Soon another megafan, Dan Buinenko, came on board to help manage the bar, with Liiv departing a few years later. In 2009, as the bar grew in popularity, it moved to larger premises near Town Square, doubling its capacity to 250 people.
Depechemania in the east
Since its inception, the bar has lured diehard fans worldwide – and even the band itself. Band members Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher and Christian Eigner partied there ahead of their concert in Tallinn in 2001.
Depeche Mode-themed beers at the bar.Credit: Julia D’Orazio
Depeche Mode’s devout following is not limited to Estonia. In the ’80s, “Depechemania” swept Eastern Europe, particularly the Soviet bloc states. The band’s melancholy lyrics and dark fashion statements resonated across the region, enduring even after the collapse of the USSR. Tallinn’s DM Baar wouldn’t be the only darkened waterhole to emerge, with Depeche Mode-themed bars also found in neighbouring Latvia and Russia. Depeche Mode bar crawl, anyone?
Back in Tallinn, I enter the dimly lit temple praising their personal Jesus. I notice a sign above the bar: “We work for DM music.” Not only has the bar played Depeche Mode’s catalogue on rotation for 25 years – I wonder how much the bar contributes to the band’s streaming royalties – but it also sells merchandise designed by Dan – T-shirts, umbrellas, mugs, caps and scarfs.
Depeche Mode performing in Germany earlier this year.Credit: Getty Images
Over the years the bar has expanded its offering. Fans can listen to their favourite synth-pop while drinking Depeche Mode-inspired lager. The bar stocks an array of canned beers adorned with the band’s imagery, including their iconic rose. As I order my drink, I ask what the most played song is. “I just can’t get enough,” Buinenko coolly replies. Yet, to avoid staff potentially having “enough”, the bar’s playlist includes remixes to keep things somewhat fresh.
Estonia’s love for Depeche Mode isn’t fading anytime soon. In August, the bar celebrated its 25th birthday. It sounds like Buinenko won’t Enjoy the Silence anytime soon.
DM Baar, Voorimehe 4, 10146 Tallinn. See depechemode.ee
The writer travelled at her own expense.