(RockAndMetal.com) (11/12/03)

By Michael Bennett

LONDON, UK - DEPECHE MODE has released the DA Pennebaker film "101" for the first time ever on DVD, coupled with their concert "Live At The Rose Bowl - June 18th 1988."

This collectable DVD package features over 3 hours of footage and includes recent interviews with Martin Gore, Andrew Fletcher and Dave Gahan, filmed by director DA Pennebaker especially for the new DVD release of "101."

1988 was a pivotal year for DEPECHE MODE. It was during their "Music For The Masses" World Tour that they exploded into the musical mainstream. The Rose Bowl concert was the 101st and last date of that tour, and both discs capture a band and their audience at the height of their love affair.

Acclaimed film-maker DA Pennebaker was best known for his seminal Bob Dylan film, "Don't Look Back," in addition to his work with Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon.

Yet it was his marriage with alternative pioneers DEPECHE MODE that produced the frank and honest film '101'.

"It was the most interesting, fun film we've ever done," Pennebaker said.

"That tour and that film was so important, especially for the perception of the band," says Martin Gore. "We'd always been on the brink, especially in America but that 1988 tour was the first time we headlined big arenas, the first time the band really took off."

"There was something special about that whole time," Dave Gahan adds. "After that concert I remember sitting down in the dressing room and I just cried. It was just so emotional."

Andrew Fletcher echoes those sentiments: "It was one of the most amazing tours I've ever been on and a breaking point for alternative music in the US. The Rose Bowl was the first time that alternative radio sold out a big show in the US."

Integral to both the DVD and the concert was the relationship between band and audience. A competition was held nationwide where a bus load of winners followed the band around. Some of those fans are interviewed for this DVD and still remain in touch with Depeche Mode.

June 18th, 1988 was a day to remember for the 60,453 fans who attended the show. Now all DEPECHE MODE fans can relive that day through the eyes of one of cinema's most accomplished music documentary makers.

Concert footage includes live performances of:

Master And Servant
Pimpf
Behind The Wheel
Strangelove
Blasphemous Rumours
Stripped
Somebody
Black Celebration
Pleasure Little Treasure
Just Can't Get Enough
Everything Counts
Never Let Me Down Again

New interviews filmed by DA Pennebaker with:

Dave Gahan
Andy Fletcher
Martin Gore
Daniel Miller
Jonathan Kessler

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