From Futurist nightclubs to stadium straddling behemoths (via Top of the Pops, Berlin nightlife and Detroit techno), Depeche Mode have always embodied a bold ‘can do’ attitude and this, coupled with a forward-thinking musical approach and a ‘none blacker’ outlook has led to the creation of some utterly astonishing records that exude power and imagination.
And what makes this all the more impressive is when you realise just how close they came not only to falling apart, but also how they could have been a permanent fixture on 80’s nostalgia tours like Toyah and Go West.
While not quite as acclaimed (in the UK press) as the likes of New Order, Depeche have a fascinating story in their own right and there have only been a few books devoted to them. This one, written by journalist and former Gary Numan publicist Steve Malins, is the most succinct and the most insightful into the inner machinations of the band.
Originally published in 1998 and last updated in 2013, Malins documents their beginnings as the vehicle for Vince Clarke’s upbeat pop songs (before he left to form Yazoo and Erasure), their steady rise into a hard-hitting electronic act that crossed over into alternative rock terrain before addiction, attempted suicides and egos threatened to derail the Depeche train, with the last twenty years seeing them settle into elder statesman terrain.
The main draw here is the commentary from Alan Wilder. A member from 1982 until 1995, he is widely considered to be one of the factors that lifted Depeche from being a teen pop outfit into something much grander, almost Wagnerian. His musical knowledge elevated Martin Gore’s songwriting from excellent to immense. However, Malins details Wilder’s struggles in communicating with Gore (as well as recently deceased member Andy Fletcher) and how that would culminate in him walking out of the band, which some would argue Depeche have never fully recovered from (a point of view I agree and disagree with). As a fan, it’s fascinating to read how the differing personalities and roles of each member somehow managed to gel together in a way that just wouldn’t be possible in the ordinary world.
Singer Dave Gahn’s well documented struggles with heroin are included (understandably) but his history of petty crime, insecurity and search for a stable identity is also examined and what becomes evident is how such issues formed a bedrock which would lead to his drug issues. Years later, these issues would also lead to aa situation where Gahn’s actions and press comments would threaten the stability of the group but actually turned out to be the kick up the arse needed to stop themselves becoming a heritage act.
Snappy, but with enough detail to educate the unenlightened, Malins has done a brilliant job of shedding light on a cult institution.
Steve Malins, 2013, Depeche Mode: A Biography. Andre Deutsch, ISBN-13: 978-0233003771
While not quite as acclaimed (in the UK press) as the likes of New Order, Depeche have a fascinating story in their own right and there have only been a few books devoted to them. This one, written by journalist and former Gary Numan publicist Steve Malins, is the most succinct and the most insightful into the inner machinations of the band.
Originally published in 1998 and last updated in 2013, Malins documents their beginnings as the vehicle for Vince Clarke’s upbeat pop songs (before he left to form Yazoo and Erasure), their steady rise into a hard-hitting electronic act that crossed over into alternative rock terrain before addiction, attempted suicides and egos threatened to derail the Depeche train, with the last twenty years seeing them settle into elder statesman terrain.
The main draw here is the commentary from Alan Wilder. A member from 1982 until 1995, he is widely considered to be one of the factors that lifted Depeche from being a teen pop outfit into something much grander, almost Wagnerian. His musical knowledge elevated Martin Gore’s songwriting from excellent to immense. However, Malins details Wilder’s struggles in communicating with Gore (as well as recently deceased member Andy Fletcher) and how that would culminate in him walking out of the band, which some would argue Depeche have never fully recovered from (a point of view I agree and disagree with). As a fan, it’s fascinating to read how the differing personalities and roles of each member somehow managed to gel together in a way that just wouldn’t be possible in the ordinary world.
Singer Dave Gahn’s well documented struggles with heroin are included (understandably) but his history of petty crime, insecurity and search for a stable identity is also examined and what becomes evident is how such issues formed a bedrock which would lead to his drug issues. Years later, these issues would also lead to aa situation where Gahn’s actions and press comments would threaten the stability of the group but actually turned out to be the kick up the arse needed to stop themselves becoming a heritage act.
Snappy, but with enough detail to educate the unenlightened, Malins has done a brilliant job of shedding light on a cult institution.
Steve Malins, 2013, Depeche Mode: A Biography. Andre Deutsch, ISBN-13: 978-0233003771
⏩ Christopher Owens was a reviewer for Metal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland. He is currently the TPQ Friday columnist.
I remember reading Dave Gahn interviews in Q Magazine in the 1990s, an intriguing character. Whilst not really knowing much of their music, I might well check this out.
ReplyDeleteMarc Almond's autobiography was a great read, lots of insights into the music business of the 80s.
Start off with Violator as that is the closest they got to making a techno record, then follow it up with Music For the Masses and Black Celebration. which are hugely anthemic and dripping with atmosphere.
DeleteOne of five or six European acts who can fill a 70 K stadium in North America .
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Who'd have thought that when they released 'Just Can't Get Enough' in 1981?
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