No matter if it is Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Prague or Budapest – the couple has witnessed almost all the concerts of these bands around the world. “In fact, my husband Peter is the biggest Depeche Mode fan in the family. My heart beats a little more for 'Pet Shop Boys,'” says Claudia Altman-Pospiszek. But what unites the two is their love of 80s electro-pop – “we met through that musical passion in 2000.”
“It's great to follow the artists, see the different shows, and meet fans from all over the world – and it has created many friendships in the community,” the couple says of the many concert visits.
“Pet Shop Boys” at the Vienna State Opera is a highlight
She particularly remembers the “Pet Shop Boys” concert at the Vienna State Opera – “that was in 2014, and it was simply legendary,” Pospisic says. The two have already seen the electric “Pet Shop Boys” tour alone 19 times. For Peter Altmann, his first “Depeche Mode” concert in 1988 at the Wiener Stadthalle was a particularly special experience – he had been a loyal fan of the English synth-pop band since 1983. But his love for this synthesizer developed in his childhood: “Peter Altmann says:” At that time, I always turned on the Sky Channel, listened to music and did my homework at the same time.”
I met Neil Tennant by chance in a cafe
The couple also talks about a chance meeting with the “Pet Shop Boys” singer. “We were in a café in Cambridge – in the middle of nowhere really – and that's where we met Neil Tennant. He was very nice and my wife also got his autograph – but unfortunately he didn't want to take a picture,” says Peter Altman.
But the genteel fans don't yet know any other stars of “Depeche Mode” and “Pet Shop Boys” personally – “We haven't been to enough concerts yet,” laughs Peter Altman. But fortunately, there are already a few concerts planned for 2024: in the summer, the two will go to seven “Pet Shop Boys” concerts in England and Germany.
The Wiener Neustädter couple travels around the world with their bands.
Wiener Neustadt couple Claudia Altmann-Pospicek and Peter Altmann have attended about 40 “Depeche Mode” concerts and 80 “Pet Shop Boys” concerts over the past few decades. “We combine every concert – if possible – with a mini-tour.”
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