Biography






Band History
Martin Gore
David Gahan
Andrew Fletcher


Band History

Composition of Sound was formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex, by guitarist/vocalists Andy Fletcher and Martin Gore and keyboardist Vince Clarke. The trio with the help of a drum machine played a few gigs at local bars and clubs.  Somewhere in this time, the group droped their guitars and became a all synth band.  Vince, who was uncomfortable as the the songwriter, lead singer, and unofficial front man, suggested that a fourth member should be recruited.  At this point, the group found Dave Gahan in a local scout-hut jam session with another band.  At that time, they changed the band's name, and became Depeche Mode.  With the new name and lineup, and with some help from DJ Rusty Egan, Depeche mode began headlining the Saturday night electronic showcase at the club Crocks in Rayleigh.  This is where Mute founder Daniel Miller decided to ask the group to join Mute records.  Depeche Mode's first single "Dreaming of Me" was a minor U.K. hit. It was followed by "New Life", which climbed to No.11, and by "Just Can't Get Enough", which cracked the British Top Ten. Speak & Spell, Depeche Mode's debut album, was released in November of 1981.

Signed to Sire Records in the U.S., Depeche Mode found initial exposure for their music with club audiences. "Just Can't Get Enough" became a major dance hit, receiving airplay on American alternative radio stations. After a tour of England and Europe, Vince Clark left Depeche Mode to form Yazoo. After the departure of Vince, the remaining trio restructured the group and elected Martin the chief songwriter.  The also advertised for a keyboard player to help with their upcoming tour.  Alan Wilder responded to the ad and was chosen to tour with the group.  At this point, the group released its fourth single "The Meaning of Love". A second hit album titled "A Broken Frame" was then released in 1982. In 1983, Depeche Mode released "Construction Time Again", which contained the dance favorite "Everything Counts" and was the first album that included Alan Wilder as a full time member.

With the release of "People Are People" in 1984, American audiences discovered what their European counterparts had known since 1981. "People Are People" was Depeche Mode's first North American success, which Depeche Mode built on with their fourth release "Some Great Reward". "Catching Up With Depeche Mode" and "Black Celebration" followed in the next two years. It became evident with the "Black Celebration" album that Depeche Mode were starting to, as Martin put it, "make harder sounding records". But "Black Celebration" was not an easy album to make; Martin had a very fixed idea of how he wanted it to sound. The songs on this album reflect on how painful it was for Depeche to record this album. As Dave put it, "If there was ever a time that Depeche Mode would break up, it would have happened during the making of Black Celebration". Depeche also showed a distaste for corporate manipulation; when Sire flipped the "Stripped" single - which Depeche had spend three weeks perfecting - to take advantage of it's B-side, "But Not Tonight", (a throwaway song that was recorded in one day), the band's displeasure was evident. Following the Black Celebration Tour, their most successful American tour to that date, the band followed it up with "Music for the Masses".

Released in 1987, Depeche Mode went with David Bascombe as their new producer, wanting a fresh start after almost aborting the "Black Celebration" sessions. "Strangelove", the album's first single, had no less than 14 different remixes. "Music for the Masses" itself had struggled to reach the UK Top Ten, and "Little 15", released only in Germany, scraped no higher than number 60, as a foreign release. But still, Depeche Mode continued to have higher concert attendance figures than album sales. After an extensive world tour, Depeche Mode played their 101'st concert at a sold out Pasadena Rose Bowl in front of 70,000 fans. A live album and video, entitled "101" was then released in 1988, warming fans up for Depeche Mode's breakthough album "Violator".

"Personal Jesus", the first single from this album, was a huge success, becoming one of the largest selling CD singles in U.S. history, and gave Depeche Mode their first U.S. gold single. Then followed "Enjoy the Silence", a massive hit, which has become Depeche Mode's trademark song. Depeche even whipped 17,000 fans in L.A. into a near riot at a in-store autograph signing to promote the release of Violator. As fast as the ticket offices opened, the demand for the "World Violation Tour" swamped them. In New York, Depeche sold 40,000 tickets for their Giants Stadium show within 8 hours and 48,000 tickets to the Dodger Stadium show in L.A. were sold within one hour of going on sale. But not all was well, frayed nerves, the wear and tear of touring, and internal battles caused Depeche Mode to part company at the end of the Violator Tour, not knowing if they were ever to work together again. Dave re-located to L.A. while the other members concentrated on their families. But in 1992, when Dave felt he didn't want to make another "dance" record with Depeche, Martin sent a demo comprised of "electrifying, bluesy" songs for the next album, which Dave described as "a total relief, soaring, majestic, beautiful". Not only did these songs match Dave's dreams, it equalled them. Dave had now felt that Depeche was pushing the limits of their music further, which he had been wanting for a few years now.

 In 1993, after a three year period between albums, Depeche Mode released "Songs of Faith and Devotion", a much more rock oriented approach to their music. This would be the first Mode album that would utilize live drums, as well as outside musicians. With "I Feel You" as the first single, and a much anticipated album release, SOFAD debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top 100 and on the British charts as well. It was the first truly "alternative" album to ever achieve this distinguished double. It remained on top for just one week, and by November, it had slipped so swiftly that "Rolling Stone" had spotted the album in the bargain bins. But none the less, Depeche set out on a extensive 14 month world tour, leading the band to such places as South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, and South America. Even with the quick demise of Songs of Faith and Devotion, Depeche Mode continued to sell out shows in North America and Europe. The band has somewhat become a permanent attraction, in which album chart positions don't affect their concert attendance figures.

On June 1st, 1995, keyboardist/drummer Alan Wilder decided to leave Depeche Mode, stating unsatisfactory internal working conditions as the reason why he left the band. Fletch, Martin, and Dave continued on as Depeche Mode and they completed recording a new album with producer Tim Simenon in London. On February 3, 1997, Depeche Mode released their first single in more than three years; "Barrel of a Gun", along with it's b-side track "Painkiller". Depeche Mode released their new album, "Ultra", on April 14, 1997, debuting at Number 5 of the US Billboard Record Charts. The album gained platinum status in Spain, Sweden, Germany, France, and the UK, along with gold status in Italy, Hong Kong, and Canada. Deciding not to tour in support of 'Ultra', Depeche Mode spent from November of 1996 to July 1997 promoting the album, giving over 250 interviews, along with playing live on various television shows in Europe and the US. Other promotional appearances included playing live on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' on May 15, 1997, as well as answering questions on a live Internet broadcast from the House of Blues. Along with this, Depeche Mode unveiled their own website, www.depechemode.com. The band conducted two album launch parties, one at Adrenaline Village in Battersea on April 10, 1997, and the other at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on May 16, 1997. The band played the same song set for both shows, consisting of four tracks from Ultra (Barrel of a Gun, It's No Good, Useless, and Home), along with Never Let Me Down Again.

In September of 1998, Depeche Mode released a "Best of" album titled "The Singles 86>98."   Their tour for this album was their first in 4 years.  Their next full studio album, "Exciter", was released in May of 2001 and was followed by a 5 month worldwide tour.  A remix album titled "Remixes 81-04" was then released showcasing new updated remixes of some of their classic singles.  Their latest album "Playing The Angel" was released in October of 2005, and was followed a 2005/2006 world tour.

After over 25 years of serving their core and the masses, Depeche Mode continue to evolve as one of the most influential and respected pioneers of alternative music. This is quite an accomplishment, especially considering the many obstacles band members have endured over the years: drug addiction, emotional distress, exhaustion and the departure of longtime bandmate and friend Alan Wilder. Many artists would have called it quits a long time ago--however, Depeche Mode aren't just another band; they're a lifestyle, for tens of millions of fans worldwide.  What the future holds for them is still undecided, but what ever they do, they will continue to lead the way with their ever-evolving style.


Martin Lee Gore

Date of Birth: July 23, 1961
Place of Birth: London
Star Sign: Leo
Eye Color: Green
Height: 5ft 7 inches
Family Details: Ex Wife Suzanne, daughters Viva Lee and Eva Lee, Calo Leon
Hobbies: Reading, computer games, falling over
Previous Jobs: I was the eggman
Previous Bands: Norman and the Worms
Favourite city visited: Cape Town
Favourite country visited: South Africa
Favourite food: Indian, Japanese
Favourite drink: Lager, bitter, port, red wine, etc.
Favourite sport: Football/Soccer
Favourite Colours: Black
Favourite Film: Shoah
Favourite Book: Diary of a Drug Fiend - by Aleister Crowley
Favourite TV Show: The World at War
Favourite Radio Stations: I never listen to the radio, unless in the car with someone else driving
Favourite Magazine: New Scientist
Favourite song: Dark End of the Street - by James Carr
Favourite DM song: Policy of Truth, also Stripped, Shake the Disease
Favourite Album: White Album - by The Beatles
Favourite DM Album: Ultra
Favourite DM Video: Enjoy the Silence
Favourite Band: The Velvet Underground
Pet Peaves: Laws that should have been abolished 200 years ago
 

Martin Lee Gore was born in London on July 23, 1961. Martin spent his early years growing up in Dagenham, the London suburb that existed solely to house a massive Ford car plant. Martin was a relative newcomer to Basildon, mostly because his parents moved there in search of a better life. As a child, Martin was somewhat of a school bully, and was caught one day smashing a brick over one of his schoolmates heads. An excellent scholar with a propensity for languages, Martin enrolled in a student exchange program, allowing him to make several visits to Germany. Martin can speak fluent German, as well as some French. Martin left St. Nicholas's Comprehensive School in 1977 and took a teller job at the local bank. Not finding it the most exciting of jobs, Martin decided that it was a safe option to make a lengthy career in the banking industry. Working during the day, Martin engaged in the musical group "Norman and the Worms" at night. He used the money earned from his job to buy new musical equipment, mostly synthesizers. After meeting Fletch at the Van Gogh club in 1980, Martin soon was recruited into his new band, "Composition of Sound". Martin had been writing several songs since he was 14, but on Depeche Mode's first album, Gore only contributed two songs, Big Muff and Tora! Tora! Tora!. After the departure of Vince Clarke in 1981, Martin took the full responsibility to write songs for the band. Under tremendous pressure to complete songs for the band's second album, Martin offered a vastly different sound in his songs, touching on everything from political views to sex and love to religion. Over the next decade, Gore's songwriting would improve dramatically, turning out such classics as Shake the Disease, Stripped, and Enjoy the Silence. Gore, not at all interested in the production side of making music, would let the band, especially Alan Wilder, take control of the songs, leading them to new musical levels. Leaving his lyrics open and vague for interpretation, Martin's songs appeal to a wide audience, many of whom can personally relate to the songs that touch on such realistic subjects. Martin's latest songs off of the Ultra album, speak of destiny, leaving many to wonder, what new creations lay in his mind.


Dave Gahan

Date of Birth: May 9th, 1962
Place of Birth: Epping
Star Sign: Taurus
Eye Color: Green/Brown
Height: 5ft 11 inches
Family Details: Mother Sylvia Ruth, Sister Susan Christine, Brothers Peter Eric and Philip Michael, Son Jack (by first wife Joanne), Wife Jennifer, Daughter Stella Rose (by Jennifer)
Hobbies: I don't have hobbies as such, usual stuff, going out, movies, clubs, dinner with friends
Previous Jobs: Construction worker, supermarket stockboy, selling soft drinks
Previous Bands: None to mention
Favourite city visited: Rome & Los Angeles (equally)
Favourite country visited: Italy and the U.S.A. West Coast
Favourite food: Thai & Italian
Favourite drink: Vodka, French red or white wine
Favourite sport: Ice Hockey
Favourite Colours: Black, purple, and aqua green
Favourite Film: Pulp Fiction
Favourite Book: Not being a great reader, can't say I have one
Favourite TV Show: I like watching films, Vanessa Warick Sunday Night Show on MTV, or The Simpsons
Favourite Radio Stations: Classic rock stations in the States
Favourite Magazine: Q, I buy a lot of magazines, then they sit around forever until I've read them all
Favourite song: 3 Days and Nothing Shocking by Jane's Addiction. I have many favourites
Favourite DM song: Hard to pick, I enjoyed performing I Feel You from the last tour
Favourite Album: First Zeppelin album. Nothing Shocking by Jane's Addiction
Favourite DM Album: Ultra
Favourite DM Video: Walking in my Shoes
Favourite Band: Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin
Pet Peaves: Flying, airports, customs
 

Born in Epping on May 9, 1962, David Gahan had experienced somewhat of an religious upbringing. His mother's side of the family was closely tied to the Salvation Army, but Dave rejected it out of hand. Gahan would rather spend his early childhood riding his bicycle around with his friends. Dave was only five when his family broke up, his father left home and was never to be heard of from again. The young Dave Gahan compensated for the loss of his father the only way he could - by becoming what he describes as "a real wide boy with a chip on my shoulder, a real yob." His rap sheet included stealing cars, vandalism, and spray-painting graffiti on walls, all of which saw Dave visit juvenile court three times before he was 14 years old. Within six months of leaving St. Nicholas school in July 1978, Gahan passed through an astonishing twenty jobs, everything from selling soft drinks to working construction. By 1979, Dave applied for a place at Southend Art College, studying window design, hoping for a future in the fashion industry. In 1981, at a drop-in band jam session, the group noticed Dave's fantastic singing ability and invited him to join the band, then titled "Composition of Sound". Dave agreed. In the 16 years since, Gahan has enjoyed the great worldwide success of Depeche Mode, but there has been some bad times along the way. In 1991, Dave separated from his first wife and long-time love, Joanne, leaving their only son Jack to live with his mother. Gahan relocated to Los Angeles and would marry former Depeche press liason Theresa Conway in 1993. The darkest moment came on May 28, 1996, when he overdosed on heroin in a Los Angeles hotel room. Gahan was revived by paramedics and was then arrested upon his release from hospital two days later. By court order, Gahan completed 9 months of rehabilitation and has been clean and sober since then. Gahan completed the vocal tracks for the Ultra album, while in recovery. The drug charges against Gahan were dropped in September of 1997, marking the beginning of a new and improved life for Dave.


Andrew John Fletcher

Date of Birth: July 8th, 1961
Place of Birth: Nottingham
Star Sign: Cancer
Eye Color: Blue
Height: 6ft 3 inches
Family Details: Wife Grainne, two children - Megan and Joseph
Hobbies: Reading, football, arguing
Previous Jobs: Paper boy, toilet cleaner, city worker, banker
Previous Bands: C.O.S.
Favourite city visited: New York
Favourite country visited: South Africa
Favourite food: Anything apart from corned beef
Favourite drink: Diet tango, wine
Favourite sport: Football, table tennis
Favourite Colours: Royal Blue
Favourite Film: None at the moment
Favourite Book: Anything by Mary Higgins-Clark
Favourite TV Show: Chalker
Favourite Radio Stations: Radio 5
Favourite Magazine: Esquire
Favourite song: It changes all the time
Favourite DM song: Somebody
Favourite Album: No Favourite
Favourite DM Album: Ultra
Favourite DM Video: Enjoy the Silence
Pet Peaves: Being late, Chelsea losing
 

Andrew Fletcher was born in Nottingham on July 8, 1961. Andy moved to Basildon when he was very young. Fletcher was devoted to the Boys Brigade, a Scouts-like club which included activities and sports. At those Boys Brigade meetings, Fletcher met Vince Clarke, the two hit it off from the start. In 1977, Fletch and Vince were caught up in the modern music scene. Andy bought a bass, while Vince purchased a guitar, the two then went on to form the band "No Romance in China", which would last until early 1980. Fletch and Vince played weekly shows at the Van Gogh youth club, but mostly saw the band as an excuse to kill time. During on the shows, Fletch met Martin Gore, who was involved in another band, "Norman and the Worms". Sharing the bill for many shows, Martin and Fletch soon developed a strong friendship, which would lead Martin to join Andy and Vince's band, which would then be renamed Composition of Sound". Since Depeche Mode officially formed in 1981, Fletch has taken on the role of the band's business handler, playing only a minimal part in the creative process of the band's music. In his own admission, Fletch has little interest in pop music anymore, he'd be more at ease looking after the band's account ledger, than play the synthesizer onstage. Anywhere else, Andy would be considered excess baggage, a unnecessary face on album covers, but Fletch is the anchor that has held the Depeche Mode unit together for almost 17 years. It was Andy's continued involvement in the business side of the band that allowed him to engineer their ascent to stardom, not musically, but financially. Without Fletch, there would be no money, and money is what 1993's Devotional Tour was all about. Fletch took on the duty of handling the helm of the largest, most ambitious tour the band has ever undertaken, and was successful in doing so. During the 2nd leg of the tour in 1994, Andy could not continue the remainder of the tour, stating stress as the number one issue. After spending time with his family, Fletch is back, stronger, and ready to once again, take the finiancial controls of the Depeche Mode jugernaut.