In the context of the live recording "Depeche Mode Behind The Wheel - 101 LIVE," the band was at a significant point in its career, in the aftermath of the 1986 album "Black Celebration." The performance captured in this film, which was directed by D.A. Pennebaker and released in 1989, took place during the 101 Tour promoting their then-latest album "Music for the Masses," released in 1987. This tour was crucial for Depeche Mode as it marked their expansion into larger venues and cemented their status as a major force in the synth-pop and alternative music scenes. Notably, "101" features a concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, drawing a sizable audience and showcasing their growing popularity in the United States. The film features several of their key hits, emphasizing Depeche Mode’s blend of dark themes with electronic music, a hallmark of their artistic identity.