The young Steven Patrick Morrissey fired off a review of Depeche Mode's August 5th, 1981 show at Rafters in Manchester. His scathing take was later published in the British weekly 'zine Record Mirror. It's not quite as legendary as his shot at the Ramones, but it's a fun Mozzer read nonetheless.
View the archive below via Dave Haslam:
"Depeche Mode may not be the most remarkably boring group ever to walk the face of the earth, but they're certainly in the running. Their sophisticated nonsense succeeds only in emphasising just how hilariously unimaginative they really are.
At once we recognise four coiffured Barry White's (a nauseating version); "cain't git enough of your lerve" they profess too dull to be even boring. They ressurect every murderously monotous cliche known to modern man, and "New Life" looms a nothing more than a bland jelly-baby. Still, the man from "Jackie" was impressed knowing that, at least, these boys have nice hair. And the converyor belt moves along.
Ludus, plainly wishing they were elsewhere, hammered out a passionate set to an audience possibly hand-picked for their tone deafness. But Ludus like to wallow in other people's depravities and therefore their music offers everything to everyone. Linder was born singing and has more imagination than Depeche Mode could ever hope for. Still, Depeche Mode get the Jackie spread.
No justice!"
5 Aug 1981 Depeche Mode played Rafters (Manchester). A scornful Morrissey reviewed them in 'Record Mirror'... pic.twitter.com/rgCfYHH9HX— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) August 5, 2017