Depeche Mode are masters of the universe

PIONEERING Essex band Depeche Mode are going back on the road – playing to more than 1.3 million people on a major world tour.

The Basildon electronic kings embark on the 28-date tour on May 10 next year, starting in Tel Aviv, Israel, and taking in a further 21 countries during three months.

The highlight for us Brits will be the band's only UK date at London's O2 Arena on Saturday May 30.

The eagerly awaited tour, entitled Tour of the Universe 2009, will undoubtedly be one of the musical highlights of next year, and comes at the same time as the group's new album, due to be released in April.

Starting out in 1980, the Basildon trio of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andrew Fletcher became an almost instant success, rising to international fame by the mid 80s and maintaining their huge popularity to the present day.

Their hits including Just Can't Get Enough, Personal Jesus and Enjoy the Silence are still played endlessly in clubs across the world.

Tickets for the 02 show go on sale at 9am on Friday, October 10 and are available from www.livenation.co.uk/depechemode, 0844 576 5483, or the O2 box office 0844 856 0202.

For more information visit www.depechemode.com.