Depeche Mode have performed their new single Ghosts Again for the first time. 

After releasing the dramatic lead track from their forthcoming 15th album ‘Memento Mori’, Dave Gahan and Martin Gore returned to the stage for their first performance since the loss of bandmate Andy Fletcher. 

With an appearance at the SanRemo Song Festival in Italy, the pair gave the single its first outing ahead of their ‘Memento Mori World Tour’, which launches this spring. 

Speaking about the new song this week, Dave said: “To me, ‘Ghosts Again’ just captures this perfect balance of melancholy and joy.” Martin added: “It’s not often that we record a song that I just don’t get sick of listening to – I’m excited to be able to share it.”

Ghosts Again has been visually interpreted by longtime Depeche Mode collaborator and ‘Memento Mori’ album cover and artwork designer Anton Corbijn, with the video available to watch now. 

Produced by James Ford, with additional production work by Marta Salogni, ‘Memento Mori’ was born during the early stages of the Covid pandemic, with its themes inspired directly by that period. 

According to a press release, the LP charts “a vast expanse of moods and textures, from its ominous opening to its closing resolve — running the gamut from paranoia and obsession to catharsis and joy, and hitting myriad points between”. 

In support of the album, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductees will begin their ‘Memento Mori’ World Tour with a special, limited series of North American arena dates starting March 23, before the band heads to Europe for their summer stadium tour. 

‘Memento Mori’ is out March 24 and available to pre-order now.