ASK DAVE
[From Bong 7, October 1989.]
According to the January ’82 issue of “The Face” [1] “Asian blood way back in the family accounts for (D. Gahan’s) surname”. What are your family origins?
Gahan is Irish and was my stepfather’s name, but my blood father has Malaysian ancestors.
Have you got any brothers or sisters?
1 sister, 2 brothers.
Why did you name your son Jack? Was he named after anyone in particular?
No, he wasn’t named after anyone, we both liked the name.
Do you ever regret being in the band because you’re often away and not with your family?
Yes and No!
Do you want any more children?
Yes.
Would you like Jack to follow in your footsteps?
It’s up to him.
What were his first words?
“Dad” – of course!
What supermarket did you work for before you started singing?
Sainsbury’s.
What’s your favourite alcoholic drink?
Vodka.
Have you ever ridden a horse?
Yes.
What are your vices?
Cigarettes.
What’s the name of your favourite book, film and TV show?
I hardly ever read, but enjoyed a book by Philip Norman called “The Stones”, “Apocalypse Now” (Film & Music) and TV show – “Brookside”.
How many leather jackets do you own?
I’ve never counted them.
How would you like Depeche Mode to be remembered in 20 years’ time?
Fondly!
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
Yes.
Who do you most admire?
J D Fanger.
Where do you get your hair cut?
In London (“Fiyon”).
Do you wear after-shave? What sort?
Various – “Kouros”, “Armani”….
Do you like prestigious motorcycles (such as Harley Davidsons)?
Yes, they’re quite good really.
Do you have any recurring nightmares?
Yes.
What was the last concert you attended?
The Cure, Milan.
[From Bong 7, October 1989.]
According to the January ’82 issue of “The Face” [1] “Asian blood way back in the family accounts for (D. Gahan’s) surname”. What are your family origins?
Gahan is Irish and was my stepfather’s name, but my blood father has Malaysian ancestors.
Have you got any brothers or sisters?
1 sister, 2 brothers.
Why did you name your son Jack? Was he named after anyone in particular?
No, he wasn’t named after anyone, we both liked the name.
Do you ever regret being in the band because you’re often away and not with your family?
Yes and No!
Do you want any more children?
Yes.
Would you like Jack to follow in your footsteps?
It’s up to him.
What were his first words?
“Dad” – of course!
What supermarket did you work for before you started singing?
Sainsbury’s.
What’s your favourite alcoholic drink?
Vodka.
Have you ever ridden a horse?
Yes.
What are your vices?
Cigarettes.
What’s the name of your favourite book, film and TV show?
I hardly ever read, but enjoyed a book by Philip Norman called “The Stones”, “Apocalypse Now” (Film & Music) and TV show – “Brookside”.
How many leather jackets do you own?
I’ve never counted them.
How would you like Depeche Mode to be remembered in 20 years’ time?
Fondly!
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
Yes.
Who do you most admire?
J D Fanger.
Where do you get your hair cut?
In London (“Fiyon”).
Do you wear after-shave? What sort?
Various – “Kouros”, “Armani”….
Do you like prestigious motorcycles (such as Harley Davidsons)?
Yes, they’re quite good really.
Do you have any recurring nightmares?
Yes.
What was the last concert you attended?
The Cure, Milan.
Do you go to Chelsea regularly – do you stand in the shed?
Not anymore.
What’s the weirdest thing that has been thrown on stage for you and did you keep it?
I don’t really get a chance to stop singing and check out what’s been thrown on stage. It just annoys me.
Are you planning a solo LP?
Not at the moment.
Which songs do you most enjoy singing live?
“Blasphemous Rumours”, “Never Let Me Down Again”, “Stripped”, “Everything Counts” & “Fly On The Windscreen”.
In “101” I noticed you playing a harmonica – are you any good at it? – What other instruments can you play?
Pretty good! – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards & Tambourine. I’m what you call “A Bit Of An All-Rounder”.
How and where did you meet Martin, Fletch and Vince in 1980?
I met Vince outside a pub in Basildon & he asked me to a rehearsal, where I met Mart and Fletch.
What was the first song you performed with them? – Were you nervous?
…Can’t remember and No. [2]
Which song of Martin’s (which he sings) is your favourite?
“The Things You Said”.
Have you ever written any songs?
Yes.
When did you decide you wanted to become a singer?
I didn’t and I’m still learning.
Have you ever forgotten the words at a concert?
Yes, frequently.
Who decides what singles will be released?
All of us and Daniel.
How is it decided who sings the songs?
Martin, Alan and myself discuss it.
What’s your opinion of current chart music?
I don’t really know much about it!
What was the last record you bought?
The Cure, “Disintegration”.
Do you get embarrassed watching your early videos?
Yes, they’re pathetic.
Not anymore.
What’s the weirdest thing that has been thrown on stage for you and did you keep it?
I don’t really get a chance to stop singing and check out what’s been thrown on stage. It just annoys me.
Are you planning a solo LP?
Not at the moment.
Which songs do you most enjoy singing live?
“Blasphemous Rumours”, “Never Let Me Down Again”, “Stripped”, “Everything Counts” & “Fly On The Windscreen”.
In “101” I noticed you playing a harmonica – are you any good at it? – What other instruments can you play?
Pretty good! – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards & Tambourine. I’m what you call “A Bit Of An All-Rounder”.
How and where did you meet Martin, Fletch and Vince in 1980?
I met Vince outside a pub in Basildon & he asked me to a rehearsal, where I met Mart and Fletch.
What was the first song you performed with them? – Were you nervous?
…Can’t remember and No. [2]
Which song of Martin’s (which he sings) is your favourite?
“The Things You Said”.
Have you ever written any songs?
Yes.
When did you decide you wanted to become a singer?
I didn’t and I’m still learning.
Have you ever forgotten the words at a concert?
Yes, frequently.
Who decides what singles will be released?
All of us and Daniel.
How is it decided who sings the songs?
Martin, Alan and myself discuss it.
What’s your opinion of current chart music?
I don’t really know much about it!
What was the last record you bought?
The Cure, “Disintegration”.
Do you get embarrassed watching your early videos?
Yes, they’re pathetic.