Hello!
Welcome to the very first edition of 'The Magazine With No Name'. If you've been a member of The Information Service all this magazine lark might seem a bit strange to you but I hope you enioy it. Instead of six newsletters per year, you'll receive four colour magazines with extra bits 'n' pieces thrown in through- out the year. There're lots of secret things going on but I can't tell you any of it cause I hate spoiling surprises!!
By the way, if there's anything you'd like to see in the magazine please let me know and I'll see what I can do — you can always write it yourself you know. After all, it is YOUR magazine! Two members have sent in articles which you can find further on in the magazine. If you think you can do better — Do it! You've probably already found your special Christmas/New Year pressie from the band. This is instead of the Usual 'printed signature' type Christmas card —we thought it might be a bit more special. the sound quality isn't as good as you'd expect from a DM recording because a flexi-disc is manufactured in a different way — still it's a great song and a very limited edition. There'll be no more available EVER!!!! The song is called 'Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth' and is a Sparks track. Sparks were kind enough to give us permission to use it for the flexi-disc.
We've got plenty of colour photos of the band in action and the lyrics to all the tracks on 'Music For The Masses' I know that you've all been out and bought your copies because it went straight into the UK LP charts at number 10 — not bad at all!
It was great to see so many of you at the HMV Store on October 1st — I hope your photos came out OK if I took your cameras for you-- I've never seen so many posh cameras in one place before. I do hope I did't break any! I must apologise to those of you who waited so long for their last Newsletter. It was all my fault! There are SOOOOO many of you that it took me longer to send them out than I anticipated... it took weeks! Anyway — read on, and I hope you like the new-look club! Have a great New Year!
Welcome to the very first edition of 'The Magazine With No Name'. If you've been a member of The Information Service all this magazine lark might seem a bit strange to you but I hope you enioy it. Instead of six newsletters per year, you'll receive four colour magazines with extra bits 'n' pieces thrown in through- out the year. There're lots of secret things going on but I can't tell you any of it cause I hate spoiling surprises!!
By the way, if there's anything you'd like to see in the magazine please let me know and I'll see what I can do — you can always write it yourself you know. After all, it is YOUR magazine! Two members have sent in articles which you can find further on in the magazine. If you think you can do better — Do it! You've probably already found your special Christmas/New Year pressie from the band. This is instead of the Usual 'printed signature' type Christmas card —we thought it might be a bit more special. the sound quality isn't as good as you'd expect from a DM recording because a flexi-disc is manufactured in a different way — still it's a great song and a very limited edition. There'll be no more available EVER!!!! The song is called 'Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth' and is a Sparks track. Sparks were kind enough to give us permission to use it for the flexi-disc.
We've got plenty of colour photos of the band in action and the lyrics to all the tracks on 'Music For The Masses' I know that you've all been out and bought your copies because it went straight into the UK LP charts at number 10 — not bad at all!
It was great to see so many of you at the HMV Store on October 1st — I hope your photos came out OK if I took your cameras for you-- I've never seen so many posh cameras in one place before. I do hope I did't break any! I must apologise to those of you who waited so long for their last Newsletter. It was all my fault! There are SOOOOO many of you that it took me longer to send them out than I anticipated... it took weeks! Anyway — read on, and I hope you like the new-look club! Have a great New Year!
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SNIPPETS...
Other bright sparkly things that have come DM's way recently are Gold Discs. They received them in France, Switzerland and Germany for sales of their LP 'Music For The Masses'. The recent tour of the U.S. went extremely well, culminating in a sell-out concert at New York's Madison Square Garden. It was so popular that the last ticket was sold only six hours after the concert was announced! One person described it as "The hottest ticket in town". Ron and Russell Mael, the two brothers who make up 'Sparks' were present at the band's LA concert. Martin has always been a fan of theirs. The new Depeche Mode video compilation which may or may not be called 'Agent Orange' will hopefully be available at the end of January and will feature 'PIMPF', 'NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN', 'STRANGELOVE', 'A QUESTION OF TIME' and 'BEHIND THE WHEEL'. The Video for 'BEHIND THE WHEEL' was filmed in Spain, near Malaga and, as usual was filmed by Anton Corbijn. Look out for Dave's very weird moustche[sic]!
As you probably all know by now, Dave and Jo's little boy Jack was born on the 14th October. I've seen him and he's GORGEOUS! Thanks to everyone for the presents, cards and good luck messages that you sent to Jo and Dave. They haven't time to thank you all personally so I've done it for them!!
You should have received a poll form with this magazine. Please fill it in and send it to me. It'd also be much easier for me if you'd write 'POLL' on the envelope and then it won't get muddled up in the rest of the mail that receive.
The winner of the 'BONG' competition which was run in the last newsletter was Julia Wright from Selly Oak in Birmingham. She'll be coming down to London on January 12th to see DM in concert and will then go backstage to meet them. Her winning entry was: A 'BONG' is the sound of a single hitting the charts.
The winner of the LOGO competition hasn't been decided as yet, as we had so many brilliant entries. The winner will be notified before the next Magazine is written. The prize, however, is still a secret!
Andy Franks football hero
Andy Franks, the Depeche Mode Production Manager unfortunately fell ill during the recent German concerts and had to undergo a Brain Operation in Berlin. Happily, he's almost fully recovered and will shortly be back at work. This was a bit of a blow for the rest of the Depeche Mode crew, as Andy Franks is their football squad secret weapon and, only days before had scored both goals in a Depeche v Intercord football match! The 2-1 win was the first ever victory against the German Intercord squad! When Andy was in hospital, our team lost 3-2 to a French side made up of promoters and media. Andy Fletcher mananged[sic] to score 2 goals but the side definitely lacked Andy Frank's dribbling. As the opposition did a lap of honour with the trophy — a large silver 'BONG', the Depeche squad shuffled up to receive their prizes — small silver 'bongs'. A spectator was heard to remark, "We're as sick as parrots, Brian"
Other bright sparkly things that have come DM's way recently are Gold Discs. They received them in France, Switzerland and Germany for sales of their LP 'Music For The Masses'. The recent tour of the U.S. went extremely well, culminating in a sell-out concert at New York's Madison Square Garden. It was so popular that the last ticket was sold only six hours after the concert was announced! One person described it as "The hottest ticket in town". Ron and Russell Mael, the two brothers who make up 'Sparks' were present at the band's LA concert. Martin has always been a fan of theirs. The new Depeche Mode video compilation which may or may not be called 'Agent Orange' will hopefully be available at the end of January and will feature 'PIMPF', 'NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN', 'STRANGELOVE', 'A QUESTION OF TIME' and 'BEHIND THE WHEEL'. The Video for 'BEHIND THE WHEEL' was filmed in Spain, near Malaga and, as usual was filmed by Anton Corbijn. Look out for Dave's very weird moustche[sic]!
As you probably all know by now, Dave and Jo's little boy Jack was born on the 14th October. I've seen him and he's GORGEOUS! Thanks to everyone for the presents, cards and good luck messages that you sent to Jo and Dave. They haven't time to thank you all personally so I've done it for them!!
You should have received a poll form with this magazine. Please fill it in and send it to me. It'd also be much easier for me if you'd write 'POLL' on the envelope and then it won't get muddled up in the rest of the mail that receive.
The winner of the 'BONG' competition which was run in the last newsletter was Julia Wright from Selly Oak in Birmingham. She'll be coming down to London on January 12th to see DM in concert and will then go backstage to meet them. Her winning entry was: A 'BONG' is the sound of a single hitting the charts.
The winner of the LOGO competition hasn't been decided as yet, as we had so many brilliant entries. The winner will be notified before the next Magazine is written. The prize, however, is still a secret!
Andy Franks football hero
Andy Franks, the Depeche Mode Production Manager unfortunately fell ill during the recent German concerts and had to undergo a Brain Operation in Berlin. Happily, he's almost fully recovered and will shortly be back at work. This was a bit of a blow for the rest of the Depeche Mode crew, as Andy Franks is their football squad secret weapon and, only days before had scored both goals in a Depeche v Intercord football match! The 2-1 win was the first ever victory against the German Intercord squad! When Andy was in hospital, our team lost 3-2 to a French side made up of promoters and media. Andy Fletcher mananged[sic] to score 2 goals but the side definitely lacked Andy Frank's dribbling. As the opposition did a lap of honour with the trophy — a large silver 'BONG', the Depeche squad shuffled up to receive their prizes — small silver 'bongs'. A spectator was heard to remark, "We're as sick as parrots, Brian"
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FRONT 242
By Charmaine Ramdass
Belgian band Front 242 appear to be very threatening live, with their smooth blend of intricate melodies, heavy basslines and the violent impact their music delivers. This type of politically motivated music sets the mind, as well as the feet, in motion. The music has a number of meanings, to be interpreted by the individual can confuse the listener. Front 242 thrive on their audience's confusion, hence the importance of their costumes — SAS-like riot gear, portraying a seemingly raw violence to complement their music.
However, despite the serious aura surrounding the music, I couldn't help but like them. Their performance at the Bercy Stadium (supporting Depeche Mode on their European tour) was excellent — the music was melodious, immensely danceable and extremely listenable. I started to tap my feet to the first number and continue through the show — great stuff! The element of pure violence that accompanies their music excites and revitalizes, with my personal favourites being 'Television Station' and 'Aggressiva'. This individual group is a unique cocktail of Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and DAF and is easy to listen to.
My advice is — get your listening gear round this lot. You'll be hearing a lot more of them in '88!
PENPALS
NICOLA ANDREWS
BEV KIRK
JOANNE SPITTLE
CHRISTIAN PRICE
PETER HARPER
CURTISS AVAKIAN
MICKY HUNT
SHARON SMITH
WAYNE KISBEE
KIM BACH
ANNE LOFTHOUSE
CRAIG THORNTON
If you want your name in the Pen Pals section, send a postcard with your name, full address, age and a little bit about yourself to the usual fan club address.
A STORY. ..
A iournalist meets DEPECHE MODE at a party. He tries to get an interview...
Journalist: Tell me Dave, when will you finish the next album?
Dave: It's iust A QUESTION OF TIME before it's finished. Martin is just going to buy A NEW DRESS first, AND THEN we'll finish it afterwards.
Journalist: Why are you always DRESSED IN BLACK by the way? This party seems like A BLACK CELEBRATION, MORE THAN A PARTY.
Martin: Why wear coloured clothes on a BLACK DAY like this?
Journalist: Your new single is about a SATELLITE, a weather report and the difference between THE SUN AND THE RAINFALL. That is quite strong isn't it?
Andy: No, because the weather stories are STORIES OF OLD. Everybody talks about the weather. Besides, you've obviously not understood the irony.
Journalist: Aah. . . Well. But now to my next question. I heard that you STRIPPED to get into a club in Finland. Was it just for SOMETHING TO DO, or was there SOMEBODY there you didn't like?
Alan: I suppose we SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT, even though IT DOESN'T MATTER really. BOYS SAY GO you know!
Journalist: (To Dave who has become a bit drunk) NOW, THIS IS FUN but don't you think it might start some BLASPHEMOUS RUMOURS?
Dave: Pardon? Oh... gosh! I can SEE YOU double!... NOTHING seems impossible nowadays. WHAT'S YOUR NAME, by the way? Donald FOOLS?. . . What a name! Mine's Dave... Oh sorry, I stepped on your foot. I just can't seem to GET THE BALANCE RIGHT. Let me tell you what happened yesterday. I was on my way to the studio when I saw a FLY ON THE WINDSCREEN as I was sitting BEHIND THE WHEEL. Brave as I am, I told myself that a fly is NOTHING TO FEAR, and since I'm not a MONUMENT, I gave it a TWO MINUTE WARNING. we were like a MASTER AND SERVANT, I was the master of the course. I told it to LEAVE IN SILENCE and it did! Hmmmm. . . I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH of this wonderful wine. Oh yes, you asked me A QUESTION OF LUST, didn't you? sorry, but SOMETIMES I didn't quite catch THE THINGS YOU SAID. Well, I suppose it was something boring anyway. IF YOU WANT, I can tell you THE MEANING OF LOVE...
Journalist: Aaaah. Well, later perhaps BUT NOT TONIGHT, (He runs away)
Dave: I'm getting pretty good at fooling journalists!!!
(This was written by a member from somewhere in Europe. He/she didn't enclose their name but they'll know who they are!)
By Charmaine Ramdass
Belgian band Front 242 appear to be very threatening live, with their smooth blend of intricate melodies, heavy basslines and the violent impact their music delivers. This type of politically motivated music sets the mind, as well as the feet, in motion. The music has a number of meanings, to be interpreted by the individual can confuse the listener. Front 242 thrive on their audience's confusion, hence the importance of their costumes — SAS-like riot gear, portraying a seemingly raw violence to complement their music.
However, despite the serious aura surrounding the music, I couldn't help but like them. Their performance at the Bercy Stadium (supporting Depeche Mode on their European tour) was excellent — the music was melodious, immensely danceable and extremely listenable. I started to tap my feet to the first number and continue through the show — great stuff! The element of pure violence that accompanies their music excites and revitalizes, with my personal favourites being 'Television Station' and 'Aggressiva'. This individual group is a unique cocktail of Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and DAF and is easy to listen to.
My advice is — get your listening gear round this lot. You'll be hearing a lot more of them in '88!
PENPALS
NICOLA ANDREWS
BEV KIRK
JOANNE SPITTLE
CHRISTIAN PRICE
PETER HARPER
CURTISS AVAKIAN
MICKY HUNT
SHARON SMITH
WAYNE KISBEE
KIM BACH
ANNE LOFTHOUSE
CRAIG THORNTON
If you want your name in the Pen Pals section, send a postcard with your name, full address, age and a little bit about yourself to the usual fan club address.
A STORY. ..
A iournalist meets DEPECHE MODE at a party. He tries to get an interview...
Journalist: Tell me Dave, when will you finish the next album?
Dave: It's iust A QUESTION OF TIME before it's finished. Martin is just going to buy A NEW DRESS first, AND THEN we'll finish it afterwards.
Journalist: Why are you always DRESSED IN BLACK by the way? This party seems like A BLACK CELEBRATION, MORE THAN A PARTY.
Martin: Why wear coloured clothes on a BLACK DAY like this?
Journalist: Your new single is about a SATELLITE, a weather report and the difference between THE SUN AND THE RAINFALL. That is quite strong isn't it?
Andy: No, because the weather stories are STORIES OF OLD. Everybody talks about the weather. Besides, you've obviously not understood the irony.
Journalist: Aah. . . Well. But now to my next question. I heard that you STRIPPED to get into a club in Finland. Was it just for SOMETHING TO DO, or was there SOMEBODY there you didn't like?
Alan: I suppose we SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT, even though IT DOESN'T MATTER really. BOYS SAY GO you know!
Journalist: (To Dave who has become a bit drunk) NOW, THIS IS FUN but don't you think it might start some BLASPHEMOUS RUMOURS?
Dave: Pardon? Oh... gosh! I can SEE YOU double!... NOTHING seems impossible nowadays. WHAT'S YOUR NAME, by the way? Donald FOOLS?. . . What a name! Mine's Dave... Oh sorry, I stepped on your foot. I just can't seem to GET THE BALANCE RIGHT. Let me tell you what happened yesterday. I was on my way to the studio when I saw a FLY ON THE WINDSCREEN as I was sitting BEHIND THE WHEEL. Brave as I am, I told myself that a fly is NOTHING TO FEAR, and since I'm not a MONUMENT, I gave it a TWO MINUTE WARNING. we were like a MASTER AND SERVANT, I was the master of the course. I told it to LEAVE IN SILENCE and it did! Hmmmm. . . I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH of this wonderful wine. Oh yes, you asked me A QUESTION OF LUST, didn't you? sorry, but SOMETIMES I didn't quite catch THE THINGS YOU SAID. Well, I suppose it was something boring anyway. IF YOU WANT, I can tell you THE MEANING OF LOVE...
Journalist: Aaaah. Well, later perhaps BUT NOT TONIGHT, (He runs away)
Dave: I'm getting pretty good at fooling journalists!!!
(This was written by a member from somewhere in Europe. He/she didn't enclose their name but they'll know who they are!)
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DEPECHE MODE LIVE IN PARIS
by Charmaine Ramdass
It was an amazing scene. The Bercy Stadium in Paris (16th November), packed to the brim with about 16,000 enthusiastic and eager French fans, with a handful of British fans (including myself) thrown in for good measure! Everyone seemed wild with excitement, all with the same aim, impatient and worked up into a frenzy to see their idols. After all, it is one year since Depeche Mode have played live in Paris and since then their following has grown considerably and they have become something of a 'cult' band. The audience was a very mixed bag too, ranging from hysterical screaming girls, small children and grandparents, to the usual bunch of look-alikes etc... all ready and impatient to be entertained. Any support band would have been terrified to play to this ravenous audience, who were ready to chew up and spit out anything and anyone while waiting for Depeche Mode! Surprisingly, Front 242 managed to please the crowd greatly!
As soon as Front 242 had left the stage, a low murmur ran through the crowd, turning into loud wolf whistles, football-style chanting and screams of anticipation. Soon, the houselights dimmed and the audience went into a frenzy! The intro to 'PIMPF' belted out and the smog machine worked away like mad to churn out as much as it possibly could to fill the huge stage and overflow into the audience. A pale yellow glow lit the stage like a halo, a metaphor not really suited to our boys, I mean, how many angelic figures have you seen clad in black leather? As the smog thinned out, four figures could be seen behind a mesh curtain which dropped as Depeche Mode began with their latest single 'BEHIND THE WHEEL'.
It was really a night to remember! Toes tapped as Dave Gahan belted out the familiar songs with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment. He charged around the stage as though he had been shot from a cannon, pausing only to swing the mike stand around 'rock 'n' roll' style and make the odd suggestive movement. This seemed to drive the crowd (especially the girlies) even wilder and he seemed to have them eating out of his hand. It only took one clap from him to get them all clapping! It felt good to be part of an audience enioying themselves so unselfconsciously to the full during gems like 'STRIPPED', 'MASTER & SERVANT', 'SHAKE THE DISEASE', 'PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE', and 'PLEASURE LITTLE TREASURE'. There was a rapturous applause as Martin Gore took the helm to sing his solo numbers, 'PIPELINE' and 'THE THINGS YOU SAID'. Everyone, including the band, seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dave Graham[sic] pranced round excitedly, Andy Fletcher jumped around a lot, Martin Gore beamed at the reaction of the audience and even Alan Wilder managed to let out the occasional smile!!!
The atmosphere was electric, charged up totally by the excitement of the crowd. Everything about the show was fantastic, especially the stage set, designed by Jane Spiers, in the unique Depeche Mode style complete with flags, curtains, logos, elaborate lighting, a moving stage and a few dangling drum pads.
Depeche Mode's success is well deserved. They do make exceptionally fine tunes and are excellent live entertainers, putting on a fantastic live show — the best seen this year — roll on Wembley!!!
by Charmaine Ramdass
It was an amazing scene. The Bercy Stadium in Paris (16th November), packed to the brim with about 16,000 enthusiastic and eager French fans, with a handful of British fans (including myself) thrown in for good measure! Everyone seemed wild with excitement, all with the same aim, impatient and worked up into a frenzy to see their idols. After all, it is one year since Depeche Mode have played live in Paris and since then their following has grown considerably and they have become something of a 'cult' band. The audience was a very mixed bag too, ranging from hysterical screaming girls, small children and grandparents, to the usual bunch of look-alikes etc... all ready and impatient to be entertained. Any support band would have been terrified to play to this ravenous audience, who were ready to chew up and spit out anything and anyone while waiting for Depeche Mode! Surprisingly, Front 242 managed to please the crowd greatly!
As soon as Front 242 had left the stage, a low murmur ran through the crowd, turning into loud wolf whistles, football-style chanting and screams of anticipation. Soon, the houselights dimmed and the audience went into a frenzy! The intro to 'PIMPF' belted out and the smog machine worked away like mad to churn out as much as it possibly could to fill the huge stage and overflow into the audience. A pale yellow glow lit the stage like a halo, a metaphor not really suited to our boys, I mean, how many angelic figures have you seen clad in black leather? As the smog thinned out, four figures could be seen behind a mesh curtain which dropped as Depeche Mode began with their latest single 'BEHIND THE WHEEL'.
It was really a night to remember! Toes tapped as Dave Gahan belted out the familiar songs with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment. He charged around the stage as though he had been shot from a cannon, pausing only to swing the mike stand around 'rock 'n' roll' style and make the odd suggestive movement. This seemed to drive the crowd (especially the girlies) even wilder and he seemed to have them eating out of his hand. It only took one clap from him to get them all clapping! It felt good to be part of an audience enioying themselves so unselfconsciously to the full during gems like 'STRIPPED', 'MASTER & SERVANT', 'SHAKE THE DISEASE', 'PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE', and 'PLEASURE LITTLE TREASURE'. There was a rapturous applause as Martin Gore took the helm to sing his solo numbers, 'PIPELINE' and 'THE THINGS YOU SAID'. Everyone, including the band, seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dave Graham[sic] pranced round excitedly, Andy Fletcher jumped around a lot, Martin Gore beamed at the reaction of the audience and even Alan Wilder managed to let out the occasional smile!!!
The atmosphere was electric, charged up totally by the excitement of the crowd. Everything about the show was fantastic, especially the stage set, designed by Jane Spiers, in the unique Depeche Mode style complete with flags, curtains, logos, elaborate lighting, a moving stage and a few dangling drum pads.
Depeche Mode's success is well deserved. They do make exceptionally fine tunes and are excellent live entertainers, putting on a fantastic live show — the best seen this year — roll on Wembley!!!
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Bong 1 (January 1988)
Articles:
A Story.... (spoof band interview) by an anonymous fan
Depeche Mode Live in Paris by Charmaine Ramdass
Pictures:
page 1 Dave snoozing
page 2 the band and the Never Let Me Down Again bubble car
page 3 the band with Sonet's Denmark manager
page 4 page 5 the band off duty
Articles:
A Story.... (spoof band interview) by an anonymous fan
Depeche Mode Live in Paris by Charmaine Ramdass
Pictures:
page 1 Dave snoozing
page 2 the band and the Never Let Me Down Again bubble car
page 3 the band with Sonet's Denmark manager
page 4 page 5 the band off duty
Attachments
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A STORY....
[From Bong 1, January 1988. Words: Uncredited.]
A spoof interview with the band members cramming in Depeche song titles.
A journalist meets DEPECHE MODE at a party. He tries to get an interview....
Journalist: Tell me Dave, when will you finish the next album?
Dave: It's just A QUESTION OF TIME before it's finished. Martin is just going to buy a NEW DRESS first, AND THEN we'll finish it afterwards.
Journalist: Why are you always DRESSED IN BLACK by the way? This party seems like a BLACK CELEBRATION, MORE THAN A PARTY.
Martin: Why wear coloured clothes on a BLACK DAY like this?
Journalist: Your new single is about a SATELLITE, a weather report and the difference between THE SUN AND THE RAINFALL. That is quite strong isn't it?
Andy: No, because the weather stories are STORIES OF OLD. Everybody talks about the weather. Besides, you've obviously not understood the irony.
Journalist: Aah... Well... but now to my next question. I heard that you STRIPPED to get into a club in Finland.
Alan: I suppose we SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT, even though IT DOESN'T MATTER really. BOYS SAY GO you know!
Journalist: (To Dave who has become a bit drunk) NOW, THIS IS FUN but don't you think it might start some BLASPHEMOUS RUMOURS?
Dave: Pardon? Oh... gosh! I can SEE YOU double!... NOTHING seems impossible nowadays. WHAT'S YOUR NAME, by the way?... Donald FOOLS?... What a name! Mine's Dave... Oh sorry, I stepped on your foot. I just can't seem to GET THE BALANCE RIGHT. Let me tell you what happened yesterday. I was on my way to the studio when I saw a FLY ON THE WINDSCREEN as I was sitting BEHIND THE WHEEL. Brave as I am, I told myself a fly is NOTHING TO FEAR, and since I'm not a MONUMENT I gave it a TWO MINUTE WARNING. We were like a MASTER AND SERVANT, I was the master of course. I told it to LEAVE IN SILENCE... and it did! Hmmmm... I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH of this wonderful wine. Oh yes, you asked me A QUESTION OF LUST didn't you? Sorry, but SOMETIMES I didn't quite catch THE THINGS YOU SAID. Well, I suppose it was something boring anyway. IF YOU WANT, I can tell you THE MEANING OF LOVE...
Journalist: Aaaah... well, later perhaps BUT NOT TONIGHT, (He runs away)
Dave: I'm getting pretty good at fooling journalists!!!
(This was written by a member from somewhere in Europe. He / she didn't enclose their name but they'll know who they are!)
[From Bong 1, January 1988. Words: Uncredited.]
A spoof interview with the band members cramming in Depeche song titles.
A journalist meets DEPECHE MODE at a party. He tries to get an interview....
Journalist: Tell me Dave, when will you finish the next album?
Dave: It's just A QUESTION OF TIME before it's finished. Martin is just going to buy a NEW DRESS first, AND THEN we'll finish it afterwards.
Journalist: Why are you always DRESSED IN BLACK by the way? This party seems like a BLACK CELEBRATION, MORE THAN A PARTY.
Martin: Why wear coloured clothes on a BLACK DAY like this?
Journalist: Your new single is about a SATELLITE, a weather report and the difference between THE SUN AND THE RAINFALL. That is quite strong isn't it?
Andy: No, because the weather stories are STORIES OF OLD. Everybody talks about the weather. Besides, you've obviously not understood the irony.
Journalist: Aah... Well... but now to my next question. I heard that you STRIPPED to get into a club in Finland.
You must be registered for see links
Was it just for SOMETHING TO DO or was there SOMEBODY there you didn't like?Alan: I suppose we SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT, even though IT DOESN'T MATTER really. BOYS SAY GO you know!
Journalist: (To Dave who has become a bit drunk) NOW, THIS IS FUN but don't you think it might start some BLASPHEMOUS RUMOURS?
Dave: Pardon? Oh... gosh! I can SEE YOU double!... NOTHING seems impossible nowadays. WHAT'S YOUR NAME, by the way?... Donald FOOLS?... What a name! Mine's Dave... Oh sorry, I stepped on your foot. I just can't seem to GET THE BALANCE RIGHT. Let me tell you what happened yesterday. I was on my way to the studio when I saw a FLY ON THE WINDSCREEN as I was sitting BEHIND THE WHEEL. Brave as I am, I told myself a fly is NOTHING TO FEAR, and since I'm not a MONUMENT I gave it a TWO MINUTE WARNING. We were like a MASTER AND SERVANT, I was the master of course. I told it to LEAVE IN SILENCE... and it did! Hmmmm... I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH of this wonderful wine. Oh yes, you asked me A QUESTION OF LUST didn't you? Sorry, but SOMETIMES I didn't quite catch THE THINGS YOU SAID. Well, I suppose it was something boring anyway. IF YOU WANT, I can tell you THE MEANING OF LOVE...
Journalist: Aaaah... well, later perhaps BUT NOT TONIGHT, (He runs away)
Dave: I'm getting pretty good at fooling journalists!!!
(This was written by a member from somewhere in Europe. He / she didn't enclose their name but they'll know who they are!)
DEPECHE MODE LIVE IN PARIS
[From Bong 1, January 1988. Words: Charmaine Ramdass.]
Review of the 16th November 1987 performance at the Bercy Stadium, Paris.
It was an amazing scene. The Bercy Stadium in Paris (16th November), packed to the brim with about 16,000 enthusiastic and eager French fans, with a handful of British fans (including myself) thrown in for good measure!
Everyone seemed wild with excitement, all with the same aim, impatient and worked up into a frenzy to see their idols. After all, it is one year since Depeche Mode have played live in Paris and since then their following has grown considerably and they have become something of a ‘cult’ band. The audience was a very mixed bag too, ranging from hysterical screaming girls, small children and grandparents, to the usual bunch of look-alikes etc… all ready and impatient to be entertained.
Any support band would have been terrified to play to this ravenous audience, who were ready to chew up and spit out anything and anyone while waiting for Depeche Mode! Surprisingly, Front 242 managed to please the crowd greatly!
As soon as Front 242 had left the stage, a low murmur ran through the crowd, turning into loud wolf whistles, football-style chanting and screams of anticipation. Soon, the houselights dimmed and the audience went into a frenzy!
The intro to ‘PIMPF’ belted out and the smog machine worked away like mad to churn out as much as it possibly could to fill the huge stage and overflow into the audience. A pale yellow glow lit the stage like a halo, a metaphor not really suited to our boys, I mean, how many angelic figures have you seen clad in black leather?
As the smog thinned out, four figures could be seen behind a mesh curtain which dropped as Depeche Mode began with their latest single ‘BEHIND THE WHEEL’.
It was really a night to remember! Toes tapped as Dave Gahan belted out the familiar songs with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment. He charged around the stage as though he had been shot from a cannon, pausing only to swing the mike stand around ‘rock’n’roll’ style and make the odd suggestive movement. This seemed to drive the crowd (especially the girlies) even wilder and he seemed to have them eating out of his hand. It only took one clap from him to get them all clapping!
It felt good to be part of an audience enjoying themselves so unselfconsciously to the full during gems like ‘STRIPPED’, ‘MASTER & SERVANT’, ‘SHAKE THE DISEASE’, ‘PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE’, AND ‘PLEASURE LITTLE TREASURE’.
There was a rapturous applause as Martin Gore took the helm to sing his solo numbers, ‘PIPELINE’ and ‘THE THINGS YOU SAID’. Everyone, including the band, seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dave Gahan pranced round excitedly, Andy Fletcher jumped around a lot, Martin Gore beamed at the reaction of the audience and even Alan Wilder managed to let out the occasional smile!!!
The atmosphere was electric, charged up totally by the excitement of the crowd. Everything about the show was fantastic, especially the stage set, designed by Jane Spiers, in the unique Depeche Mode style complete with flags, curtains, logos, elaborate lighting, a moving stage and a few dangling drum pads.
Depeche Mode’s success is well deserved. They do make exceptionally fine tunes and are excellent live entertainers, putting on a fantastic live show – the best I’ve seen this year – roll on Wembley!!!
[From Bong 1, January 1988. Words: Charmaine Ramdass.]
Review of the 16th November 1987 performance at the Bercy Stadium, Paris.
It was an amazing scene. The Bercy Stadium in Paris (16th November), packed to the brim with about 16,000 enthusiastic and eager French fans, with a handful of British fans (including myself) thrown in for good measure!
Everyone seemed wild with excitement, all with the same aim, impatient and worked up into a frenzy to see their idols. After all, it is one year since Depeche Mode have played live in Paris and since then their following has grown considerably and they have become something of a ‘cult’ band. The audience was a very mixed bag too, ranging from hysterical screaming girls, small children and grandparents, to the usual bunch of look-alikes etc… all ready and impatient to be entertained.
Any support band would have been terrified to play to this ravenous audience, who were ready to chew up and spit out anything and anyone while waiting for Depeche Mode! Surprisingly, Front 242 managed to please the crowd greatly!
As soon as Front 242 had left the stage, a low murmur ran through the crowd, turning into loud wolf whistles, football-style chanting and screams of anticipation. Soon, the houselights dimmed and the audience went into a frenzy!
The intro to ‘PIMPF’ belted out and the smog machine worked away like mad to churn out as much as it possibly could to fill the huge stage and overflow into the audience. A pale yellow glow lit the stage like a halo, a metaphor not really suited to our boys, I mean, how many angelic figures have you seen clad in black leather?
As the smog thinned out, four figures could be seen behind a mesh curtain which dropped as Depeche Mode began with their latest single ‘BEHIND THE WHEEL’.
It was really a night to remember! Toes tapped as Dave Gahan belted out the familiar songs with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment. He charged around the stage as though he had been shot from a cannon, pausing only to swing the mike stand around ‘rock’n’roll’ style and make the odd suggestive movement. This seemed to drive the crowd (especially the girlies) even wilder and he seemed to have them eating out of his hand. It only took one clap from him to get them all clapping!
It felt good to be part of an audience enjoying themselves so unselfconsciously to the full during gems like ‘STRIPPED’, ‘MASTER & SERVANT’, ‘SHAKE THE DISEASE’, ‘PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE’, AND ‘PLEASURE LITTLE TREASURE’.
There was a rapturous applause as Martin Gore took the helm to sing his solo numbers, ‘PIPELINE’ and ‘THE THINGS YOU SAID’. Everyone, including the band, seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dave Gahan pranced round excitedly, Andy Fletcher jumped around a lot, Martin Gore beamed at the reaction of the audience and even Alan Wilder managed to let out the occasional smile!!!
The atmosphere was electric, charged up totally by the excitement of the crowd. Everything about the show was fantastic, especially the stage set, designed by Jane Spiers, in the unique Depeche Mode style complete with flags, curtains, logos, elaborate lighting, a moving stage and a few dangling drum pads.
Depeche Mode’s success is well deserved. They do make exceptionally fine tunes and are excellent live entertainers, putting on a fantastic live show – the best I’ve seen this year – roll on Wembley!!!