Depeche Mode Baar in Tallinn

Tallinn is a medieval fortress town of cobbled lanes, crooked alleyways and post-Soviet grit. And somewhere in the shadows lies a temple of synth and sorrow, the Depeche Mode Baar.

This shrine of devotion to the Basildon guys has been open since 1999. It moved to the larger premises currently occupied at Voorimehe 4, just around the corner from Raekoja square.

The entrance to Depeche Mode Baar.

As you might expect, the setting is quite familiar if you know the band and their artistic expressions during the years. It’s a cathedral for devotees who understood that Depeche Mode was more than just a band. A priesthood of Dave, Martin and Andy. Ok, Alan as well.

People are people.

There’s no irony here, just deep unfiltered worship of Basildon’s finest. It’s claimed that the band visited the place twice during the tours in 2001 and 2006 (but even if they just passed by in a taxi, it would still be mentioned by the owners).

Home.

Behind the bar is a wall with autographs from various people in the electronic music scene.

Wall of fame.

Tallinn has many faces. But if you want to know its soul, go where the shadows dance, the bassline throbs and someone is always playing “Never Let Me Down Again”.