Strange Love

The Aztec Theatre roared to life Friday night as nearly every seat and standing space filled up for a powerhouse double tribute show: Electric Duke, honouring the legacy of David Bowie, and a stunning Depeche Mode tribute set that kept fans on their feet and screaming for more.

With dazzling lights, explosive energy, and pitch-perfect performances, this was far more than just a tribute—it was a celebration of two of the most influential acts in modern music history.

The evening opened with Electric Duke, fronted by the magnetic Julian Shah-Tayler. From the moment the band launched into Fame off Bowie’s Young Americans album, the audience knew they were in for a show. Shah-Tayler’s stage presence channelled Bowie’s swagger and vocal charisma effortlessly, hitting every note with style and precision. Backed by an elite lineup—Brent Myer on guitar, Steven on bass, and Chris Oliva on drums—the band rolled through classic after classic, including Let’s Dance, Heroes, As the World Falls Down, Modern Love, and Space Oddity. Each song was brought to life with a combination of powerful instrumentation and theatrical flair.

A particular highlight came during Heroes, where the lighting synced perfectly with the soaring chorus—blue and white beams swept across the room as the crowd sang along, “We can be heroes, just for one day.” It was a truly cinematic moment that gave goosebumps and brought many fans to tears.

But the energy didn’t stop there. After a brief intermission, the second half of the night dove into the dark, synth-heavy world of Depeche Mode. Leo Luganskiy took the reins as lead vocalist and completely commanded the stage. With Brent Myer, Julian Shah-Tayler, and James Evans rounding out the electronic ensemble, the transition from glam rock to moody industrial pop was seamless yet electrifying.

The Depeche Mode set began with A Question of Time, igniting a wave of movement across the crowd. From there, they ripped through Get the Balance Right, People Are People, Stripped, and Halo, each track receiving thunderous applause and wild cheers. Luganskiy’s vocals were sharp and emotive, capturing the brooding tone and raw energy that Depeche Mode fans crave.

The synths were crisp, the percussion tight, and the visual production was nothing short of mesmerizing. The light show throughout the evening was a spectacle in itself—laser beams, strobes, and colourful backlights all perfectly choreographed with the beat. Combined with sharp dance moves, crowd interactions, and a clear respect for the original material, the concert offered both nostalgia and fresh energy.

Fans, dressed in everything from glam-era Bowie makeup to black leather and eyeliner, danced, shouted lyrics, and shared the joy of live music with an infectious enthusiasm. There was a clear sense that this wasn’t just a concert—it was a community experience, one that honoured legends while creating new memories for everyone there.

Simply put, the tribute at the Aztec Theatre was a knockout performance from start to finish. Whether you were there for Bowie, Depeche Mode, or just to have a great time, the night delivered beyond expectation.

Words and photos: Cesar Sanchez