Depeche Mode preps new album for 2009, tour

Diehard Depeche Mode fans probably haven't been enjoying the silence (rim shot) since the electro-pop group's last album, 2005's Playing the Angel. Luckily, the trio of Brits just announced plans to release its 12th album on April 20, 2009, supported by a massive European tour. No North American dates have been announced at this time, but are said to be in the works.

Depeche Mode, together for nearly 30 years give or take a few members, has renewed its deal with Mute/EMI records for some time to come. The new deal includes U.S. distribution. Its forthcoming record has yet to be named.

The band decided to kick off its tour in Israel after its last gig there in 2006 was canceled due to safety concerns. Depeche Mode's full 28-stadium Tour of the Universe dates listed below:

May
10 - Tel Aviv, Israel @ Ramat Gan Stadium
12 - Athens, Greece @ Terra Vibe Park
14 - Istanbul, Turkey @ Santral Istanbul
16 - Bucharest, Romania @ Parc Izvor
18 - Sofia, Bulgaria @ Vasil Levski Stadium
20 - Belgrade, Serbia @ USCE Park
21 - Zagreb, Croatia @ Arena
23 - Warsaw, Poland @ Gwardia Stadium
25 - Riga, Latvia @ Skonto Stadium
27 - Vilnius, Lithuania @ Zalgirio Stadionas
30 - London, England @ 02 Arena

June
2 - Hamburg, Germany @ HSH Nordbank Arena
4 - Dusseldorf, Germany @ LTU Arena
7 - Leipzig, Germany @ Zentralstadion
10 - Berlin, Germany @ Olympiastadion
12 - Frankfurt, Germany @ Commerzbank Arena
13 - Munich, Germany @ Olympiastadion
16 - Rome, Italy @ Stadio Olimpico
18 - Rome, Italy @ Stadio Olimpico
20 - Werchter, Belgium @ TW Classic Festival
22 - Bratislava, Slovakia @ Inter Stadium
23 - Budapest, Slovakia @ Puskas Ferenc Stadium
25 - Prague, Czech Republic @ Slavia Stadium
27 - Paris, France @ TBA
30 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ Parken Stadium

July
2 - Bergen, Norway @ Koengen
3 - Arvika, Sweden @ Arvika Festival
11 - Oporto, Portugal @ Super Bock Super Rock Festival

Related links:
Review: Depeche Mode - Speak & Spell/Music for the Masses/Violator
DepecheMode.com
Depeche Mode on MySpace

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