Depeche Mode Biography

Depeche Mode is a British band that went on to become one of the best electropop bands of the 1980s and onwards.

Early Beginnings

Their start as Depeche Mode dates back to 1980 when Vince Clark, Andrew Fletcher, Martin Gore and David Gahan got together to form a slick, techno and catchy sound.

Career Beginnings and Success

Depeche Mode garnered a following on the London Club scene and debuted with the track Photographic the same year. Under the label Mute Records they released several singles, however, Just Can’t Get Enough was their hit, as it reached top 10 in the UK. Another accomplishment followed with Depeche’s Mode debut album Speak and Spell. Despite the success and their commercial breakthrough, Clarke and Moyet left the group. The trio recruited Alan Wilder and released the 1982 album A Broken Frame which deviated from their original sound. The following year they issued the commercial success Construction Time Again and Some Great Reward LPs. The albums dealt with darker subjects, such as spiritual questioning and mental and sexual manipulation. Black Celebration another commercial ambition, sold very well in the US, as a result it got a gold certification. The group became mainstream with singles like Strangelove, Never Let Me Down Again and Behind the Wheel. A subsequent sold-tour was done for Music for the Masses project. 

Continuous Success and Struggles

The 3x platinum Violator, released in 1990, was a top ten hit. Songs of Faith and Devotion revealed 1993 was a change warmly welcomed as it got the number 1 spot. Despite the success, Gahan was battling a drug addiction and Wilder left the band in 1995. Depeche Mode released the 1997 LP Ultra as a trio and embarked on a major tour the following year.

Break and Comeback

The band took time off and after 3 years they issued the moderately successful 2001 album Exciter. After taking on solo projects, they got back together for the 11th Playing the Angel LP.  The album was a successful comeback, as it topped album charts in 18 countries and was multi-platinum and gold in 20 countries. Touring the Angel: Live in Milan was one of the band’s greatest shows. Sounds of the Universe released in 2009, reached number 3 in the US as a debut album. After the 2013 LP Delta Machine, Depeche Mode returned with the 14th project Spirit. 

Photo credits: Post-Punk