The DEPECHE MODE Fan Club
APRIL/MAY
Hello! Yup! Me again... Thanks for all the Christmas cards and goodwill messages! I've never had so many cards in all my life! I'm really glad that you seem to prefer the magazine format. Of course, it's not perfect... but we're working on it!
So, what d'you think of the new logo? It was designed by Adrian Homer from Solihull. (All our competition winners seem to come from the Midlands. What's wrong with everywhere else?!!). The runners up are: Klaus-Dieter Brand from Germany, Stuart Mugridge from Tunbridge Wells, Ashley Lane from Sussex, Carolyn Oates from Staffs and Digby Rogers from Leamington Spa. I'm sorry if your design didn't come anywhere, it was very difficult to decide from the entries we received.
I've received quite a few letters asking when your membership expires, I promise that as soon as the time comes I'll be in touch... don't worry!
You'll find plenty to read in this issue. I hope reading the opinions and ideas of other fans spur you on to write something yourself. You never know, you might see it in print next issue.
Caroline Gardiner from Hammersmith has written a thought-provoking article about 'ageism'. Those of you that are guilty of this should stop and think... Just because you're over a certain age doesn't mean that you can't enioy good music. The band's parents were at the Wembley concerts as was my mum and they all enioyed it (my mum dances better than I do!!)
We've got brand-new personal files on Depeche Mode as well as 10 copies of 'STRANGE' to give away in a competition.
See you soon!
P.S. Special thanks to my Dad, Debbie Ruiz and Lynn Evans for helping with the poll results.
SNIPPETS...
LITTLE 15 will be released as a single in Europe only, and will be backed with a brand-new track. The reason that there'll be no official release in Britain is, according to Andy fletcher, due to 'disillusionment with British Radio'. All is not lost for British fans, however, Mute records will make copies of the single available in record shops at the usual price.
Dave, Martin, Alan and Andy would like to thank everyone who sent them Valentines cards care of the fanclub. Some of them made ME blush!
There is the possibility of a DM convention in London around November time. Please don't write asking for details yet as it's still in the planning stages. Details will be published in a future issue.
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES has now gone gold in the US.
I'm pleased to tell you that Andy Franks has made a complete recovery since the last issue apd is now back at work (one sugar please, Andy) and I'm even more pleased to tell you that his wife Jane gave birth to a baby girl (named Lauren) in January.
The DM football squad are still missing him though. He says he's now completely retired from the team, so I suppose they'll have to find another centre forward. They didn't do badly in Copenhagen recently though. They played the Danish Promoters and won 22-11. Fletch would like it known that he scored 8 goals this time!!!!
The Eastern Europe leg of the tour went very well indeed. ALL dates were sold out, with thousands more fans unable to get tickets. Depeche Mode are the first modern band to tour East Germany and Czechoslovia.
Depeche Mode would also like to formally thank Nitzer Ebb for their support during the tour.
APRIL/MAY
Hello! Yup! Me again... Thanks for all the Christmas cards and goodwill messages! I've never had so many cards in all my life! I'm really glad that you seem to prefer the magazine format. Of course, it's not perfect... but we're working on it!
So, what d'you think of the new logo? It was designed by Adrian Homer from Solihull. (All our competition winners seem to come from the Midlands. What's wrong with everywhere else?!!). The runners up are: Klaus-Dieter Brand from Germany, Stuart Mugridge from Tunbridge Wells, Ashley Lane from Sussex, Carolyn Oates from Staffs and Digby Rogers from Leamington Spa. I'm sorry if your design didn't come anywhere, it was very difficult to decide from the entries we received.
I've received quite a few letters asking when your membership expires, I promise that as soon as the time comes I'll be in touch... don't worry!
You'll find plenty to read in this issue. I hope reading the opinions and ideas of other fans spur you on to write something yourself. You never know, you might see it in print next issue.
Caroline Gardiner from Hammersmith has written a thought-provoking article about 'ageism'. Those of you that are guilty of this should stop and think... Just because you're over a certain age doesn't mean that you can't enioy good music. The band's parents were at the Wembley concerts as was my mum and they all enioyed it (my mum dances better than I do!!)
We've got brand-new personal files on Depeche Mode as well as 10 copies of 'STRANGE' to give away in a competition.
See you soon!
P.S. Special thanks to my Dad, Debbie Ruiz and Lynn Evans for helping with the poll results.
SNIPPETS...
LITTLE 15 will be released as a single in Europe only, and will be backed with a brand-new track. The reason that there'll be no official release in Britain is, according to Andy fletcher, due to 'disillusionment with British Radio'. All is not lost for British fans, however, Mute records will make copies of the single available in record shops at the usual price.
Dave, Martin, Alan and Andy would like to thank everyone who sent them Valentines cards care of the fanclub. Some of them made ME blush!
There is the possibility of a DM convention in London around November time. Please don't write asking for details yet as it's still in the planning stages. Details will be published in a future issue.
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES has now gone gold in the US.
I'm pleased to tell you that Andy Franks has made a complete recovery since the last issue apd is now back at work (one sugar please, Andy) and I'm even more pleased to tell you that his wife Jane gave birth to a baby girl (named Lauren) in January.
The DM football squad are still missing him though. He says he's now completely retired from the team, so I suppose they'll have to find another centre forward. They didn't do badly in Copenhagen recently though. They played the Danish Promoters and won 22-11. Fletch would like it known that he scored 8 goals this time!!!!
The Eastern Europe leg of the tour went very well indeed. ALL dates were sold out, with thousands more fans unable to get tickets. Depeche Mode are the first modern band to tour East Germany and Czechoslovia.
Depeche Mode would also like to formally thank Nitzer Ebb for their support during the tour.
COMPETITION
If you can identify which songs the following lyrics come from you could win a copy of 'STRANGE':
The Japanese dates are as follows:
Monday 185h April Festival Hall Osaka Tuesday 19th April Koseinenkin Hall Nagoya Thursday 21st April NHK Tokyo Friday 22nd April AHK Tokyo
Martin Gore's five turntable spins at the moment: VIVA HATE — Morrissey EXOTICA — Chris and Casey NAKED — Talking Heads DUSTY — Dusty Springfield THE GUITAR AND OTHER MACHINES — The Durutti Column
'l WANT YOU NOW' was released as a single in Japan on the 25th March.
Dave Gahan's five current favourite LP's are: HITS — Canned Heat SOLID SENDER — John Lee Hooker SUBSTANCE — New Order BEST OF HOUSE VOL.4 — Various THE STORY OF THE CLASH VOL.1 — The Clash
DEPECHE MODE IN PARIS (PART TWO)
By CAROLE GARDINER
Charmaine Ramdass wrote in the last magazine about one of the Paris concerts. I was one of the 'handful of British fans' she referred to and I attended the concerts on the 16th and 17th November.
The concerts, as Charmaine said, were brilliant, but possibly even more exciting than these was Depeche Mode's appearance in a record shop called FNAC/ which is situated in the Les Halles shopping centre in Paris. A representative of the French magazine 'Best' was there to conduct a question-and-answer session with the fans. As this took place in mid-afternoon, many fans were presumably at work, so there weren't as many as their HMV appearance in London perhaps just as well as they would never have fitted into the small room we were a I ushered into. The video of 'Never Let Me Down Again' blasted out at us from speakers and screens as we were shown into this room and settled down for the arrival of the band. When they came in, the guy from 'Best' introduced them to us one by one (as if they needed any introduction!) and then said that if there were any questions we wanted to put to the band, we were free to do so.
To repeat every question asked in the half-hour session would be impossible, so I've selected a few of the most interesting ones:
We were told that the programming for 'Music For The Masses' had been done in Alan's studio and took six weeks to complete. One of the most astonishing revelations for me was when Alan was asked why he didn't write more songs - his reply was that he didn't much care for the ones he'd written already! This answer sounded so genuine, there seemed to be no 'false modesty' about it. I couldn't believe my ears! How could anyone feel dissatisfied to have written things like the haunting 'Fools' or the rhythmically fascinating 'In Your Memory' to name just two? If you're reading this, Alan, please reconsider.
They were asked what they did with their stage sets at the end of the tour. The reply to this was that after nine months of touring, there was only one thing left to do and that was to make a big bonfire out of them!
The humorous side of the band was shown to full effect when someone asked whether they believed in reincarnation - they replied that they did, and that they all wanted to come back as Fletch (though quite what Fletch wanted to come back as was not established) On the subiect of Andy, the band were asked why he didn't sing more on the records, to which the reply was 'Have you ever heard Andy sing?' poor Fletch, I'm sure he's not that bad! They were also asked if they'd considered producing other people, and they joked that they'd already made a record with Whitney Houston and that Alan had done something with Elton John - these comments were translated in all seriousness to the French audience, and a few 'Oooh's!' went up - it's unbelievable that some of the audience didn't realise it was a joke!
At the previous night's concert (16th November) Depeche Mode hadn't included any material from their first two albums, and someone asked them why. They replied that it was now time to showcase new material after all, they'd been performing those early songs for many years now but that sometimes they would include one or two of the earlier songs (this was confirmed that very night when they omitted 'Pleasure Little Treasure' and substituted 'Just Can't Get Enough').
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Depeche Mode for this unique session - it was a wonderful idea and a memory to treasure. It would be wonderful if they could do such a thing in London on their next tour. Any thoughts on this yet, boys?
If you can identify which songs the following lyrics come from you could win a copy of 'STRANGE':
- Disillusioned, I was disenchanted.
- Get down on my knees.
- You grip me with your eyes.
- Something like a nagging itch.
- I laughed and climbed the rising cast.
The Japanese dates are as follows:
Monday 185h April Festival Hall Osaka Tuesday 19th April Koseinenkin Hall Nagoya Thursday 21st April NHK Tokyo Friday 22nd April AHK Tokyo
Martin Gore's five turntable spins at the moment: VIVA HATE — Morrissey EXOTICA — Chris and Casey NAKED — Talking Heads DUSTY — Dusty Springfield THE GUITAR AND OTHER MACHINES — The Durutti Column
'l WANT YOU NOW' was released as a single in Japan on the 25th March.
Dave Gahan's five current favourite LP's are: HITS — Canned Heat SOLID SENDER — John Lee Hooker SUBSTANCE — New Order BEST OF HOUSE VOL.4 — Various THE STORY OF THE CLASH VOL.1 — The Clash
DEPECHE MODE IN PARIS (PART TWO)
By CAROLE GARDINER
Charmaine Ramdass wrote in the last magazine about one of the Paris concerts. I was one of the 'handful of British fans' she referred to and I attended the concerts on the 16th and 17th November.
The concerts, as Charmaine said, were brilliant, but possibly even more exciting than these was Depeche Mode's appearance in a record shop called FNAC/ which is situated in the Les Halles shopping centre in Paris. A representative of the French magazine 'Best' was there to conduct a question-and-answer session with the fans. As this took place in mid-afternoon, many fans were presumably at work, so there weren't as many as their HMV appearance in London perhaps just as well as they would never have fitted into the small room we were a I ushered into. The video of 'Never Let Me Down Again' blasted out at us from speakers and screens as we were shown into this room and settled down for the arrival of the band. When they came in, the guy from 'Best' introduced them to us one by one (as if they needed any introduction!) and then said that if there were any questions we wanted to put to the band, we were free to do so.
To repeat every question asked in the half-hour session would be impossible, so I've selected a few of the most interesting ones:
We were told that the programming for 'Music For The Masses' had been done in Alan's studio and took six weeks to complete. One of the most astonishing revelations for me was when Alan was asked why he didn't write more songs - his reply was that he didn't much care for the ones he'd written already! This answer sounded so genuine, there seemed to be no 'false modesty' about it. I couldn't believe my ears! How could anyone feel dissatisfied to have written things like the haunting 'Fools' or the rhythmically fascinating 'In Your Memory' to name just two? If you're reading this, Alan, please reconsider.
They were asked what they did with their stage sets at the end of the tour. The reply to this was that after nine months of touring, there was only one thing left to do and that was to make a big bonfire out of them!
The humorous side of the band was shown to full effect when someone asked whether they believed in reincarnation - they replied that they did, and that they all wanted to come back as Fletch (though quite what Fletch wanted to come back as was not established) On the subiect of Andy, the band were asked why he didn't sing more on the records, to which the reply was 'Have you ever heard Andy sing?' poor Fletch, I'm sure he's not that bad! They were also asked if they'd considered producing other people, and they joked that they'd already made a record with Whitney Houston and that Alan had done something with Elton John - these comments were translated in all seriousness to the French audience, and a few 'Oooh's!' went up - it's unbelievable that some of the audience didn't realise it was a joke!
At the previous night's concert (16th November) Depeche Mode hadn't included any material from their first two albums, and someone asked them why. They replied that it was now time to showcase new material after all, they'd been performing those early songs for many years now but that sometimes they would include one or two of the earlier songs (this was confirmed that very night when they omitted 'Pleasure Little Treasure' and substituted 'Just Can't Get Enough').
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Depeche Mode for this unique session - it was a wonderful idea and a memory to treasure. It would be wonderful if they could do such a thing in London on their next tour. Any thoughts on this yet, boys?
POLL RESULTS
The response to the poll was BRILLIANT! Below are the top five of each category for the first five questions on the form. The other questions were for my own files... I need to know what you like y'see!!...
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
The response to the poll was BRILLIANT! Below are the top five of each category for the first five questions on the form. The other questions were for my own files... I need to know what you like y'see!!...
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
- NEVER ME DOWN AGAIN
- PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE
- STRIPPED
- STRANGELOVE
- SHAKE THE DISEASE
- SPEAK AND SPELL
- A BROKEN FRAME
- CONSTRUCTION TIME AGAIN
- BLACK CELEBRATION
- SOME GREAT REWARD
- NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN
- SHAKE THE DISEASE
- EVERYTHING COUNTS
- STRIPPED
- QUESTION OF TIME
- PIMPF
- PIPELINE
- MONUMENT
- BLACK DAY
- SOMETIMES
- MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
- BLACK CELEBRATION
- SOME GREAT REWARD
- CONSTRUCTION TIME AGAIN
- SPEAK & SPELL
DEPECHE MODE MEMBERS' POLL - David Gahan
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
A BROKEN FRAME
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
EVERYTHING COUNTS
SHAKE THE DISEASE
LIE TO ME
STRIPPED
NEVER LET ME DOWN
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
GET THE BALANCE RIGHT
THE MEANING OF LOVE
ITS CALLED A HEART
PHOTOGRAPH OF YOU
NEW LIFE
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
"STRANGE" the film
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
All the usual ones, when I'm home!
BEST RADIO STATION
LBC News Pirate (because the DJ's [illegible]
BEST TV PROGRAMME
Brookside comic strip & late night T.V.
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
Q magazine & Record Mirror
NAME
David Gahan
ADDRESS
PO BOX 928
DEPECHE MODE MEMBERS' POLL - Andy Fletcher
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
SOME GREAT REWARD
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
SPEAK AND SPELL
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
EVERYTHING COUNTS
IT DOESN'T MATTER
STRIPPED
NEVER LET ME DOWN
DREAMING OF ME
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
NODISCO
MONUMENT
LITTLE 15
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
STRANGELOVE
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
NONE
BEST RADIO STATION
NONE
BEST TV PROGRAMME
ANYTHING SPORTY
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
ECONOMIST
NAME
ANDY FLETCHER
ADDRESS
PO BOX 928
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
A BROKEN FRAME
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
EVERYTHING COUNTS
SHAKE THE DISEASE
LIE TO ME
STRIPPED
NEVER LET ME DOWN
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
GET THE BALANCE RIGHT
THE MEANING OF LOVE
ITS CALLED A HEART
PHOTOGRAPH OF YOU
NEW LIFE
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
"STRANGE" the film
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
All the usual ones, when I'm home!
BEST RADIO STATION
LBC News Pirate (because the DJ's [illegible]
BEST TV PROGRAMME
Brookside comic strip & late night T.V.
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
Q magazine & Record Mirror
NAME
David Gahan
ADDRESS
PO BOX 928
DEPECHE MODE MEMBERS' POLL - Andy Fletcher
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
SOME GREAT REWARD
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
SPEAK AND SPELL
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
EVERYTHING COUNTS
IT DOESN'T MATTER
STRIPPED
NEVER LET ME DOWN
DREAMING OF ME
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
NODISCO
MONUMENT
LITTLE 15
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
STRANGELOVE
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
NONE
BEST RADIO STATION
NONE
BEST TV PROGRAMME
ANYTHING SPORTY
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
ECONOMIST
NAME
ANDY FLETCHER
ADDRESS
PO BOX 928
DEPECHE MODE MEMBERS' POLL - L'oncle Martin
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
A BROKEN FRAME
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
STRIPPED
SHAKE THE DISEASE
I WANT YOU NOW
QUESTION OF TIME
LIE TO ME
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
GET THE BALANCE RIGHT
SATELLITE
NODISCO
A PHOTOGRAPH OF YOU
THE MEANING OF LOVE
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
QUESTION OF TIME
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
MTV EUROPE
BEST RADIO STATION -
BEST TV PROGRAMME
'GOOD SEX' WITH DR' RUTH
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
SKIN TWO
NAME
L'oncle MARTIN
ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 982
DEPECHE MODE MEMBERS' POLL - Alan Wilder
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
A BROKEN FRAME
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
SHAKE THE DISEASE
NEVER LET ME DOWN
EVERYTHING COUNTS
STRIPPED
IT DOESN'T MATTER II
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
A PHOTOGRAPH OF YOU
SET ME FREE
NODISCO
ITS CALLED A HEART
SATELLITE
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
STRANGELOVE
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
CHART SHOW
BEST RADIO STATION
JOHN PEEL
BEST TV PROGRAMME
FAWLTY TOWERS
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
'Q', NME
NAME
ALAN WILDER
ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 928
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
A BROKEN FRAME
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
STRIPPED
SHAKE THE DISEASE
I WANT YOU NOW
QUESTION OF TIME
LIE TO ME
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
GET THE BALANCE RIGHT
SATELLITE
NODISCO
A PHOTOGRAPH OF YOU
THE MEANING OF LOVE
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
QUESTION OF TIME
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
MTV EUROPE
BEST RADIO STATION -
BEST TV PROGRAMME
'GOOD SEX' WITH DR' RUTH
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
SKIN TWO
NAME
L'oncle MARTIN
ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 982
DEPECHE MODE MEMBERS' POLL - Alan Wilder
BEST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
MUSIC FOR THE MASSES
WORST DEPECHE MODE ALBUM
A BROKEN FRAME
BEST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
SHAKE THE DISEASE
NEVER LET ME DOWN
EVERYTHING COUNTS
STRIPPED
IT DOESN'T MATTER II
WORST FIVE DEPECHE MODE SONGS
A PHOTOGRAPH OF YOU
SET ME FREE
NODISCO
ITS CALLED A HEART
SATELLITE
FAVOURITE DEPECHE MODE VIDEO
STRANGELOVE
WHAT TV MUSIC SHOWS DO YOU WATCH?
CHART SHOW
BEST RADIO STATION
JOHN PEEL
BEST TV PROGRAMME
FAWLTY TOWERS
FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
'Q', NME
NAME
ALAN WILDER
ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 928
TO PUT IT IN WORDS, TO WRITE IT DOWN
By JULIA WRIGHT
Life is full of surprises — December 1 0th, the phone rings. 'You've won the competition to meet Depeche Mode in London'. What??? This was a competition I really wanted to win, but this sort of thing doesn't happen to me! At first, elation, then panic. What are they going to be like to talk to? What am I going to say to them? Am I going to make myself look a complete moron?
On January 12th there we are, me and Malc (my boyfriend), in our reserved seats on the train to London. The train is half an hour late but it doesn't matter, Jo Bailey from the fan club is there to meet us, full of enthusiasm and energy (That's what THEY thought — Jo). First we are whisked of by Taxi to our hotel, The Grafton, on Tottenham Court Road. We dump our bags and get ready to hit the big city.
A visit to an exhibition of Soviet posters (very right on!), Madame Tussauds (very amusing) then back to the hotel to get changed for the evening. Nerves starting to mount as we go in yet another taxi for something to eat. Malc, totally unaffected, eats most of Jo's food while she battles with the insane waiter (Let's face it the man had a FROG on his hat! - Jo) Later, Malc was to eat his ticket! Time rushes on and it's off to Wembley - by taxi again! We go to check out what merchandising we would like (I'll have five of those sweatshirts, two of those, four of those...) While Jo goes to talk to some of the other fans.
We go to our seats and the concert begins. The 'Black Celebration' tour was so good, could they get any better? Yes. The set was stunning, the lighting inventive and the music sounded even stronger.
'Something To Do' had been a slight drop in the performance in the last tour, but this reworking brought it back up to full strength and the new version of 'Pipeline' was heart stopping. 'Just Can't Get Enough' was a great bonus at the Wembley concert and 'Never Let Me Down' a powerful and fitting end to the set. Things of note: Martin reclining on the set, making it look like the last days of The Roman Empire, rather than a Nuremburg rally, as one stupid review described it. Fletch's innocent dancing - how could you fail to like him?
The lights go up and we are hoarse from singing and shouting for the last one and a half hours. After the exhilaration of the concert there is more. We wait to go backstage, flash our VIP badges and there we are in the hospitality room (Or 'hostility room' as Jo calls it!) It's packed - 60 or 70 people. Are we really going to be able to talk to them with all those people there? We've seen all the videos, been to the concerts, read interviews, seen TV interviews, are they going to be as pleasant and open as they've always seemed? And yes, they are like I'd imagined, only different in some special and subtle ways.
Suddenly Martin appears and Jo brings him over for a photo. I burble 'Really enioyed the concert, going to see you in Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield as well, blah blah blah.' It's so strange to talk to someone whose face and voice you know so well but who hasn't got a cluewho you are. Martin smiles kindly then moves on.
Out in the corridor, where it's slightly cooler, we meet Alan. He's relaxed and friendly a life saver. Calm down a bit and talk about keyboards and ask his advice on one we're thinking of buying. What a nice man. Back into the hot, crowded room to see Dave. His voice is reduced to a croak. Hope it's better for Friday in Birmingham. Chat briefly then he's off - everybody wants to talk to him! Fletch is over the other side of the room. Right. The only way in this crowd is to take the initiative. March over and start talking to him. Exchange opinions about French and Belgian audiences, as we had seen Depeche in Brussels and Freius on the last tour. Can't believe how tall he is!
Martin walks past. Have to do something to improve on that lousy first impression. Malc asks him what sort of music he likes to listen to. Keep hold of him (not physically) for quite a while talking about music and the 12' remixes of 'Behind The Wheel'. A fascinating character - every home should have one.
Jo took us back to the hotel in yet another taxi with a camera full of photos and a head full of ideas. Thanks to everybody for giving us birthday, Christmas and New Year rolled into one. A very special day. Depeche Mode - pleasure little treasure - and a whole lot more.
A QUESTION OF... TOLERANCE
By CAROLE GARDINER
There are many songs on the radio these days with the theme 'Everybody's got to live as one'. It's usually a reference to different races, and I'm sure all readers of this magazine agree with the spirit expressed in these songs; racial discrimination is despicable. But it's amazing how other types of discrimination go on without anyone giving a thought. I refer in particular to age discrimination.
I'm a very big Depeche Mode fan who has all the records, many TV performances on video as well as their commercial videotapes, attends their concerts etc. I also happen to be in my thirties. I started collecting records in the '60's, and, unlike so many of my generation, I continued to have an interest in the music scene and didn't stop collecting. I have friends of the same age who are also fans and collectors. What's wrong with that? Surely it's a healthy thing to be interested in music of all eras, rather than a stick-in-the-mud who only cares passionately about music that was issued during one's teenage period. After all, football fans exist aged 7 to 77 - yet nobody thinks it funny to see Grandad shaking a rattle at his favourite team's matches.
Yet on my way to the Wembley concerts, people walking past me were making remarks like, "There goes one of Depeche Mode's OLDER fans" followed by hoots of derisive laughter, and "Ah well, I suppose DM appeal to people of all ages" (more laughter). But there's no law in the statute book that says a Depeche Mode fan should look a certain way, act a certain way or be in a certain age group. They cover adult subiects in their songs, and are very interesting musically. Why should this be the sole property of the teenager or 20-year-old? I'm pretty thick-skinned, but such comments made to someone more sensitive than myself could have put them off attending DM concerts for life, which would be a sad thing as their concerts are open for everyone to attend, not just 'youngsters'.
Music is a passion in my life and I can't see it ever changing I'II still be rocking when I'm on my way to the Post Office to collect my pension. My hobby doesn't hurt anyone, does it?
I'd iust like to end by saying: Think twice before you sneer at people. In ten years' time you'll be the age I am now and then it may happen to you; how would you like it? There's room for all of us so come on, take heed of those 'Live as one' songs on the radio and realise that tolerance extends to more categories than iust race. After all, I bet you don't laught at John Peel - look how involved HE is... and he's older than I am!!
By JULIA WRIGHT
Life is full of surprises — December 1 0th, the phone rings. 'You've won the competition to meet Depeche Mode in London'. What??? This was a competition I really wanted to win, but this sort of thing doesn't happen to me! At first, elation, then panic. What are they going to be like to talk to? What am I going to say to them? Am I going to make myself look a complete moron?
On January 12th there we are, me and Malc (my boyfriend), in our reserved seats on the train to London. The train is half an hour late but it doesn't matter, Jo Bailey from the fan club is there to meet us, full of enthusiasm and energy (That's what THEY thought — Jo). First we are whisked of by Taxi to our hotel, The Grafton, on Tottenham Court Road. We dump our bags and get ready to hit the big city.
A visit to an exhibition of Soviet posters (very right on!), Madame Tussauds (very amusing) then back to the hotel to get changed for the evening. Nerves starting to mount as we go in yet another taxi for something to eat. Malc, totally unaffected, eats most of Jo's food while she battles with the insane waiter (Let's face it the man had a FROG on his hat! - Jo) Later, Malc was to eat his ticket! Time rushes on and it's off to Wembley - by taxi again! We go to check out what merchandising we would like (I'll have five of those sweatshirts, two of those, four of those...) While Jo goes to talk to some of the other fans.
We go to our seats and the concert begins. The 'Black Celebration' tour was so good, could they get any better? Yes. The set was stunning, the lighting inventive and the music sounded even stronger.
'Something To Do' had been a slight drop in the performance in the last tour, but this reworking brought it back up to full strength and the new version of 'Pipeline' was heart stopping. 'Just Can't Get Enough' was a great bonus at the Wembley concert and 'Never Let Me Down' a powerful and fitting end to the set. Things of note: Martin reclining on the set, making it look like the last days of The Roman Empire, rather than a Nuremburg rally, as one stupid review described it. Fletch's innocent dancing - how could you fail to like him?
The lights go up and we are hoarse from singing and shouting for the last one and a half hours. After the exhilaration of the concert there is more. We wait to go backstage, flash our VIP badges and there we are in the hospitality room (Or 'hostility room' as Jo calls it!) It's packed - 60 or 70 people. Are we really going to be able to talk to them with all those people there? We've seen all the videos, been to the concerts, read interviews, seen TV interviews, are they going to be as pleasant and open as they've always seemed? And yes, they are like I'd imagined, only different in some special and subtle ways.
Suddenly Martin appears and Jo brings him over for a photo. I burble 'Really enioyed the concert, going to see you in Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield as well, blah blah blah.' It's so strange to talk to someone whose face and voice you know so well but who hasn't got a cluewho you are. Martin smiles kindly then moves on.
Out in the corridor, where it's slightly cooler, we meet Alan. He's relaxed and friendly a life saver. Calm down a bit and talk about keyboards and ask his advice on one we're thinking of buying. What a nice man. Back into the hot, crowded room to see Dave. His voice is reduced to a croak. Hope it's better for Friday in Birmingham. Chat briefly then he's off - everybody wants to talk to him! Fletch is over the other side of the room. Right. The only way in this crowd is to take the initiative. March over and start talking to him. Exchange opinions about French and Belgian audiences, as we had seen Depeche in Brussels and Freius on the last tour. Can't believe how tall he is!
Martin walks past. Have to do something to improve on that lousy first impression. Malc asks him what sort of music he likes to listen to. Keep hold of him (not physically) for quite a while talking about music and the 12' remixes of 'Behind The Wheel'. A fascinating character - every home should have one.
Jo took us back to the hotel in yet another taxi with a camera full of photos and a head full of ideas. Thanks to everybody for giving us birthday, Christmas and New Year rolled into one. A very special day. Depeche Mode - pleasure little treasure - and a whole lot more.
A QUESTION OF... TOLERANCE
By CAROLE GARDINER
There are many songs on the radio these days with the theme 'Everybody's got to live as one'. It's usually a reference to different races, and I'm sure all readers of this magazine agree with the spirit expressed in these songs; racial discrimination is despicable. But it's amazing how other types of discrimination go on without anyone giving a thought. I refer in particular to age discrimination.
I'm a very big Depeche Mode fan who has all the records, many TV performances on video as well as their commercial videotapes, attends their concerts etc. I also happen to be in my thirties. I started collecting records in the '60's, and, unlike so many of my generation, I continued to have an interest in the music scene and didn't stop collecting. I have friends of the same age who are also fans and collectors. What's wrong with that? Surely it's a healthy thing to be interested in music of all eras, rather than a stick-in-the-mud who only cares passionately about music that was issued during one's teenage period. After all, football fans exist aged 7 to 77 - yet nobody thinks it funny to see Grandad shaking a rattle at his favourite team's matches.
Yet on my way to the Wembley concerts, people walking past me were making remarks like, "There goes one of Depeche Mode's OLDER fans" followed by hoots of derisive laughter, and "Ah well, I suppose DM appeal to people of all ages" (more laughter). But there's no law in the statute book that says a Depeche Mode fan should look a certain way, act a certain way or be in a certain age group. They cover adult subiects in their songs, and are very interesting musically. Why should this be the sole property of the teenager or 20-year-old? I'm pretty thick-skinned, but such comments made to someone more sensitive than myself could have put them off attending DM concerts for life, which would be a sad thing as their concerts are open for everyone to attend, not just 'youngsters'.
Music is a passion in my life and I can't see it ever changing I'II still be rocking when I'm on my way to the Post Office to collect my pension. My hobby doesn't hurt anyone, does it?
I'd iust like to end by saying: Think twice before you sneer at people. In ten years' time you'll be the age I am now and then it may happen to you; how would you like it? There's room for all of us so come on, take heed of those 'Live as one' songs on the radio and realise that tolerance extends to more categories than iust race. After all, I bet you don't laught at John Peel - look how involved HE is... and he's older than I am!!
PENPALS
CATHY TO
FLAT 7, 31/FLAT
YAT SHING HOUSE
YAT SHING COURT
SHATIN, N.T.
HONG KONG
I'm 17. I like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Level 42 etc.
JOWITA SLEBODA
KANTARELLSTIEN 48-21
N-1500 MOSS
NORWAY
I'm an 18 year old crazy girl who loves Depeche Mode, dogs, eating and writing letters
KEIJO SEPPANEN
KANGASJARVI
SF-89400 HYRYNSALMI
FINLAND
Hello! I'm male, aged 18 and I really want to get in touch with other Depeche Mode fans!
SABINE PAULY
BURGFELDSTR 23
4300 ESSEN 1
WEST GERMANY
I'm 18 and my hobbies are Ice Skating and Badminton.
SARA DELCHINI
12 BARN WAY
WEMBLEY PARK
MIDDLESEX HA9 9NW
I'm 17 1/2 years old (born in 1970) and some of my hobbies are swimming and collecting records by Depeche Mode. I'd like pen-pals from all over the world. I'm 14 and my interests are Depeche Mode (of course!) most other 'indie' music, black clothes and camping under the letterbox waiting for DM Newsletters!!
CATHY TO
FLAT 7, 31/FLAT
YAT SHING HOUSE
YAT SHING COURT
SHATIN, N.T.
HONG KONG
I'm 17. I like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Level 42 etc.
JOWITA SLEBODA
KANTARELLSTIEN 48-21
N-1500 MOSS
NORWAY
I'm an 18 year old crazy girl who loves Depeche Mode, dogs, eating and writing letters
KEIJO SEPPANEN
KANGASJARVI
SF-89400 HYRYNSALMI
FINLAND
Hello! I'm male, aged 18 and I really want to get in touch with other Depeche Mode fans!
SABINE PAULY
BURGFELDSTR 23
4300 ESSEN 1
WEST GERMANY
I'm 18 and my hobbies are Ice Skating and Badminton.
SARA DELCHINI
12 BARN WAY
WEMBLEY PARK
MIDDLESEX HA9 9NW
I'm 17 1/2 years old (born in 1970) and some of my hobbies are swimming and collecting records by Depeche Mode. I'd like pen-pals from all over the world. I'm 14 and my interests are Depeche Mode (of course!) most other 'indie' music, black clothes and camping under the letterbox waiting for DM Newsletters!!
NEW DM PERSONAL FILES
MARTIN
full name: MARTIN LEE GORE
date of birth: 23.7.61
place of birth: LONDON
hair colour: FAIR
eye colour: GREEN
height: .74m
weight: 64 KILOS
family details: FATHER: DAVE; MOTHER: PAM; SISTERS: JACKIE & KAREN
favourite TV show: DR. RUTH'S 'GOOD SEX'
favourite book/author: AMERICA BY FRANZ KAFKA, AUTHER: BRECHT
favourite film: BLADERUNNER
all time hero/heroine: ELVIS PRESLEY, IGGY POP
favourite city: BERLIN
most prized possession: MY RECORD COLLECTION
favourite own song: STRIPPED, SHAKE THE DISEASE
favourite group/singer: DAF, SPARKS, JONATHAN RICHMAN
favourite song: THERE'S A GHOST IN MY HOUSE; R DEAN TAYLOR
biggest niggle: HAIR WASHING
biggest fear: CAR CRASH
most hated thing EVER: MAKING DECISIONS
ambition: ABSOLUTELY NONE
previous jobs: BANK CLERK
qualifications: 5 'O' LEVELS 2 'A' LEVELS
first concert attended: TALKING HEADS
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: YES, BUT NOT AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE I'M NOT AFTER CHILDREN YET.
So many of you seem to [sic] Daryl, the band's personal assistant that I thought I'd print a personal file on him for you:
DARYL
full name: DARYL PETER BAMONTE
date of birth: 27.10.63
place of birth: BARKING, ESSEX
hair colour: BLACK
eye colour: DARK BROWN
height: 6'
weight: 12st
family details: 1 WOMAN, 2 GIRLS
favourite TV show: 'AUF WIEDERSEHEN, PET'
favourite book/author: 30 IS A DANGEROUS AGE, CYNTHIA
favourite film: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, BUT GETTING BACK TO MY FAVOURITE FILM... HA! HA!
favourite thespian: JOSH RICHMAN
all time hero/heroine: BRIAN DENNY
favourite city: LOS ANGELES
most prized possession: UMI SEQUENCER
favourite DM song: BLACK CELEBRATION
favourite group/singer: THE DOORS
favourite song: CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES
biggest niggle: BUILDING WORK OUTSIDE HOTEL ROOMS
biggest fear: STALLING MY CAR ON AN UNMANNED LEVEL CROSSING WHILE THE TRAIN APPROACHES
most hated thing EVER: GARLIC!!!!
ambition: TO MARRY KELLY McGILLIS
first concert attended: THE JAM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, OCT 1978
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: NOT LIKELY MISSUS
DAVE
full name: DAVID GAHAN
date of birth: 9/5/62
place of birth: A HOUSE IN CHIGWELL
hair colour: DARK BROWN
eye colour: GREEN/GREY
height: 5'11"
weight: 10st
family details: MOTHER - SYLVIA, BROTHERS - PETER AND PHILIP, SISTER - SUSAN
favourite TV show: BROOKSIDE (JO TAPES IT FOR ME WHEN I'M AWAY)
favourite book/author: BIOGRAPHIES: 'THE STONES' BY PHILIP NORMAN, 'JAMES DEAN' BY DAVID DALTON, 'NO-ONE HERE GETS OUT ALIVE' BY JERRY HOPKINS & DANNY SUGARMAN
favourite films: THE DEERHUNTER, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, TAXI DRIVER, CRUISING, EASY RIDER, APOCALYPSE NOW ETC...
favourite thespians: AL PACINO, ROBERT DE NIRO, JACK NICOLSON, JESSICA LANGE, KIM BASINGER
favourite city: PARIS, LOS ANGELES
most prized possession: OLLIE MY DOG!
favourite own song: EVERYTHING COUNTS, NEVER LET ME DOWN
favourite group/singer: VARIOUS INCLUDING: TALK TALK, THE BUNNYMEN, LOU REED (VELVET UNDERGROUND), THE DOORS, KRAFTWERK, THE STONES ETC...
favourite song: 'PERFECT DAY': LOU REED, 'LIVING IN ANOTHER WORLD': TALK TALK, 'BACK OF LOVE': THE BUNNYMEN, 'TOUCH ME': THE DOORS... NO ONE FAVOURITE!!
biggest niggle: WAITING IN GENERAL AND FLYING
biggest fear: A PLANE CRASH!!
most hated thing EVER: IGNORANCE AND PEOPLE THAT ARE TWO-FACED
ambition: TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN AMERICA!
previous jobs: TOO MANY TO MENTION!
qualifications: NOT ENOUGH TO MENTION!
first concert attended: THE REVILLOS, DOUBLE SIX PUB '1977' (DON'T LOOK FOR IT NOW, IT'S NOT THERE)
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: DEPENDS WHO THE SCIENTIST WAS
ALAN
full name: ALAN CHARLES WILDER
date of birth: 1.6.59
place of birth: HAMMERSMITH HOSPITAL
hair colour: BROWN
eye colour: GREY
height: 5'11"
weight: 65 KILOS
family details: FATHER: ALBERT; MOTHER: KATHLEEN; BROTHERS: STEPHEN & ANDREW
favourite TV show: DAME EDNA EXPERIENCE, COMIC STRIP, TEST MATCH SPECIAL, WILDLIFE ON ONE
favourite film: PERFORMANCE, THE GODFATHER, BLADERUNNER, KOYANISKATSI, CLOCKWORK ORANGE
favourite thespian: DONALD SUTHERLAND, ROBERT DENIRO, MERLY STREEP, JESSICA LANGE, MALCOLM McDOWELL
favourite city: PARIS, ROME, BERLIN
most prized possession: ALBUM COLLECTION
favourite own song: SHAKE THE DISEASE, STRIPPED, NEVER, EVERYTHING COUNTS
favourite group/singer: KRAFTWER, SMITHS, P.I.L., PHILIP GLASS, TALK TALK AND MANY MORE
favourite song: STRAWBERRY FIELDS
biggest niggle: CLEANING UP CAT SHIT
biggest fear: LOSING MY MARBLES (AND HANDS)
most hated thing EVER: LONGON CAB DRIVERS, JAMES STEWART ACTING, JEREMY BEADLE
ambition: TO BE VERY RICH AND VERY HAPPY
previous jobs: TAPE OP: DJM STUDIOS
qualifications: 3 'O' LEVELS, MUSIC, ENGLSIH, FRENCH
first concert attended: THE WHO, HAMMERSMITH ODEON
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: NO
ANDY
full name: ANDREW JOHN FLETCHER
date of birth: 8.7.61
place of birth: NOTTINGHAM
hair colour: RED
eye colour: BLUE
height: 6'3"
weight: 11ST 5
family details: FATHER - JOHN, MOTHER - JOY, BROTHER - SIMON, SISTERS - KAREN AND SUSAN
favourite TV show: ANY SPORTING OR NEWS PROGRAMMES
favourite books/author: VARIOUS HISTORY BOOKS
favourite film: ALL EPICS
favourite thespian: MARLON BRANDO, DONALD SUTHERLAND
favourite city: LONDON, BERLIN, DENVER
most prized possession: MY FLAT
favourite own song: EVERYTHING COUNTS, STRIPPED
favourite group/singer: ELVIS PRESLEY
favourite song: IT'S NOT UNUSUAL: TOM JONES
biggest niggle: BEING LATE FOR ANYTHING
biggest fear: DYING
most hated thing EVER: CORNED BEEF
ambition: TO LIVE A LONG HEALTHY LIFE
previous jobs: PAPER BOY, CLEANER, PENSION QUOTE CLERK
qualifications: 8 'O' LEVELS, 1 'A' LEVEL
first concert attended: AFTER THE FIRE: MARQUEE
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: NO
MARTIN
full name: MARTIN LEE GORE
date of birth: 23.7.61
place of birth: LONDON
hair colour: FAIR
eye colour: GREEN
height: .74m
weight: 64 KILOS
family details: FATHER: DAVE; MOTHER: PAM; SISTERS: JACKIE & KAREN
favourite TV show: DR. RUTH'S 'GOOD SEX'
favourite book/author: AMERICA BY FRANZ KAFKA, AUTHER: BRECHT
favourite film: BLADERUNNER
all time hero/heroine: ELVIS PRESLEY, IGGY POP
favourite city: BERLIN
most prized possession: MY RECORD COLLECTION
favourite own song: STRIPPED, SHAKE THE DISEASE
favourite group/singer: DAF, SPARKS, JONATHAN RICHMAN
favourite song: THERE'S A GHOST IN MY HOUSE; R DEAN TAYLOR
biggest niggle: HAIR WASHING
biggest fear: CAR CRASH
most hated thing EVER: MAKING DECISIONS
ambition: ABSOLUTELY NONE
previous jobs: BANK CLERK
qualifications: 5 'O' LEVELS 2 'A' LEVELS
first concert attended: TALKING HEADS
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: YES, BUT NOT AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE I'M NOT AFTER CHILDREN YET.
So many of you seem to [sic] Daryl, the band's personal assistant that I thought I'd print a personal file on him for you:
DARYL
full name: DARYL PETER BAMONTE
date of birth: 27.10.63
place of birth: BARKING, ESSEX
hair colour: BLACK
eye colour: DARK BROWN
height: 6'
weight: 12st
family details: 1 WOMAN, 2 GIRLS
favourite TV show: 'AUF WIEDERSEHEN, PET'
favourite book/author: 30 IS A DANGEROUS AGE, CYNTHIA
favourite film: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, BUT GETTING BACK TO MY FAVOURITE FILM... HA! HA!
favourite thespian: JOSH RICHMAN
all time hero/heroine: BRIAN DENNY
favourite city: LOS ANGELES
most prized possession: UMI SEQUENCER
favourite DM song: BLACK CELEBRATION
favourite group/singer: THE DOORS
favourite song: CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES
biggest niggle: BUILDING WORK OUTSIDE HOTEL ROOMS
biggest fear: STALLING MY CAR ON AN UNMANNED LEVEL CROSSING WHILE THE TRAIN APPROACHES
most hated thing EVER: GARLIC!!!!
ambition: TO MARRY KELLY McGILLIS
first concert attended: THE JAM, CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE, OCT 1978
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: NOT LIKELY MISSUS
DAVE
full name: DAVID GAHAN
date of birth: 9/5/62
place of birth: A HOUSE IN CHIGWELL
hair colour: DARK BROWN
eye colour: GREEN/GREY
height: 5'11"
weight: 10st
family details: MOTHER - SYLVIA, BROTHERS - PETER AND PHILIP, SISTER - SUSAN
favourite TV show: BROOKSIDE (JO TAPES IT FOR ME WHEN I'M AWAY)
favourite book/author: BIOGRAPHIES: 'THE STONES' BY PHILIP NORMAN, 'JAMES DEAN' BY DAVID DALTON, 'NO-ONE HERE GETS OUT ALIVE' BY JERRY HOPKINS & DANNY SUGARMAN
favourite films: THE DEERHUNTER, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, TAXI DRIVER, CRUISING, EASY RIDER, APOCALYPSE NOW ETC...
favourite thespians: AL PACINO, ROBERT DE NIRO, JACK NICOLSON, JESSICA LANGE, KIM BASINGER
favourite city: PARIS, LOS ANGELES
most prized possession: OLLIE MY DOG!
favourite own song: EVERYTHING COUNTS, NEVER LET ME DOWN
favourite group/singer: VARIOUS INCLUDING: TALK TALK, THE BUNNYMEN, LOU REED (VELVET UNDERGROUND), THE DOORS, KRAFTWERK, THE STONES ETC...
favourite song: 'PERFECT DAY': LOU REED, 'LIVING IN ANOTHER WORLD': TALK TALK, 'BACK OF LOVE': THE BUNNYMEN, 'TOUCH ME': THE DOORS... NO ONE FAVOURITE!!
biggest niggle: WAITING IN GENERAL AND FLYING
biggest fear: A PLANE CRASH!!
most hated thing EVER: IGNORANCE AND PEOPLE THAT ARE TWO-FACED
ambition: TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN AMERICA!
previous jobs: TOO MANY TO MENTION!
qualifications: NOT ENOUGH TO MENTION!
first concert attended: THE REVILLOS, DOUBLE SIX PUB '1977' (DON'T LOOK FOR IT NOW, IT'S NOT THERE)
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: DEPENDS WHO THE SCIENTIST WAS
ALAN
full name: ALAN CHARLES WILDER
date of birth: 1.6.59
place of birth: HAMMERSMITH HOSPITAL
hair colour: BROWN
eye colour: GREY
height: 5'11"
weight: 65 KILOS
family details: FATHER: ALBERT; MOTHER: KATHLEEN; BROTHERS: STEPHEN & ANDREW
favourite TV show: DAME EDNA EXPERIENCE, COMIC STRIP, TEST MATCH SPECIAL, WILDLIFE ON ONE
favourite film: PERFORMANCE, THE GODFATHER, BLADERUNNER, KOYANISKATSI, CLOCKWORK ORANGE
favourite thespian: DONALD SUTHERLAND, ROBERT DENIRO, MERLY STREEP, JESSICA LANGE, MALCOLM McDOWELL
favourite city: PARIS, ROME, BERLIN
most prized possession: ALBUM COLLECTION
favourite own song: SHAKE THE DISEASE, STRIPPED, NEVER, EVERYTHING COUNTS
favourite group/singer: KRAFTWER, SMITHS, P.I.L., PHILIP GLASS, TALK TALK AND MANY MORE
favourite song: STRAWBERRY FIELDS
biggest niggle: CLEANING UP CAT SHIT
biggest fear: LOSING MY MARBLES (AND HANDS)
most hated thing EVER: LONGON CAB DRIVERS, JAMES STEWART ACTING, JEREMY BEADLE
ambition: TO BE VERY RICH AND VERY HAPPY
previous jobs: TAPE OP: DJM STUDIOS
qualifications: 3 'O' LEVELS, MUSIC, ENGLSIH, FRENCH
first concert attended: THE WHO, HAMMERSMITH ODEON
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: NO
ANDY
full name: ANDREW JOHN FLETCHER
date of birth: 8.7.61
place of birth: NOTTINGHAM
hair colour: RED
eye colour: BLUE
height: 6'3"
weight: 11ST 5
family details: FATHER - JOHN, MOTHER - JOY, BROTHER - SIMON, SISTERS - KAREN AND SUSAN
favourite TV show: ANY SPORTING OR NEWS PROGRAMMES
favourite books/author: VARIOUS HISTORY BOOKS
favourite film: ALL EPICS
favourite thespian: MARLON BRANDO, DONALD SUTHERLAND
favourite city: LONDON, BERLIN, DENVER
most prized possession: MY FLAT
favourite own song: EVERYTHING COUNTS, STRIPPED
favourite group/singer: ELVIS PRESLEY
favourite song: IT'S NOT UNUSUAL: TOM JONES
biggest niggle: BEING LATE FOR ANYTHING
biggest fear: DYING
most hated thing EVER: CORNED BEEF
ambition: TO LIVE A LONG HEALTHY LIFE
previous jobs: PAPER BOY, CLEANER, PENSION QUOTE CLERK
qualifications: 8 'O' LEVELS, 1 'A' LEVEL
first concert attended: AFTER THE FIRE: MARQUEE
if scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: NO
Bong 2 (April 1988)
Articles:
Depeche Mode In Paris (Part Two) by Caroline Gardiner
To Put It In Words, To Write It Down (a fan meets the band) by Julia Wright
A Question Of... Tolerance by Caroline Gardiner
Personal Profiles
Pictures:
page 1 the band backstage
page 2 the band off duty
page 3 Dave's Bong Members Poll form
page 4 Andy's Bong Members Poll form
page 5 Martin's Bong Members Poll form
page 6 Alan's Bong Members Poll form
page 7 during the shooting of "Never Let Me Down Again"
page 8 page 9 the band off duty
Articles:
Depeche Mode In Paris (Part Two) by Caroline Gardiner
To Put It In Words, To Write It Down (a fan meets the band) by Julia Wright
A Question Of... Tolerance by Caroline Gardiner
Personal Profiles
Pictures:
page 1 the band backstage
page 2 the band off duty
page 3 Dave's Bong Members Poll form
page 4 Andy's Bong Members Poll form
page 5 Martin's Bong Members Poll form
page 6 Alan's Bong Members Poll form
page 7 during the shooting of "Never Let Me Down Again"
page 8 page 9 the band off duty
Attachments
DEPECHE MODE IN PARIS (PART TWO)
[From Bong 2, April 1988. Words: Caroline Gardiner.]
Charmaine Ramdass wrote in the last magazine about one of the Paris concerts. [1] I was one of the “handful of British fans” she referred to and I attended the concerts on the 16th and 17th November.
The concerts, as Charmaine said, were brilliant, but possibly even more exciting than these was Depeche Mode’s appearance in a record shop called FNAC, which is situated in the Les Halles shopping centre in Paris. A representative of the French magazine “Best” was there to conduct a question-and-answer session with the fans. As this took place in mid-afternoon, many fans were presumably at work, so there weren’t as many as their HMV appearance in London – perhaps just as well as they would never have fitted into the small room we were all ushered into. The video of “Never Let Me Down Again” blasted out at us from speakers and screens as we were shown into this room and settled down for the arrival of the band. When they came in, the guy from “Best” introduced them to us one by one (as if they needed any introduction!) and then said that if there were any questions we wanted to put to the band, we were free to do so.
To repeat every question asked in the half-hour session would be impossible, so I’ve selected a few of the most interesting ones:
We were told that the programming for “Music For The Masses” had been done in Alan’s studio and took six weeks to complete. One of the most astonishing revelations for me was when Alan was asked why he didn’t write more songs – his reply was that he didn’t much care for the ones he’d written already! This answer sounded so genuine, there seemed to be no “false modesty” about it. I couldn’t believe my ears! How could anyone feel dissatisfied to have written things like the haunting “Fools” or the rhythmically fascinating “In Your Memory” to name just two? If you’re reading this Alan, please reconsider.
They were asked what they did with their stage sets at the end of the tour. The reply to this was that after nine months of touring, there was only one thing left to do and that was to make a big bonfire out of them!
The humorous side of the band was shown to full effect when someone asked whether they believed in reincarnation – they replied that they did, and that they all wanted to come back as Fletch (though quite what Fletch wanted to come back as was not established). On the subject of Andy, the band were asked why he didn’t sing more on the records, to which the reply was “Have you ever heard Andy sing?” – poor Fletch, I’m sure he’s not that bad! They were also asked if they’d considered producing other people, and they joked that they’d already made a record with Whitney Houston and that Alan had done something with Elton John – these comments were translated in all seriousness to the French audience, and a few “Oooh!”s went up – it’s unbelievable that some of the audience didn’t realise it was a joke!
At the previous night’s concert (16th November) Depeche Mode hadn’t included any material from their first two albums, and someone asked them why. They replied that it was now time to showcase new material – after all, they’d been performing those early songs for many years now – but that sometimes they would include one or two of the earlier songs (this was confirmed that very night when they omitted “Pleasure Little Treasure” and substituted “Just Can’t Get Enough”).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Depeche Mode for this unique session – it was a wonderful idea and a memory to treasure. It would be wonderful if they could do such a thing in London on their next tour. Any thoughts on this yet, boys?
[From Bong 2, April 1988. Words: Caroline Gardiner.]
Charmaine Ramdass wrote in the last magazine about one of the Paris concerts. [1] I was one of the “handful of British fans” she referred to and I attended the concerts on the 16th and 17th November.
The concerts, as Charmaine said, were brilliant, but possibly even more exciting than these was Depeche Mode’s appearance in a record shop called FNAC, which is situated in the Les Halles shopping centre in Paris. A representative of the French magazine “Best” was there to conduct a question-and-answer session with the fans. As this took place in mid-afternoon, many fans were presumably at work, so there weren’t as many as their HMV appearance in London – perhaps just as well as they would never have fitted into the small room we were all ushered into. The video of “Never Let Me Down Again” blasted out at us from speakers and screens as we were shown into this room and settled down for the arrival of the band. When they came in, the guy from “Best” introduced them to us one by one (as if they needed any introduction!) and then said that if there were any questions we wanted to put to the band, we were free to do so.
To repeat every question asked in the half-hour session would be impossible, so I’ve selected a few of the most interesting ones:
We were told that the programming for “Music For The Masses” had been done in Alan’s studio and took six weeks to complete. One of the most astonishing revelations for me was when Alan was asked why he didn’t write more songs – his reply was that he didn’t much care for the ones he’d written already! This answer sounded so genuine, there seemed to be no “false modesty” about it. I couldn’t believe my ears! How could anyone feel dissatisfied to have written things like the haunting “Fools” or the rhythmically fascinating “In Your Memory” to name just two? If you’re reading this Alan, please reconsider.
They were asked what they did with their stage sets at the end of the tour. The reply to this was that after nine months of touring, there was only one thing left to do and that was to make a big bonfire out of them!
The humorous side of the band was shown to full effect when someone asked whether they believed in reincarnation – they replied that they did, and that they all wanted to come back as Fletch (though quite what Fletch wanted to come back as was not established). On the subject of Andy, the band were asked why he didn’t sing more on the records, to which the reply was “Have you ever heard Andy sing?” – poor Fletch, I’m sure he’s not that bad! They were also asked if they’d considered producing other people, and they joked that they’d already made a record with Whitney Houston and that Alan had done something with Elton John – these comments were translated in all seriousness to the French audience, and a few “Oooh!”s went up – it’s unbelievable that some of the audience didn’t realise it was a joke!
At the previous night’s concert (16th November) Depeche Mode hadn’t included any material from their first two albums, and someone asked them why. They replied that it was now time to showcase new material – after all, they’d been performing those early songs for many years now – but that sometimes they would include one or two of the earlier songs (this was confirmed that very night when they omitted “Pleasure Little Treasure” and substituted “Just Can’t Get Enough”).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Depeche Mode for this unique session – it was a wonderful idea and a memory to treasure. It would be wonderful if they could do such a thing in London on their next tour. Any thoughts on this yet, boys?
TO PUT IT IN WORDS, TO WRITE IT DOWN
[From Bong 2, April 1988. Words: Julia Wright.]
Life is full of surprises – December 10th, the phone rings. “You’ve won the competition to meet Depeche Mode in London.” What??? This was a competition I really wanted to win, but this sort of thing doesn’t happen to me! At first, elation, then panic. What are they going to be like to talk to? What am I going to say to them? Am I going to make myself look like a complete moron?
On January 12th there we are, me and Malc (my boyfriend), in our reserved seats on the train to London. The train is half an hour late but it doesn’t matter, Jo Bailey from the fan club is there to meet us, full of enthusiasm and energy (That’s what THEY thought – Jo). First we are whisked off by Taxi to our hotel, The Grafton, on Tottenham Court Road. We dump our bags and get ready to hit the big city.
A visit to an exhibition of Soviet posters (very right on!), Madame Tussauds (very amusing) then back to the hotel to get changed for the evening. Nerves starting to mount as we go in yet another taxi for something to eat. Malc, totally unaffected, eats most of Jo’s food while she battles with the insane waiter (Let’s face it – the man had a FROG on his hat! – Jo). Later, Malc was to eat his ticket! Time rushes on and it’s off to Wembley – by taxi again! We go to check out what merchandising we would like (I’ll have five of those sweatshirts, two of those, four of those…) while Jo goes to talk to some of the other fans.
We go to our seats and the concert begins. The “Black Celebration” tour was so good, could they get any better? Yes. The set was stunning, the lighting inventive and the music sounded even stronger.
“Something To Do” had been a slight drop in the performance in the last tour, but this reworking brought it back up to full strength and the new version of “Pipeline” was heart stopping. “Just Can’t Get Enough” was a great bonus at the Wembley concert and “Never Let Me Down” a powerful and fitting end to the set. Things of note: Martin reclining on the set, making it look like the last days of the Roman Empire, rather than a Nuremburg rally, as one stupid review described it. Fletch’s innocent dancing – how could you fail to like him?
The lights go up and we are hoarse from singing and shouting for the last one and a half hours. After the exhilaration of the concert there is more. We wait to go backstage, flash our VIP badges and there we are in the hospitality room (or “hostility room” as Jo calls it!) It’s packed – 60 or 70 people. Are we really going to be able to talk to them with all those people there? We’ve seen all the videos, been to the concerts, read interviews, seen TV interviews, are they going to be as pleasant and open as they’ve always seemed? And yes, they are like I’d imagined, only different in some special and subtle ways.
Suddenly Martin appears and Jo brings him over for a photo. I burble “Really enjoyed the concert, going to see you in Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield as well, blah blah blah.” It’s so strange to talk to someone who’s face and voice you know so well but who hasn’t got a clue who you are. Martin smiles kindly then moves on.
Out in the corridor, where it’s slightly cooler, we meet Alan. He’s relaxed and friendly – a life saver. Calm down a bit and talk about keyboards and ask his advice on one we’re thinking of buying. What a nice man. Back into the hot, crowded room to see Dave. His voice is reduced to a croak. Hope it’s better for Friday in Birmingham. Chat briefly then he’s off – everybody wants to talk to him! Fletch is over the other side of the room. Right. The only way in this crowd is to take the initiative. March over and start talking to him. Exchange opinions about French and Belgian audiences, as we had seen Depeche in Brussels and Frejus on the last tour. Can’t believe how tall he is!
Martin walks past. Have to do something to improve on that lousy first impression. Malc asks him what kind of music he likes to listen to. Keep hold of him (not physically) for quite a while talking about music and the 12” remixes of “Behind The Wheel”. A fascinating character – every home should have one.
Jo took us back to the hotel in yet another taxi with a camera full of photos and a head full of ideas. Thanks to everyone for giving us birthday, Christmas and New Year rolled into one. A very special day. Depeche Mode – pleasure little treasure – and a whole lot more.
[From Bong 2, April 1988. Words: Julia Wright.]
Life is full of surprises – December 10th, the phone rings. “You’ve won the competition to meet Depeche Mode in London.” What??? This was a competition I really wanted to win, but this sort of thing doesn’t happen to me! At first, elation, then panic. What are they going to be like to talk to? What am I going to say to them? Am I going to make myself look like a complete moron?
On January 12th there we are, me and Malc (my boyfriend), in our reserved seats on the train to London. The train is half an hour late but it doesn’t matter, Jo Bailey from the fan club is there to meet us, full of enthusiasm and energy (That’s what THEY thought – Jo). First we are whisked off by Taxi to our hotel, The Grafton, on Tottenham Court Road. We dump our bags and get ready to hit the big city.
A visit to an exhibition of Soviet posters (very right on!), Madame Tussauds (very amusing) then back to the hotel to get changed for the evening. Nerves starting to mount as we go in yet another taxi for something to eat. Malc, totally unaffected, eats most of Jo’s food while she battles with the insane waiter (Let’s face it – the man had a FROG on his hat! – Jo). Later, Malc was to eat his ticket! Time rushes on and it’s off to Wembley – by taxi again! We go to check out what merchandising we would like (I’ll have five of those sweatshirts, two of those, four of those…) while Jo goes to talk to some of the other fans.
We go to our seats and the concert begins. The “Black Celebration” tour was so good, could they get any better? Yes. The set was stunning, the lighting inventive and the music sounded even stronger.
“Something To Do” had been a slight drop in the performance in the last tour, but this reworking brought it back up to full strength and the new version of “Pipeline” was heart stopping. “Just Can’t Get Enough” was a great bonus at the Wembley concert and “Never Let Me Down” a powerful and fitting end to the set. Things of note: Martin reclining on the set, making it look like the last days of the Roman Empire, rather than a Nuremburg rally, as one stupid review described it. Fletch’s innocent dancing – how could you fail to like him?
The lights go up and we are hoarse from singing and shouting for the last one and a half hours. After the exhilaration of the concert there is more. We wait to go backstage, flash our VIP badges and there we are in the hospitality room (or “hostility room” as Jo calls it!) It’s packed – 60 or 70 people. Are we really going to be able to talk to them with all those people there? We’ve seen all the videos, been to the concerts, read interviews, seen TV interviews, are they going to be as pleasant and open as they’ve always seemed? And yes, they are like I’d imagined, only different in some special and subtle ways.
Suddenly Martin appears and Jo brings him over for a photo. I burble “Really enjoyed the concert, going to see you in Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield as well, blah blah blah.” It’s so strange to talk to someone who’s face and voice you know so well but who hasn’t got a clue who you are. Martin smiles kindly then moves on.
Out in the corridor, where it’s slightly cooler, we meet Alan. He’s relaxed and friendly – a life saver. Calm down a bit and talk about keyboards and ask his advice on one we’re thinking of buying. What a nice man. Back into the hot, crowded room to see Dave. His voice is reduced to a croak. Hope it’s better for Friday in Birmingham. Chat briefly then he’s off – everybody wants to talk to him! Fletch is over the other side of the room. Right. The only way in this crowd is to take the initiative. March over and start talking to him. Exchange opinions about French and Belgian audiences, as we had seen Depeche in Brussels and Frejus on the last tour. Can’t believe how tall he is!
Martin walks past. Have to do something to improve on that lousy first impression. Malc asks him what kind of music he likes to listen to. Keep hold of him (not physically) for quite a while talking about music and the 12” remixes of “Behind The Wheel”. A fascinating character – every home should have one.
Jo took us back to the hotel in yet another taxi with a camera full of photos and a head full of ideas. Thanks to everyone for giving us birthday, Christmas and New Year rolled into one. A very special day. Depeche Mode – pleasure little treasure – and a whole lot more.
A QUESTION OF... TOLERANCE
[From Bong 2, April 1988. Words: Caroline Gardiner.]
There are many songs on the radio these days with the theme “Everybody’s got to live as one”. It’s usually a reference to different races, and I’m sure all readers of this magazine agree with the spirit expressed in these songs; racial discrimination is despicable. But it’s amazing how other types of discrimination go on without anyone giving a thought. I refer in particular to age discrimination.
I’m a very big Depeche Mode fan who has all the records, many TV performances on video as well as their commercial videotapes, attends their concerts etc. I also happen to be in my thirties. I started collecting records in the ’60s, and, unlike so many of my generation, I continued to have an interest in the music scene and didn’t stop collecting. I have friends of the same age who are also fans and collectors. What’s wrong with that? Surely it’s a healthy thing to be interested in music of all eras, rather than a stick-in-the-mud who only cares passionately about music that was issued during one’s teenage period. After all, football fans exist aged 7 to 77 – yet nobody thinks it funny to see Grandad shaking a rattle at his favourite team’s matches.
Yet on my way to the Wembley concerts, people walking past me were making remarks like, “There goes one of Depeche Mode’s OLDER fans” followed by hoots of derisive laughter, and “Ah well, I suppose DM appeal to people of all ages” (more laughter). But there’s no law in the statute book that says a Depeche Mode fan should look a certain way, act a certain way or be in a certain age group. They cover adult subjects in their songs, and are very interesting musically. Why should this be the sole property of the teenager of 20-year-old? I’m pretty thick-skinned, but suck comments made to someone more sensitive than myself could have put them off attending DM concerts for life, which would be a sad thing as their concerts are open for everyone to attend, not just “youngsters”. [1]
Music is a passion in my life and I can’t see it ever changing – I’ll still be rocking when I’m on my way to the Post Office to collect my pension. My hobby doesn’t hurt anyone, does it?
I’d just like to end by saying: Think twice before you sneer at people. In ten years’ time you’ll be the age I am now and then it may happen to you; how would you like it? There’s room for all of us – so come on, take heed of those “Live as one” songs on the radio and realise that tolerance extends to more categories than just race. After all, I bet you don’t laugh at John Peel – look how involved HE is… and he’s older than I am!!
[From Bong 2, April 1988. Words: Caroline Gardiner.]
There are many songs on the radio these days with the theme “Everybody’s got to live as one”. It’s usually a reference to different races, and I’m sure all readers of this magazine agree with the spirit expressed in these songs; racial discrimination is despicable. But it’s amazing how other types of discrimination go on without anyone giving a thought. I refer in particular to age discrimination.
I’m a very big Depeche Mode fan who has all the records, many TV performances on video as well as their commercial videotapes, attends their concerts etc. I also happen to be in my thirties. I started collecting records in the ’60s, and, unlike so many of my generation, I continued to have an interest in the music scene and didn’t stop collecting. I have friends of the same age who are also fans and collectors. What’s wrong with that? Surely it’s a healthy thing to be interested in music of all eras, rather than a stick-in-the-mud who only cares passionately about music that was issued during one’s teenage period. After all, football fans exist aged 7 to 77 – yet nobody thinks it funny to see Grandad shaking a rattle at his favourite team’s matches.
Yet on my way to the Wembley concerts, people walking past me were making remarks like, “There goes one of Depeche Mode’s OLDER fans” followed by hoots of derisive laughter, and “Ah well, I suppose DM appeal to people of all ages” (more laughter). But there’s no law in the statute book that says a Depeche Mode fan should look a certain way, act a certain way or be in a certain age group. They cover adult subjects in their songs, and are very interesting musically. Why should this be the sole property of the teenager of 20-year-old? I’m pretty thick-skinned, but suck comments made to someone more sensitive than myself could have put them off attending DM concerts for life, which would be a sad thing as their concerts are open for everyone to attend, not just “youngsters”. [1]
Music is a passion in my life and I can’t see it ever changing – I’ll still be rocking when I’m on my way to the Post Office to collect my pension. My hobby doesn’t hurt anyone, does it?
I’d just like to end by saying: Think twice before you sneer at people. In ten years’ time you’ll be the age I am now and then it may happen to you; how would you like it? There’s room for all of us – so come on, take heed of those “Live as one” songs on the radio and realise that tolerance extends to more categories than just race. After all, I bet you don’t laugh at John Peel – look how involved HE is… and he’s older than I am!!
PERSONAL PROFILES
[From Bong 2, April 1988.]
MARTIN
Full name: Martin Lee Gore
Date of birth: 23.7.61
Place of birth: London
Hair colour: fair
Eye colour: green
Height: 1.74m
Weight: 64 kilos
Family details: Father: Dave; Mother: Pam; Sisters: Jackie & Karen
Favourite TV show: Dr. Ruth’s “Good Sex”
Favourite book / author: America by Franz Kafka, Author: Brecht
Favourite film: Bladerunner
All time hero / heroin: Elvis Presley, Iggy Pop
Favourite city: Berlin
Most prized possession: My record collection
Favourite own song: Stripped, Shake The Disease
Favourite group / singer: DAF, Sparks, Jonathan Richman
Favourite song: There’s A Ghost In My House, R Dean Taylor
Biggest niggle: Hair washing
Biggest fear: Car crash
Most hated thing EVER: Making decisions
Ambition: Absolutely none
Previous jobs: Bank clerk
Qualifications: 5 “O” Levels, 2 “A” Levels
First concert attended: Talking Heads
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer: Yes, but not at the moment because I’m not after children yet
DARYL
Full name: Daryl Peter Bamonte
Date of birth: 27.10.63
Place of birth: Barking, Essex
Hair colour: Black
Eye colour: Dark brown
Height: 6’
Weight: 12st
Family details: 1 woman, 2 girls
Favourite TV show: “Auf Wiedersehen, Pet”
Favourite book: 30 Is A Dangerous Age, Cynthia
Favourite film: It’s A Wonderful Life, but getting back to my favourite film… Ha! Ha!
Favourite thespian: Josh Richman
All-time hero: Brian Denny
Favourite city: Los Angeles
Most prized possession: UMI squelcher
Favourite DM song: Black Celebration
Favourite group: The Doors
Favourite song: Charlotte Sometimes
Biggest niggle: Building work outside hotel rooms
Biggest fear: Stalling my car on an unmanned level crossing while the train approaches
Most hated thing EVER: Garlic!!!!
Ambition: To marry Kerry McGillis
First concert attended: The Jam, Cambridge Corn Exchange, Oct 1978
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: Not likely missus
DAVE
Full name: David Gahan
Date of birth: 9/5/62
Place of birth: A house in Chigwell
Hair colour: Dark brown
Eye colour: Green / grey
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 10st
Family details: Mother – Sylvia, brothers – Peter and Philip, Sister – Susan
Favourite TV show: Brookside (Jo tapes it for me when I’m away)
Favourite book / author: Biographies: “The Stones” by Philip Norman, “James Dean” by David Dalton, “No-One Here Gets Out Alive” by Jerry Hopkins & Danny Sugarman
Favourite Films: The Deer Hunter, Midnight Express, Taxi Driver, Cruising, Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now, etc…
Favourite thespians: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicolson, Jessica Lange, Kim Basinger
Favourite cities: Paris, Los Angeles
Most prized possession: Ollie my dog!
Favourite own song: Everything Counts, Never Let Me Down
Favourite group / singer: Various including: Talk Talk, The Bunnymen, Lou Reed (Velvet Underground), The Doors, Kraftwerk, The Stones etc…
Favourite songs: “Perfect Day”: Lou Reed, “Living In Another World”: Talk Talk, “Back Of Love”: The Bunnymen, “Touch Me”: The Doors… No one favourite!!
Biggest niggle: Waiting in general and flying
Biggest fear: A plane crash!!
Most hated thing EVER: Ignorance and people that are two-faced
Ambition: To be very successful in America!
Previous jobs: Too many to mention!
Qualifications: Not enough to mention!
First concert attended: The Revillos, Double Six Pub “1977” (Don’t look for it now, it’s not there)
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer: Depends who the scientist was
ALAN
Full name: Alan Charles Wilder
Date of birth: 1.6.59
Place of birth: Hammersmith Hospital
Hair colour: Brown
Eye colour: Grey
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 65 kilos
Family details: Father: Albert; Mother: Kathleen; Brothers: Stephen & Andrew
Favourite TV show: Dame Edna Experience, Comic Strip, Test Match Special, Wildlife On One
Favourite film: Performance, The Godfather, Bladerunner, Koyaniskatsi, Clockwork Orange
Favourite thespian: Donald Sutherland, Robert Deniro, Meryl Streep, Jessica Lange, Malcolm McDowell
Favourite city: Paris, Rome, Berlin
Most prized possession: Album collection
Favourite own song: Shake The Disease, Stripped, Never, Everything Counts
Favourite group / singer: Kraftwerk, Smiths, P.I.L., Philip Glass, Talk Talk and many more.
Favourite song: Strawberry Fields
Biggest niggle: Cleaning up cat shit
Biggest fear: Losing my marbles (and hands)
Most hated thing EVER: London cab drivers, James Stewart acting, Jeremy Beadle
Ambition: To be very rich and very happy
Previous jobs: Tape op, DJM studios
Qualifications: 3 “O” levels, Music, English, French
First concert attended: The Who, Hammersmith Odeon
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: No
ANDY
Full name: Andrew John Fletcher
Date of birth: 8.7.61
Place of birth: Nottingham
Hair colour: Red
Eye colour: Blue
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 11st 5
Family details: Father – John, Mother – Joy, Brother – Simon, Sisters – Karen and Susan
Favourite TV show: Any sporting or news programmes
Favourite book / author: Various history books
Favourite film: All epics
Favourite thespian: Marlon Brando, Donald Sutherland
Favourite city: London, Berlin, Denver
Most prized possession: My flat
Favourite own song: Everything Counts, Stripped
Favourite group / singer: Elvis Presley
Favourite song: It’s Not Unusual: Tom Jones
Biggest niggle: Being late for anything
Biggest fear: Dying
Most hated thing EVER: Corned beef
Ambition: To live a long healthy life
Previous jobs: Paper boy, Cleaner, Pension quote clerk
Qualifications: 8 “O” Levels, 1 “A” Level
First concert attended: After The Fire, Marquee
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: No
[From Bong 2, April 1988.]
MARTIN
Full name: Martin Lee Gore
Date of birth: 23.7.61
Place of birth: London
Hair colour: fair
Eye colour: green
Height: 1.74m
Weight: 64 kilos
Family details: Father: Dave; Mother: Pam; Sisters: Jackie & Karen
Favourite TV show: Dr. Ruth’s “Good Sex”
Favourite book / author: America by Franz Kafka, Author: Brecht
Favourite film: Bladerunner
All time hero / heroin: Elvis Presley, Iggy Pop
Favourite city: Berlin
Most prized possession: My record collection
Favourite own song: Stripped, Shake The Disease
Favourite group / singer: DAF, Sparks, Jonathan Richman
Favourite song: There’s A Ghost In My House, R Dean Taylor
Biggest niggle: Hair washing
Biggest fear: Car crash
Most hated thing EVER: Making decisions
Ambition: Absolutely none
Previous jobs: Bank clerk
Qualifications: 5 “O” Levels, 2 “A” Levels
First concert attended: Talking Heads
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer: Yes, but not at the moment because I’m not after children yet
DARYL
Full name: Daryl Peter Bamonte
Date of birth: 27.10.63
Place of birth: Barking, Essex
Hair colour: Black
Eye colour: Dark brown
Height: 6’
Weight: 12st
Family details: 1 woman, 2 girls
Favourite TV show: “Auf Wiedersehen, Pet”
Favourite book: 30 Is A Dangerous Age, Cynthia
Favourite film: It’s A Wonderful Life, but getting back to my favourite film… Ha! Ha!
Favourite thespian: Josh Richman
All-time hero: Brian Denny
Favourite city: Los Angeles
Most prized possession: UMI squelcher
Favourite DM song: Black Celebration
Favourite group: The Doors
Favourite song: Charlotte Sometimes
Biggest niggle: Building work outside hotel rooms
Biggest fear: Stalling my car on an unmanned level crossing while the train approaches
Most hated thing EVER: Garlic!!!!
Ambition: To marry Kerry McGillis
First concert attended: The Jam, Cambridge Corn Exchange, Oct 1978
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: Not likely missus
DAVE
Full name: David Gahan
Date of birth: 9/5/62
Place of birth: A house in Chigwell
Hair colour: Dark brown
Eye colour: Green / grey
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 10st
Family details: Mother – Sylvia, brothers – Peter and Philip, Sister – Susan
Favourite TV show: Brookside (Jo tapes it for me when I’m away)
Favourite book / author: Biographies: “The Stones” by Philip Norman, “James Dean” by David Dalton, “No-One Here Gets Out Alive” by Jerry Hopkins & Danny Sugarman
Favourite Films: The Deer Hunter, Midnight Express, Taxi Driver, Cruising, Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now, etc…
Favourite thespians: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicolson, Jessica Lange, Kim Basinger
Favourite cities: Paris, Los Angeles
Most prized possession: Ollie my dog!
Favourite own song: Everything Counts, Never Let Me Down
Favourite group / singer: Various including: Talk Talk, The Bunnymen, Lou Reed (Velvet Underground), The Doors, Kraftwerk, The Stones etc…
Favourite songs: “Perfect Day”: Lou Reed, “Living In Another World”: Talk Talk, “Back Of Love”: The Bunnymen, “Touch Me”: The Doors… No one favourite!!
Biggest niggle: Waiting in general and flying
Biggest fear: A plane crash!!
Most hated thing EVER: Ignorance and people that are two-faced
Ambition: To be very successful in America!
Previous jobs: Too many to mention!
Qualifications: Not enough to mention!
First concert attended: The Revillos, Double Six Pub “1977” (Don’t look for it now, it’s not there)
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer: Depends who the scientist was
ALAN
Full name: Alan Charles Wilder
Date of birth: 1.6.59
Place of birth: Hammersmith Hospital
Hair colour: Brown
Eye colour: Grey
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 65 kilos
Family details: Father: Albert; Mother: Kathleen; Brothers: Stephen & Andrew
Favourite TV show: Dame Edna Experience, Comic Strip, Test Match Special, Wildlife On One
Favourite film: Performance, The Godfather, Bladerunner, Koyaniskatsi, Clockwork Orange
Favourite thespian: Donald Sutherland, Robert Deniro, Meryl Streep, Jessica Lange, Malcolm McDowell
Favourite city: Paris, Rome, Berlin
Most prized possession: Album collection
Favourite own song: Shake The Disease, Stripped, Never, Everything Counts
Favourite group / singer: Kraftwerk, Smiths, P.I.L., Philip Glass, Talk Talk and many more.
Favourite song: Strawberry Fields
Biggest niggle: Cleaning up cat shit
Biggest fear: Losing my marbles (and hands)
Most hated thing EVER: London cab drivers, James Stewart acting, Jeremy Beadle
Ambition: To be very rich and very happy
Previous jobs: Tape op, DJM studios
Qualifications: 3 “O” levels, Music, English, French
First concert attended: The Who, Hammersmith Odeon
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: No
ANDY
Full name: Andrew John Fletcher
Date of birth: 8.7.61
Place of birth: Nottingham
Hair colour: Red
Eye colour: Blue
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 11st 5
Family details: Father – John, Mother – Joy, Brother – Simon, Sisters – Karen and Susan
Favourite TV show: Any sporting or news programmes
Favourite book / author: Various history books
Favourite film: All epics
Favourite thespian: Marlon Brando, Donald Sutherland
Favourite city: London, Berlin, Denver
Most prized possession: My flat
Favourite own song: Everything Counts, Stripped
Favourite group / singer: Elvis Presley
Favourite song: It’s Not Unusual: Tom Jones
Biggest niggle: Being late for anything
Biggest fear: Dying
Most hated thing EVER: Corned beef
Ambition: To live a long healthy life
Previous jobs: Paper boy, Cleaner, Pension quote clerk
Qualifications: 8 “O” Levels, 1 “A” Level
First concert attended: After The Fire, Marquee
If scientists could make men pregnant, would you volunteer?: No