Strangelove: Forever ‘Devotees’ To Depeche Mode

Tribute band Strangelove will recreate the haunting, punchy vocals and melodically hypnotic electronic beats with precision and creativity of Depeche Mode’s older works at The Paramount on July 8.

By Jano Tantongco
jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Get ready to dive back into the ’80s and get ready for a “classic Depeche Mode setlist,” courtesy of tribute band Strangelove at The Paramount on July 8.

The tribute band recreates the haunting, punchy vocals that rest on a bed of melodically hypnotic electronic beats with precision and creativity. They seek to recreate and continue the legacy of Depeche Mode’s older works, playing what the band no longer typically performs.

“That’s a good tribute band, where you forget that you’re watching a tribute. And, that’s what Strangelove does,” lead vocalist Freddie Morales said.

Their costume changes and visual panoply of effects pays homage to the band that spans four decades, with 120 million albums under their belts.

Morales takes the role of “Devotional Dave,” rocking lead vocals, as well as designing visuals and lighting; Brent Meyer plays “Counterfeit Martin,” who serves as the music director and plays the keyboards, guitar and melodica, as well as provides vocals, percussion and sequencing; Julian Shah-Tayler is “Oscar Wilder” wields the keyboards and also lends sequencing, percussion and backing vocals; And, James Evans plays “InTheFletch,” and plays the keyboards, percussion and also provides backing vocals.

Morales said he’s been a devotee to the band ever since their epic, 88,000-fan, 101st show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, in 1988, as part of their “Music For The Masses” tour.

“It was just a magical night. To this day, I get flashbacks from that,” Morales said.

Coming from the record industry, the musician eventually wanted to get into the tribute scene. Seeing a tribute band, he felt he could take it to the next level.

“There was something missing, and that was my calling,” Morales said. “As it is an experience for the audience, it’s also an experience for us, too, to go along with the journey and learn as we go.”

David Bowie tribute band, Electric Duke, will open for Strangelove, with doors opening at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Paramountny.com or at the box office. Tickets range from $10-$35.

Morales added, “We’re excited to go to NY, it’s our first time, finally. We’d like everyone to come down and experience our tribute to Depeche Mode.”