Depeche Mode Flashcards
When did Depeche Mode form?
Depeche Mode originated in 1977 when Vince Clarke and Andy Fletcher formed a band called “No Romance in China.”
When did more members start joining Depeche Mode?
The band’s early years saw various lineup changes, with Martin Gore joining in 1980 and Dave Gahan later that year.
What is Depeche Mode’s style?
Inspired by the rise of electronic music, Depeche Mode transitioned to a synth-pop direction, characterized by the dominant use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers.
What is synth-pop?
Synth-pop (short for synthesizer pop; also called techno-pop is a music genre that first became prominent in the late 1970s and features the synthesizer as the dominant musical instrument. It was prefigured in the 1960s and early 1970s by the use of synthesizers in progressive rock, electronic, art rock, disco, and particularly the Krautrock of bands like Kraftwerk. It arose as a distinct genre in Japan and the United Kingdom in the post-punk era as part of the new wave movement of the late 1970s.
Electronic musical synthesizers that could be used practically in a recording studio became available in the mid-1960s, and the mid-1970s saw the rise of electronic art musicians.
What other name changes did Depeche Mode go through?
The band changed its name from Composition of Sound to Depeche Mode in 1980, chosen by Dave Gahan.
What were some of Depeche Mode’s early hit songs?
Depeche Mode’s first single, “Dreaming of Me,” was released in 1981, followed by “New Life” and “Just Can’t Get Enough.”
When did Vince Clarke leave the band?
Vince Clarke left the band in 1981, and Alan Wilder joined as a touring member, later becoming the “Musical Director.”
What was special about “People are People?”
“People Are People” (1984) marked a turning point, becoming an anthem for the LGBT community and gaining international success.
What was the Music for the Masses Tour?
The “Music for the Masses Tour” in 1987 included a historic concert in East Berlin, documented in the film “101.”
When did Alan Wilder leave the band?
Alan Wilder left the band in 1995, and despite personal challenges, the band continued to release music and tour.
What has Depeche Mode done recently?
In 2019, Depeche Mode announced the release of the documentary “Spirits in the Forest” and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
Where is Depeche Mode from?
The band emerged from Basildon, U.K., in 1981, blending postpunk, electronic textures, and futuristic industrial sounds.
What are the members of Depeche Mode?
Founders Dave Gahan and Martin Gore are the only original members still active since 1982; Other original members include Andrew Fletcher (1980–2022) and Alan Wilder (1982–1995), with Vince Clarke departing in 1981; Former members include Andrew Fletcher (keyboardist, passed away in 2022) and Alan Wilder (left in 1995, pursued Recoil).
What were some of the contributions of the Depeche Mode band members?
Dave Gahan, the lead vocalist, is acclaimed for his stage presence and songwriting; Martin Gore, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, is the main songwriter for Depeche Mode; Former keyboardist Andrew Fletcher passed away in 2022, while Alan Wilder pursued Recoil post-1995 departure.
Vince Clarke departed in 1981, citing a mismatch in thematic preferences.
What are some of Depeche Mode’s achievements?
Depeche Mode’s discography includes 15 studio albums, seven live albums, and 55 singles; The band achieved chart success with 54 songs in the UK Singles Chart and two UK number one albums; Their record company reports global sales exceeding 100 million records; Notable Grammy nominations include “Devotional” for Best Long Form Music Video (1995) and “Suffer Well” for Best Dance Recording (2007).
