Oh, Lisbon. How happy I am that your show fell on my birthday. 24 years on this earth and I never imagined I would be celebrating it with the Mode. The team surprised me with a delicious chocolate cake backstage and a bit of a fun party after the gig.

17,000 people couldn't be wrong, can they? They partied like it was their birthday as well. It was a long overdue show after our unfortunate cancellation in June but it's safe to say that the wait was worth it. Dave and the band are in top form, getting stronger and more vivacious with each gig - even after 5 legs in on this Tour of the Universe!

Check out some backstage and live shots of the sold-out concert at the Pavilhao Atlantico.

See you in Madrid!

Viva Espana! It's great to be back here. Wonderful weather and exquisite food. It was nice to be bale to pack the heavy winter coat for a while.

The venue - Recintal de Ferial - was modern in it's architecture. A multi-level structure, its roof was covered in a glass casing. The surroundings were lined with beautiful fountains that lit up at night. It was as glorious inside as it was outside and the crowd was exuberant to match.

Check out the concert photos for your viewing pleasure!

Photo Credit: James Heath

When landing at Geneva airport the first thing you see is the Palexpo - very visible from the air, and situated right next to the airport.

The Depeche Mode show took place in Halle 6 (1 - 5 being slightly smaller). Halle 6 was on first impression a huge cold aircraft hangar - or as guitar tech Jez Webb called it "a bit of an old barn" - and hardly seemed the right setting for a Depeche Mode show.

Once the DM trucks hit the venue the transformation began, and fortunately someone turned the heating on.

The original plan was for a catwalk - and this was indeed ready - but the height of the catwalk would have restricted the view of the fans at the front by too much - so it was all packed away.

After a few last minute tweaks - including hanging a special speaker just for the VIP section, and some black curtains here and there things were looking perfect !!

6pm and the doors opened - and the several hundred fans that had been waiting outside began to feel their fingers and ears again - as it was particularly chilly outside.

Within about an hour the place was impressively filled, and the total attendance was somewhere in the region of 18000.

The show was very good, the newly added "World In My Eyes" sounded excellent, and "Sister Of Night" was also a fantastic addition.

The fans were a little late with their "Home" chant - but they got there in the end, and Dave congratulated them for their "valid attempt" (Dave's words, not mine).

At the mixing desk I was introduced to the lovely Mike and Sandy - two American fans who have travelled across Europe seeing the band. Geneva was their 16th show , and by all accounts not the last.

The band are in Valencia next, and a hotter climate!!

Another great night in Germany and, sadly, our last until Erfurt on November 28th. Our gigs in Germany have always been extraordinary. After spending much time, a sense of familiarity has developed; it's become a second home!

In the spirit of the season, the boys eagerly watched another football game - only this time it was Andy rooting for his beloved Chelsea. All work stopped (well, not entirely) and all eyes were glued to the television set in the chill out room. There were moments of silence and moments of outright enthusiasm, especially when Chelsea clinched a 1 - 0 win against Manchester United.

Fun random fact: Brazilian soccer legend Pele's real name is Edison Arantes do Nascimento. You can thank our guitar tech extraordinaire, Jez Webb, for that tidbit of information.

Check out the photos of the Mode's gig at Stuttgrat's Schleyerhalle and some behind-the-scenes football-watching down time.

See you in Geneva!