Electro-synth band from Essex who went on to sell over 73 million records, break the US market and become stadium friendly rock gods. They have a fanatical following worldwide and have successfully overcome near death experiences.


Here is something you should definitely know about Depeche Mode:

* Who would have thought that the world's most successful electro-synth band would have come from Basildon, Essex!

* They got their name from a French style magazine, which translates as Fast Fashion.
During their career they've been variously described as New Wave, Gothic, Dance, Pop and Rock.

* Founder member Vince Clark left the band after the release of their debut album to form Yazoo and then Erasure.

* Their 1988 record-breaking show in Pasadena came out as a live album and film, titled '101' after the number of gig dates.

* "Enjoy the Silence" won Best Single at the Brit Awards in 1991. (writen by M.G.)

* Due to a heroin overdose, Dave Gahan clinically died for several minutes in 1996 before making a miraculous recovery.

* The 2005 album Playing The Angel was the first to feature any songs written by Dave Gahan.


(Extract from BBC band profiles)