Depeche Mode in Peru

Depeche Mode played a show in Peru this past week and drew a crowd of 30,000 people. I write often about concerts in Peru, and they just continue to impress me. Depeche Mode would likely have trouble drawing a crowd of 30,000 in some major cities in the USA, but they are able to travel to Lima, Peru to put on a concert where fans likely paid between $30-50 per ticket.

Do the math, that is a nice paycheck at the end of the day. And this, from a country where people attending the concert are lucky to make $300 a month. A sixth of their paycheck to see a band from the USA.

There is tremendous potential here for bands traveling overseas. To take Peru as an example, they have a large portion of the population in love with USA rock & roll from the 80′s & 90′s. If your band fits that bill, you might have some good luck in Peru.

For the last song, lead singer Martin Gore donned a Peruvian Chullo (stocking cap) that was a major hit with the crowd. I remember seeing Collective Soul in Lima, Peru and each band member came out in Peruvian soccer jerseys midway through the concert, to the rapturous applause of their fans. This is a very easy way bands can connect with their fans in other countries. I think it would be an even better idea to have a famous musician from that country play with the band on a few songs, especially if the instrument is local to that country.

Stay tuned,
Erik
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