ASK ALAN
[From Bong 6, July 1989.]
Will any DM material be released on CDV?
I’m not sure at the moment – I think there are plans for ‘101’ to be released in this format.
If you weren’t in DM, what group would you like to be in?
Kraftwerk.
If you could be someone from the past for a day, who would you be?
Geoff Hurst – 1966.
Have you ever refused to talk or give a fan an autograph?
Yes – many times when they are rude or ignorant.
Do you have a nickname?
“Slik” – although I don’t like it much. [1]
Do you believe in reincarnation?
No.
What kind of music do you usually listen to?
Various – Kraftwerk, Nitzer Ebb, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Pixies, Pyschedelic Furs, Talk Talk, Lou Reed, Alex Harvey, P.I.L., New Order, Smiths, Mahler, Michael Nyman, Led Zeppelin and many more.
Do you wear after-shave? What sort?
Yes, various – whatever I’ve been given for Christmas (except Brut).
Which song is the most difficult to play live? Do you rehearse a lot, or just ‘stumble through’?
Slow numbers like ‘SOMEBODY’, where total concentration is required because the smallest slip-up will be noticed. We rehearse adequately before touring.
Why did you choose ‘Moonlight Sonata’ for Little 15? Are there any plans for something similar in the future?
It was Martin’s idea for an extra track – there are no plans for something similar at the moment.
What do you like to photograph?
People rather than scenery. Unfortunately I’ve been very lazy about my photography over the last few years.
What’s your favourite remix?
Beatmasters ‘ROUTE 66’ – Tim Simenon’s ‘EVERYTHING COUNTS’.
Do you like ski-ing?
Never tried it.
How did you feel when you were told that you were definitely part of Depeche Mode?
Relieved – I needed the money.
If you are a strict vegetarian, why do you still wear leather?
Not that strict – I eat fish and dairy produce – I’m afraid I don’t have enough willpower to give up leather clothes.
Are you really the ‘nose-picker’ of the band, as claimed by Dave on ‘Singled Out’?
Yes.
Would you like to father lots of children?
Not particularly – maybe one or two.
What did the others buy you for your birthday?
Nothing – but that’s a fairly mutual agreement.
Were you surprised to be accepted so quickly by Depeche Mode’s fans?
Not really – people generally accept what they’re given.
Had you heard of DM before you answered the ad in Melody Maker and did you have any inkling that this “name band” was actually Depeche Mode? [2]
Yes and Yes.
Do you actually sing ‘The Landscape Is Changing’ or is it just Dave singing quietly?
It’s Dave.
Do you ever intend to write, or co-write any songs again?
It’s quite possible that I may write something but I have no plans at the moment.
Any more solo projects?
Maybe – if I can find the time and energy.
Where does the name “Recoil” come from?
The Dictionary.
Do you use a home studio?
Yes – It’s now a 24 tr analog studio.
Did joining DM frighten you in any way? Especially with the U.S. tour so soon after joining.
I was young an excited – not particularly frightened.
Who do you regard as the best synth player in the business?
I have no favourites. The best Synthesizer operators are the members of Kraftwerk.
What instruments can you play?
Keyboards and drums (sloppily).
Are you still supporting QPR? – Why?
Without doubt! Because they are the greatest! [3]
What do you think you’ll be doing in ten years’ time?
Hopefully making music without compromise and enjoying a relaxed, happy and comfortable existence.
When you joined in ’83 – did you think DM would still be going strong in nearly ’90?
Not really.
Are there any DM songs you don’t like?
Yes – ‘IT’S CALLED A HEART’, ‘SATELLITE’, ‘SET ME FREE’, ‘NODISCO’.
Are there ever any arguments in the band?
Yes.
Why did you choose Scotland for your holiday? (And did you like it?)
Because I didn’t want to fly anywhere and I enjoy mountains and countryside.
Have you any regrets about joining a successful band and sacrificing anonymity and privacy?
No. I manage to retain sufficient privacy.
What’s your opinion of Stock, Aitken & Waterman?
Very low. I feel because of their position, that they have a responsibility to try to educate people and take music beyond a machine-like production line – their only interest is fast financial turnover.
Which TV or radio star would you like to wallop?
Paul Daniels, Anneka Rice, Timmy Mallet, all Radio 1 DJs (except John Peel), that prat on ‘Big World Cafe’, Ted Rogers, Jimmy Saville – many others. [4]
Do you still feel a bit of an ‘outsider’ within the band?
Not really.
How does it feel to play live in Britain with relatively small audiences when you know that in places such as the U.S. and Europe you are guaranteed audiences of thousands of fans?
Slightly disappointing – I’d rather play abroad.
Why were you asked to demonstrate the keyboards in ‘101’ is it because you’re the “good musician” (according to Fletch?)
I suppose so.
What’s the highlight of your career so far?
Rosebowl.
[From Bong 6, July 1989.]
Will any DM material be released on CDV?
I’m not sure at the moment – I think there are plans for ‘101’ to be released in this format.
If you weren’t in DM, what group would you like to be in?
Kraftwerk.
If you could be someone from the past for a day, who would you be?
Geoff Hurst – 1966.
Have you ever refused to talk or give a fan an autograph?
Yes – many times when they are rude or ignorant.
Do you have a nickname?
“Slik” – although I don’t like it much. [1]
Do you believe in reincarnation?
No.
What kind of music do you usually listen to?
Various – Kraftwerk, Nitzer Ebb, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Pixies, Pyschedelic Furs, Talk Talk, Lou Reed, Alex Harvey, P.I.L., New Order, Smiths, Mahler, Michael Nyman, Led Zeppelin and many more.
Do you wear after-shave? What sort?
Yes, various – whatever I’ve been given for Christmas (except Brut).
Which song is the most difficult to play live? Do you rehearse a lot, or just ‘stumble through’?
Slow numbers like ‘SOMEBODY’, where total concentration is required because the smallest slip-up will be noticed. We rehearse adequately before touring.
Why did you choose ‘Moonlight Sonata’ for Little 15? Are there any plans for something similar in the future?
It was Martin’s idea for an extra track – there are no plans for something similar at the moment.
What do you like to photograph?
People rather than scenery. Unfortunately I’ve been very lazy about my photography over the last few years.
What’s your favourite remix?
Beatmasters ‘ROUTE 66’ – Tim Simenon’s ‘EVERYTHING COUNTS’.
Do you like ski-ing?
Never tried it.
How did you feel when you were told that you were definitely part of Depeche Mode?
Relieved – I needed the money.
If you are a strict vegetarian, why do you still wear leather?
Not that strict – I eat fish and dairy produce – I’m afraid I don’t have enough willpower to give up leather clothes.
Are you really the ‘nose-picker’ of the band, as claimed by Dave on ‘Singled Out’?
Yes.
Would you like to father lots of children?
Not particularly – maybe one or two.
What did the others buy you for your birthday?
Nothing – but that’s a fairly mutual agreement.
Were you surprised to be accepted so quickly by Depeche Mode’s fans?
Not really – people generally accept what they’re given.
Had you heard of DM before you answered the ad in Melody Maker and did you have any inkling that this “name band” was actually Depeche Mode? [2]
Yes and Yes.
Do you actually sing ‘The Landscape Is Changing’ or is it just Dave singing quietly?
It’s Dave.
Do you ever intend to write, or co-write any songs again?
It’s quite possible that I may write something but I have no plans at the moment.
Any more solo projects?
Maybe – if I can find the time and energy.
Where does the name “Recoil” come from?
The Dictionary.
Do you use a home studio?
Yes – It’s now a 24 tr analog studio.
Did joining DM frighten you in any way? Especially with the U.S. tour so soon after joining.
I was young an excited – not particularly frightened.
Who do you regard as the best synth player in the business?
I have no favourites. The best Synthesizer operators are the members of Kraftwerk.
What instruments can you play?
Keyboards and drums (sloppily).
Are you still supporting QPR? – Why?
Without doubt! Because they are the greatest! [3]
What do you think you’ll be doing in ten years’ time?
Hopefully making music without compromise and enjoying a relaxed, happy and comfortable existence.
When you joined in ’83 – did you think DM would still be going strong in nearly ’90?
Not really.
Are there any DM songs you don’t like?
Yes – ‘IT’S CALLED A HEART’, ‘SATELLITE’, ‘SET ME FREE’, ‘NODISCO’.
Are there ever any arguments in the band?
Yes.
Why did you choose Scotland for your holiday? (And did you like it?)
Because I didn’t want to fly anywhere and I enjoy mountains and countryside.
Have you any regrets about joining a successful band and sacrificing anonymity and privacy?
No. I manage to retain sufficient privacy.
What’s your opinion of Stock, Aitken & Waterman?
Very low. I feel because of their position, that they have a responsibility to try to educate people and take music beyond a machine-like production line – their only interest is fast financial turnover.
Which TV or radio star would you like to wallop?
Paul Daniels, Anneka Rice, Timmy Mallet, all Radio 1 DJs (except John Peel), that prat on ‘Big World Cafe’, Ted Rogers, Jimmy Saville – many others. [4]
Do you still feel a bit of an ‘outsider’ within the band?
Not really.
How does it feel to play live in Britain with relatively small audiences when you know that in places such as the U.S. and Europe you are guaranteed audiences of thousands of fans?
Slightly disappointing – I’d rather play abroad.
Why were you asked to demonstrate the keyboards in ‘101’ is it because you’re the “good musician” (according to Fletch?)
I suppose so.
What’s the highlight of your career so far?
Rosebowl.
BACKROOM BOYS GIRLS
[From Bong 6, July 1989.]
A personal profile of fan club administrator and Bong editor Jo Bailey.
Due to lack of anyone else at the moment, this issue's “Backroom Boys” focuses on: ME!!!
Name: JO BAILEY
Date/Place of birth: 5.10.67 ….BARNEHURST, KENT.
Height: SHORT
Occupation: FANCLUB ADMINISTRATOR
How Long Have You Worked For DM?: SINCE SEPTEMBER ’87
Previous Jobs: RECEPTIONIST / DOGSBODY, PAPERGIRL, SHOP ASSISTANT….. ETC… ETC…
Favourite DM Song: “DANGEROUS”
Favourite Film: “THE GRADUATE”, “YOUNG GUNS”.
Favourite TV Show: “ROSEANNE”
Favourite Groups: DEPECHE MODE, THE BEATLES
Favourite Song: “WHITER SHADE OF PALE” – PROCOL HARUM
Favourite Book: “WILT” – TOM SHARPE, “DRACULA” – BRAM STOKER
Biggest Niggle: MY HAIR
Biggest Fear: SNAKES
[From Bong 6, July 1989.]
A personal profile of fan club administrator and Bong editor Jo Bailey.
Due to lack of anyone else at the moment, this issue's “Backroom Boys” focuses on: ME!!!
Name: JO BAILEY
Date/Place of birth: 5.10.67 ….BARNEHURST, KENT.
Height: SHORT
Occupation: FANCLUB ADMINISTRATOR
How Long Have You Worked For DM?: SINCE SEPTEMBER ’87
Previous Jobs: RECEPTIONIST / DOGSBODY, PAPERGIRL, SHOP ASSISTANT….. ETC… ETC…
Favourite DM Song: “DANGEROUS”
Favourite Film: “THE GRADUATE”, “YOUNG GUNS”.
Favourite TV Show: “ROSEANNE”
Favourite Groups: DEPECHE MODE, THE BEATLES
Favourite Song: “WHITER SHADE OF PALE” – PROCOL HARUM
Favourite Book: “WILT” – TOM SHARPE, “DRACULA” – BRAM STOKER
Biggest Niggle: MY HAIR
Biggest Fear: SNAKES