Depeche Mode fans flock to Prague’s Charles Bridge to recreate 1988 band photo

In Prague, a daily queue has formed at a sculpture on Charles Bridge, showcasing fans eager to recreate a 1988 Depeche Mode photograph. The British electro-rock band crossed the Iron Curtain in March 1988 for a historic concert in the city, which is known for its 14th-century landmark. Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn captured the band exploring Prague for images that later appeared in his book, "Depeche Mode: Strangers."

One particular black-and-white photo features Dave Gahan and Martin Gore standing beside the Pietà sculpture. Fans have been visiting the bridge for years, but a recent surge in interest appears to be fueled by photos of a mass gathering between the band's 2024 concerts. Jorge Sanchez and Maria Hofer, from California and Austria respectively, said they wanted to take a picture at the site to commemorate the iconic image.

St John Nepomuk, a figure from Prague's history, is also associated with the sculpture, as he was tortured and thrown into the Vltava River in 1393.