San Antonio Dances to the Sound of Legends
Last night, the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio turned into a time machine transporting everyone straight to the golden age of 80s music! The double-bill of Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience and Electric Duke (tribute to David Bowie) delivered a mesmerizing evening of nostalgia, artistry, and communal joy.
Fans poured in early, eager to relive the anthems that defined a generation—and the energy was electric from the moment the doors opened. The Aztec’s ornate, vintage vibe was the perfect backdrop for a night celebrating the dark romanticism of Depeche Mode and the fearless, chameleonic genius of David Bowie.
The show wasn’t just about the music—it was about honoring the legends. Fans dressed the part, with leather jackets, eyeliner, Ziggy Stardust lightning bolts, and black-on-black New Wave chic.
ELECTRIC DUKE
Electric Duke kicked off the night with a vibrant, theatrical homage to the one and only David Bowie, and the crowd was hooked from the first note.
Bathed in dramatic lighting, Electric Duke nailed the essence of Bowie’s many eras: the swagger of Rebel Rebel, the alien cool of Ziggy Stardust, and the synthy edge of Let’s Dance. Fans cheered as the familiar opening riffs rang out, transforming the Aztec into a Bowie cathedral of sing-alongs and admiration.
The frontman’s uncanny resemblance in look, voice, and movement thrilled long-time fans. Every strut, every sneer, every soaring note felt authentic yet full of fresh energy. The band’s musicianship was top-notch, nailing those tricky chord changes and lush arrangements that made Bowie’s catalog so timeless.
STRANGELOVE
The Depeche Mode Experience
From the moment the lights dropped, the Aztec Theater lit up with energy. The place was packed, loud, hot, and buzzing. People weren’t just waiting for a show, they were ready to be part of it. Everyone knew the music. What they didn’t know was just how hard Strangelove was about to hit.
As soon as Leo Luganskiy stepped into the spotlight, it was clear this wasn’t going to be some casual tribute. He had full control, calm, confident, and completely in the zone. He didn’t try to copy Dave Gahan. He brought his own style and power to every song. From the opening notes of “A Question of Time,” the crowd was fully locked in.
They came out strong. “World in My Eyes,” “Get the Balance Right,” and “People Are People” kicked things off fast and loud. The crowd was already singing along, moving, and shouting lyrics without missing a beat. No slow start, no warmup, just hit after hit.
Behind Leo, Julian Shah Taylor and Brent Meyer handled the keyboards, and they were dialed in from the start. They didn’t just play the sounds. They built them. Every layer was sharp, every transition smooth. They weren’t background players. They were the engine.
The middle of the set took a slower turn. “Stripped” changed the pace and brought in more tension. “Halo” and “Waiting for the Night” kept that tone going, steady, thoughtful, and serious. These songs weren’t just tossed in. They added something deeper to the night.
Then the energy came right back. “Just Can’t Get Enough” was a reset button—fun, upbeat, and full of motion. It gave the crowd a second wind. “Everything Counts” hit hard and felt tight. “Home” slowed it down again and gave Leo room to show more feeling. Then came “Policy of Truth,” and the momentum picked back up. “Strangelove”and “Behind the Wheel” kept the crowd dancing. “Useless” and “I Feel You” added some real weight, loud, strong, and full of energy.
But it was “Enjoy the Silence” that stole the night. When that first note hit, the whole place went quiet for half a second and then the singalong kicked in. No one stood still. People were shouting every word. Phones went up. Smiles everywhere.
The Story of Strangelove
Born from pure love of Depeche Mode’s groundbreaking sound, Strangelove is more than a cover band; it’s an authentic tribute that painstakingly recreates the look, sound, and spirit of the original.
Formed by devoted fans who are also professional musicians, Strangelove set out to offer audiences the closest thing possible to seeing Depeche Mode in their 80s and 90s prime. With meticulous attention to detail, from vintage synthesizers to the wardrobe, they deliver a fully immersive live experience that celebrates the band’s legacy.
Their frontman channels Dave Gahan with incredible accuracy, from the deep baritone vocals to the iconic stage moves, while the rest of the band faithfully recreates Martin Gore’s lush arrangements and Alan Wilder’s precise electronics. Even Martin L. Gore said, “They do it to such fine detail that it’s scary!“
Strangelove has built a loyal following across North America and beyond, packing venues with devoted fans eager to relive the magic. They’ve become known for treating the music with reverence while infusing their own passion and energy.
They closed the main set with “Personal Jesus” and “Never Let Me Down Again,” and both landed like fireworks. People didn’t want it to end. They came back out for one final song, “But Not Tonight.” No big moment, just a simple, clean close to an intense night.
Strangelove didn’t just play Depeche Mode. They made the songs feel new again. Leo led with confidence, and Julian and Brent kept everything sounding sharp and alive. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about giving people something they could feel. And they did exactly that.
STRANGELOVE, San Antonio, TX – 07/11/2025
- A Question of Time
- World in My Eyes
- Get the Balance Right!
- People Are People
- Stripped
- Halo
- Waiting for the Night
- Just Can’t Get Enough
- Everything Counts
- Home
- Policy of Truth
- It’s No Good
- Strangelove
- Behind the Wheel
- Useless
- I Feel You
- Walking in My Shoes
- Enjoy the Silence
- Personal Jesus
- Never Let Me Down Again
- But Not Tonight
