturing the modern iteration of Depeche Mode’s sound. Of course, no Depeche Mode set would be complete without fan-favorites like “Never Let Me Down Again”, “Walking in My Shoes”, and “World in My Eyes”—a track which took on new meaning during the tour as a tribute to Fletcher.
The sound design of ‘M’ is reportedly being treated with the same meticulous care as its visuals, with Dolby Atmos mixing and immersive surround sound being used to replicate the feeling of standing in the crowd, engulfed by synths, strobes, and the voice of Dave Gahan—still magnetic and primal after all these years.
A Cinematic Release and Beyond
Depeche Mode have confirmed that ‘M’ will receive a limited theatrical release in major cities worldwide before hitting streaming platforms later in the year. The premiere is scheduled to take place in Berlin—a city integral to the band’s legacy and spiritual home to much of their musical evolution.
Fans attending these exclusive screenings can look forward to Q&A sessions with Corbijn and members of the band, as well as special edition merchandise and collectible physical media releases, including a deluxe Blu-ray box set with bonus footage, posters, and a commemorative photo book.
Legacy in Motion
With ‘M’, Depeche Mode are not merely commemorating a tour—they are cementing a legacy. The film captures the essence of a band that has weathered personal loss, industry shifts, and cultural change, emerging with their relevance intact and their artistry undiminished. It is a testament to resilience, to evolution, and to the power of music to unite, heal, and endure.
For both longtime fans and newcomers alike, ‘M’ offers a rare opportunity to experience the soul of Depeche Mode—on the stage, behind the scenes, and in their most unguarded moments. It’s a requiem, a celebration, and a reminder that in the world of Depeche Mode, there’s always more to say, more to feel, and more to come.
Release Details (as announced):
- Title: M
- Director: Anton Corbijn
- Premiere: Berlin, Summer 2025
- Theatrical Release: Limited screenings worldwide
- Streaming/Physical Media: Fall 2025 (details TBA)
Stay tuned for updates, trailers, and pre-sale ticket information as the world prepares to step back into the darkness—one last time, or perhaps just the next chapter—with Depeche Mode.
