Bong 24 (March 1995)
Articles:
Devotional Diary III (tour recollections) by Daryl Bamonte
Ask Daniel
In Our Eyes (international fan club news) by various contributors
Archives (information on early songs) by Daryl Bamonte
I Met That Bloke From Depeche Mode Once by Paul Lewis
Pictures:
page 1 Alan in South Africa
page 2 Martin in South Africa
page 3 Fletch in Hawaii
page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7 The "Any Second Now" article, featuring lots of very early Mode memorabilia
Articles:
Devotional Diary III (tour recollections) by Daryl Bamonte
Ask Daniel
In Our Eyes (international fan club news) by various contributors
Archives (information on early songs) by Daryl Bamonte
I Met That Bloke From Depeche Mode Once by Paul Lewis
Pictures:
page 1 Alan in South Africa
page 2 Martin in South Africa
page 3 Fletch in Hawaii
page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7 The "Any Second Now" article, featuring lots of very early Mode memorabilia
Attachments
DEVOTIONAL DIARY III
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Daryl Bamonte.]
We hope you’ll have fun reading the third part of Daryl’s Tour Diary. This time it covers the “Exotic Tour” from 1994. The fourth and concluding part is still to come, so look forward to the next issue of Bong.
January 31st, CAPE TOWN: Monday morning, but I don’t have that Monday-morning-feeling. The sun is shining and Fletch and I have just flown down to glorious South Africa (or should I say Siff Ifrica). Franksy’s just taken Fletch off in an air-conditioned stretch limo, and left me to do the baggage. Still, it’s nice to have a soft comfortable suitcase to lie on after a GRUELLING TWELVE-HOUR FLIGHT.
February 1st, CAPE TOWN: A day off today, so I’ve got time to think. I went and sat on a rock at the end of The Cape Of Good Hope (appropriate for this tour), and worked out that The Falklands are over there somewhere, Antarctica’s down there and Australia’s that way. If anyone wants the feeling of being at the end of the world, they should come here. (Geographically, not spiritually…)
February 2nd, PLUMSTEAD: Band rehearsals. I cannot believe that somebody would have come all this way last century, and not had the initiative to name their homeland after a nicer part of south-east London. “New Greenwich” perhaps? So what if they were from Plumstead? The Zulus wouldn’t have known any different.
February 4th, PLUMSTEAD: Rehearsals are going very well. “Rush” is a really powerful opener. On the way here yesterday, Alan and I saw something strange. There was this huge great stretch of motorway with no cars on it. The motorway stretches for a few miles then suddenly stops. There’s a 100 yard gap and then the motorway continues again. In the gap is a roundabout with a small pink shack on it, a roadside café. Alan and I were debating the reasons for the non-completion f a multi-million Rand motorway. I said “I bet the little man who owns the café wouldn’t give up his land.” We laughed at this preposterous idea and thought nothing more of it. On the way back to Cape Town, we decided to find out the real reason. We asked our driver what had happened and he replied: “You see that little pink shack over there…”.
February 6th, JOHANNESBURG: Cape Town was beautiful. Constant sunshine, pretty scenery and a high feel-good factor. Rather like Los Angeles without the earthquakes, riots, etc. Johannesburg is none of these things. It’s rather like New York without the excitement and character.
February 9th, JO’BURG: The first show of the “Exotic” leg of the tour tonight, and everybody’s a bit nervous. Not just because it’s the first show of a new leg, but it’s our first gig ever on the African continent, and not many have played in South Africa. (They weren’t going to play S-S-S-Sun City, Whoa No…)
February 10th, THE BUSH, GENERAL TOWNSHIPS, LOTS OF TIME SPENT DRIVING (etc): Anton “I dink it’s just dree more miles” Corbijn and one of THOSE photo-shoots.
February 11th, JO’BURG: Alan has told me that a friend of a friend is pissed off for playing in South Africa. “Don’t they know that there’s apartheid there?”… He’s obviously done his homework then. A bachelor of political analysis from the university of life. What the stupid twat forgot to learn was that the dismantling of apartheid began in 1991, and if the people of SA are moving toward peace, staying away will not assist their cause. (I’ll come down off my soap-box now)
February 12th, JO’BURG: God, I love South Africa. Saturday afternoon, and they have live Premiership football on television, something we do NOT have in Blighty.
February 14th, JO’BURG: I’ve got that horrible feeling that I forgot to do something today…
February 15th, JO’BURG (still): Praise the Lord. I managed to get to the Interflora shop just before it closed last night.
February 17th, CAPE TOWN: It’s great to be back in Cape Town. Everybody has election fever here. You can feel the anticipation in the air. If the ANC get in (as they will), some of the delightful extreme right-wingers are threatening to re-locate (uninvited) to New Zealand. I bet the Maoris are pleased about that…
February 18th, CAPE TOWN: I’ve just been reading “A South African Political Brief”, given to me by the record company. Under the heading of “Major Social Problems” they list “extremely high levels of crime and violence, illiteracy and a high divorce rate”. Coming from Basildon, I hardly thought them worth mentioning…
February 20th, CAPE TOWN: Oh dear, oh dear. Maybe this tour is jinxed. Alan, myself and Jerry Meltzer (security) went for a nice Italian dinner tonight. We had to leave the restaurant early as Alan was complaining of abdominal pains. Back at the hotel, he went to his room but refused to see a doctor as it was “only overeating”. I went to my room to get him some Alka-Seltzer and on exiting the lift on the way back, I could hear a screaming, coming from Alan’s room 30 yards away, that sounded like a dog being neutered, without anaesthetic. I dragged him out of his room and into a waiting car and by the time we reached the hospital he was foaming at the mouth and screaming phrases that sounded like out-takes from “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The doctors have examined him and confirmed that he has a kidney stone, definitely not caused by “overeating”. Alan insists that he can pass the stone naturally, through his water, (like passing a hedgehog according to Kessler) but unfortunately the doctors have insisted on inserting a laser down the eye of his manhood… (ouch!)
February 22nd, DURBAN: The operation went well yesterday, but as heroic as Alan tried to be, there was no way that he was going to do a show tonight. The first show here is cancelled, not a very common thing for DM. I wish I could have got to Durban earlier. Dave and Martin spent the day swimming with dolphins, which sounds very groovy. Kessler’s gone back to America for a couple of weeks.
February 25th, JO’BURG (again): Dave and I have just worked out that we’ve now been in South Africa for more days than we’ve been in England since May 13th last year. It’s starting to feel like we live here.
February 27th, TRAVEL: We finally bid farewell to South Africa. It was an enjoyable stay, but after four weeks of hard work, we’re looking forward to an interesting visit to the Far East.
February 28th, SINGAPORE: I don’t know if anybody’s listening, but it’s actually physically impossible for one man to move 7 baggage trolleys, full of bags, from one place to another, all at once. Especially when it’s 7am, he’s just flown for 11 hours and feels like he’s wrapped in hot cling-film. Thank the Lord for those self-less troupers otherwise known as “The Crew”. (Especially Jeremy Scott Webb)
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Daryl Bamonte.]
We hope you’ll have fun reading the third part of Daryl’s Tour Diary. This time it covers the “Exotic Tour” from 1994. The fourth and concluding part is still to come, so look forward to the next issue of Bong.
January 31st, CAPE TOWN: Monday morning, but I don’t have that Monday-morning-feeling. The sun is shining and Fletch and I have just flown down to glorious South Africa (or should I say Siff Ifrica). Franksy’s just taken Fletch off in an air-conditioned stretch limo, and left me to do the baggage. Still, it’s nice to have a soft comfortable suitcase to lie on after a GRUELLING TWELVE-HOUR FLIGHT.
February 1st, CAPE TOWN: A day off today, so I’ve got time to think. I went and sat on a rock at the end of The Cape Of Good Hope (appropriate for this tour), and worked out that The Falklands are over there somewhere, Antarctica’s down there and Australia’s that way. If anyone wants the feeling of being at the end of the world, they should come here. (Geographically, not spiritually…)
February 2nd, PLUMSTEAD: Band rehearsals. I cannot believe that somebody would have come all this way last century, and not had the initiative to name their homeland after a nicer part of south-east London. “New Greenwich” perhaps? So what if they were from Plumstead? The Zulus wouldn’t have known any different.
February 4th, PLUMSTEAD: Rehearsals are going very well. “Rush” is a really powerful opener. On the way here yesterday, Alan and I saw something strange. There was this huge great stretch of motorway with no cars on it. The motorway stretches for a few miles then suddenly stops. There’s a 100 yard gap and then the motorway continues again. In the gap is a roundabout with a small pink shack on it, a roadside café. Alan and I were debating the reasons for the non-completion f a multi-million Rand motorway. I said “I bet the little man who owns the café wouldn’t give up his land.” We laughed at this preposterous idea and thought nothing more of it. On the way back to Cape Town, we decided to find out the real reason. We asked our driver what had happened and he replied: “You see that little pink shack over there…”.
February 6th, JOHANNESBURG: Cape Town was beautiful. Constant sunshine, pretty scenery and a high feel-good factor. Rather like Los Angeles without the earthquakes, riots, etc. Johannesburg is none of these things. It’s rather like New York without the excitement and character.
February 9th, JO’BURG: The first show of the “Exotic” leg of the tour tonight, and everybody’s a bit nervous. Not just because it’s the first show of a new leg, but it’s our first gig ever on the African continent, and not many have played in South Africa. (They weren’t going to play S-S-S-Sun City, Whoa No…)
February 10th, THE BUSH, GENERAL TOWNSHIPS, LOTS OF TIME SPENT DRIVING (etc): Anton “I dink it’s just dree more miles” Corbijn and one of THOSE photo-shoots.
February 11th, JO’BURG: Alan has told me that a friend of a friend is pissed off for playing in South Africa. “Don’t they know that there’s apartheid there?”… He’s obviously done his homework then. A bachelor of political analysis from the university of life. What the stupid twat forgot to learn was that the dismantling of apartheid began in 1991, and if the people of SA are moving toward peace, staying away will not assist their cause. (I’ll come down off my soap-box now)
February 12th, JO’BURG: God, I love South Africa. Saturday afternoon, and they have live Premiership football on television, something we do NOT have in Blighty.
February 14th, JO’BURG: I’ve got that horrible feeling that I forgot to do something today…
February 15th, JO’BURG (still): Praise the Lord. I managed to get to the Interflora shop just before it closed last night.
February 17th, CAPE TOWN: It’s great to be back in Cape Town. Everybody has election fever here. You can feel the anticipation in the air. If the ANC get in (as they will), some of the delightful extreme right-wingers are threatening to re-locate (uninvited) to New Zealand. I bet the Maoris are pleased about that…
February 18th, CAPE TOWN: I’ve just been reading “A South African Political Brief”, given to me by the record company. Under the heading of “Major Social Problems” they list “extremely high levels of crime and violence, illiteracy and a high divorce rate”. Coming from Basildon, I hardly thought them worth mentioning…
February 20th, CAPE TOWN: Oh dear, oh dear. Maybe this tour is jinxed. Alan, myself and Jerry Meltzer (security) went for a nice Italian dinner tonight. We had to leave the restaurant early as Alan was complaining of abdominal pains. Back at the hotel, he went to his room but refused to see a doctor as it was “only overeating”. I went to my room to get him some Alka-Seltzer and on exiting the lift on the way back, I could hear a screaming, coming from Alan’s room 30 yards away, that sounded like a dog being neutered, without anaesthetic. I dragged him out of his room and into a waiting car and by the time we reached the hospital he was foaming at the mouth and screaming phrases that sounded like out-takes from “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The doctors have examined him and confirmed that he has a kidney stone, definitely not caused by “overeating”. Alan insists that he can pass the stone naturally, through his water, (like passing a hedgehog according to Kessler) but unfortunately the doctors have insisted on inserting a laser down the eye of his manhood… (ouch!)
February 22nd, DURBAN: The operation went well yesterday, but as heroic as Alan tried to be, there was no way that he was going to do a show tonight. The first show here is cancelled, not a very common thing for DM. I wish I could have got to Durban earlier. Dave and Martin spent the day swimming with dolphins, which sounds very groovy. Kessler’s gone back to America for a couple of weeks.
February 25th, JO’BURG (again): Dave and I have just worked out that we’ve now been in South Africa for more days than we’ve been in England since May 13th last year. It’s starting to feel like we live here.
February 27th, TRAVEL: We finally bid farewell to South Africa. It was an enjoyable stay, but after four weeks of hard work, we’re looking forward to an interesting visit to the Far East.
February 28th, SINGAPORE: I don’t know if anybody’s listening, but it’s actually physically impossible for one man to move 7 baggage trolleys, full of bags, from one place to another, all at once. Especially when it’s 7am, he’s just flown for 11 hours and feels like he’s wrapped in hot cling-film. Thank the Lord for those self-less troupers otherwise known as “The Crew”. (Especially Jeremy Scott Webb)
March 2nd, SINGAPORE: We’ve been here for three days now. It’s nice to feel safe when walking the streets, but when you gain safety you lose a certain buzz. It was quite a bizarre sight to see Martin Gore DJ’ing in a reggae bar tonight, an event that was both “safe” and “buzzin’”.
March 5th, PERTH: There is something strange going on. People are starting to act weird. Too much time spent at the airports, I reckon.
March 8th, MELBOURNE: I managed to blag a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, two T-shirts and a pair of sunglasses from Stussy and Massimo today, thus doubling the size of my wardrobe in an instant. The gig tonight is in “Batman Avenue”. Nice to see the Aussies have a sense of humour.
March 13th, SYDNEY: I had lunch with my aunt Terri today, and she said I look just like my dad did when she left England to emigrate. Now, I don’t know what my dad got up to in Dagenham in the Fifties, but he would have to go some way to look like THIS…
March 16th, HONG KONG: Read all about it! Martin Gore drinks too much peach schnapps and has conversation with broom! I swear it happened. Just ask Alan.
March 18th, MANILA: The traffic here is worse than Mexico City and the Blackwall Tunnel put together. On the way to the show, Fletch, Martin and I were told that we had a police motorcycle escort, but I don’t think that anybody actually told him that he was a police motorcycle escort, and he promptly disappeared into the night. I finally had to resort to lying down in front of an Austin Seven, so its driver would stop and let us drive on the pavement. Still, we got to the gig just in time to see Kessler chasing the promoter out of the building, clutching a pair of scissors. The promoter’s crime? He put up posters around the gig advertising “Smoky Joes Crisps”, against our wishes. The scissors? To cut down the posters of course!
March 19th, MANILA: Just when I thought that things could not get any weirder, that we were at a point when nothing would seem odd, then this. Fletcher will not be completing the tour after Hawaii, and the other three want me to stand in for him (?!?). Time for a stiff drink, methinks.
March 20th, MANILA: I had lunch with Fletch today and I feel much better. Reality has sunk in a bit, and Fletch has told me he’s glad it’s me and not “any old session guy”. Phew! That’s the hard part out of the way, I’ve just got to learn to play keyboards now…
March 21st, TRAVEL: Bangkok was cancelled, so we fly to Hawaii early. We leave the Philippines, fly overnight and arrive in Hawaii before we took off. Probably.
March 21st, HONOLULU: Finally get to Hawaii after a lifetime of trying. Alison arrives soon and there’s a couple of things I have to remember… It’s her birthday on Friday so get her a present… and… Oh yeh, learn to play keyboards.
March 22nd, HONOLULU: Wob and Tom (super-techs) drop off the equipment to my room, and now it’s starting to feel real. Me and Alan sort of did a run through.
March 23rd, HONOLULU: Everyone’s gone to the beach today. I can’t go, I’ve got to rehearse, I’m pretending to smile, but I really don’t want to.
March 24th, HONOLULU: Apparently, I jumped out of bed in the middle of the night and viciously assaulted a pile of clothes. Oh dear…
March 25th, HONOLULU: Apparently, I did a complete run-through of the set in my sleep last night. I gave Alison her watch and sang “Happy Birthday”, so I was able to forget about “it” for a full fifteen seconds. Tried to go down to the beach with the others but couldn’t stand the jovial moods they were all in. You know, being on a beach in Hawaii. The Band are doing a show tonight, so I’ll be playing along with them, behind the curtain, to get the “feel”. The audience won’t hear it, thank God.
March 26th, HONOLULU: It went okay last night, but the strain is killing me. After pulling my hair out all week, I’ve now started punching myself in the head. Stress presents itself in funny ways.
March 27th, HONOLULU: The backstage run-through was better last night. The crew are being very encouraging. Anzac (Monitor Engineer) has told me that I CAN do it, so maybe I just might be able to pull this thing off.
March 30th, HONOLULU: Alan and I have finished rehearsals and things have worked out okay, apart from the fact that I have no hair left and a very sore head.
March 31st, LOS ANGELES: We flew in from Hawaii today, had a Japanese meal and then decided to go to Martin’s room for a drink. As we got out of the lift, Martin invited a stranger and his girlfriend to the room. “Hi,” I said, “What’s your name?” “Nile,” was his reply. “Oh yeh? Like Nile Rodgers?” we all said in unison. “Yeh, that’s me,” and he promptly pulled out his gold Amex card to prove it! We were jammin’ those Chic songs all night!
April 1st, LOS ANGELES: Alan and I went out shopping and bought some stage clothes. We’re just boarding the plane to Brazil. Now the fun’s going to start.
To be continued…
March 5th, PERTH: There is something strange going on. People are starting to act weird. Too much time spent at the airports, I reckon.
March 8th, MELBOURNE: I managed to blag a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, two T-shirts and a pair of sunglasses from Stussy and Massimo today, thus doubling the size of my wardrobe in an instant. The gig tonight is in “Batman Avenue”. Nice to see the Aussies have a sense of humour.
March 13th, SYDNEY: I had lunch with my aunt Terri today, and she said I look just like my dad did when she left England to emigrate. Now, I don’t know what my dad got up to in Dagenham in the Fifties, but he would have to go some way to look like THIS…
March 16th, HONG KONG: Read all about it! Martin Gore drinks too much peach schnapps and has conversation with broom! I swear it happened. Just ask Alan.
March 18th, MANILA: The traffic here is worse than Mexico City and the Blackwall Tunnel put together. On the way to the show, Fletch, Martin and I were told that we had a police motorcycle escort, but I don’t think that anybody actually told him that he was a police motorcycle escort, and he promptly disappeared into the night. I finally had to resort to lying down in front of an Austin Seven, so its driver would stop and let us drive on the pavement. Still, we got to the gig just in time to see Kessler chasing the promoter out of the building, clutching a pair of scissors. The promoter’s crime? He put up posters around the gig advertising “Smoky Joes Crisps”, against our wishes. The scissors? To cut down the posters of course!
March 19th, MANILA: Just when I thought that things could not get any weirder, that we were at a point when nothing would seem odd, then this. Fletcher will not be completing the tour after Hawaii, and the other three want me to stand in for him (?!?). Time for a stiff drink, methinks.
March 20th, MANILA: I had lunch with Fletch today and I feel much better. Reality has sunk in a bit, and Fletch has told me he’s glad it’s me and not “any old session guy”. Phew! That’s the hard part out of the way, I’ve just got to learn to play keyboards now…
March 21st, TRAVEL: Bangkok was cancelled, so we fly to Hawaii early. We leave the Philippines, fly overnight and arrive in Hawaii before we took off. Probably.
March 21st, HONOLULU: Finally get to Hawaii after a lifetime of trying. Alison arrives soon and there’s a couple of things I have to remember… It’s her birthday on Friday so get her a present… and… Oh yeh, learn to play keyboards.
March 22nd, HONOLULU: Wob and Tom (super-techs) drop off the equipment to my room, and now it’s starting to feel real. Me and Alan sort of did a run through.
March 23rd, HONOLULU: Everyone’s gone to the beach today. I can’t go, I’ve got to rehearse, I’m pretending to smile, but I really don’t want to.
March 24th, HONOLULU: Apparently, I jumped out of bed in the middle of the night and viciously assaulted a pile of clothes. Oh dear…
March 25th, HONOLULU: Apparently, I did a complete run-through of the set in my sleep last night. I gave Alison her watch and sang “Happy Birthday”, so I was able to forget about “it” for a full fifteen seconds. Tried to go down to the beach with the others but couldn’t stand the jovial moods they were all in. You know, being on a beach in Hawaii. The Band are doing a show tonight, so I’ll be playing along with them, behind the curtain, to get the “feel”. The audience won’t hear it, thank God.
March 26th, HONOLULU: It went okay last night, but the strain is killing me. After pulling my hair out all week, I’ve now started punching myself in the head. Stress presents itself in funny ways.
March 27th, HONOLULU: The backstage run-through was better last night. The crew are being very encouraging. Anzac (Monitor Engineer) has told me that I CAN do it, so maybe I just might be able to pull this thing off.
March 30th, HONOLULU: Alan and I have finished rehearsals and things have worked out okay, apart from the fact that I have no hair left and a very sore head.
March 31st, LOS ANGELES: We flew in from Hawaii today, had a Japanese meal and then decided to go to Martin’s room for a drink. As we got out of the lift, Martin invited a stranger and his girlfriend to the room. “Hi,” I said, “What’s your name?” “Nile,” was his reply. “Oh yeh? Like Nile Rodgers?” we all said in unison. “Yeh, that’s me,” and he promptly pulled out his gold Amex card to prove it! We were jammin’ those Chic songs all night!
April 1st, LOS ANGELES: Alan and I went out shopping and bought some stage clothes. We’re just boarding the plane to Brazil. Now the fun’s going to start.
To be continued…
ASK DANIEL
[From Bong 24, March 1995.]
What inspired you to sign Depeche Mode?
The songs, the arrangements, the presentation of the songs. I felt they were the first pop group to really use synthesizers as their first instrument.
In your opinion, do you believe that Depeche Mode will go down in history as one of the best techno-pop bands?
Yes.
What was your background experience in the music business before you established Mute?
None.
Why and how did you choose the name Mute Records?
I had a long list of names for the label one of which was Mute. I had to make a quick decision in order to get the labels printed for the first 7” and just picked that one out.
What (or who) made you want to start up a record company?
Me. I wanted to put out a single that I had made.
Which city, in your opinion, currently has the best music scene?
Berlin.
What goals have you set for the future?
My goals are the same as they have always been really, which is to put out great records and to get them to as many people as possible all around the world.
Who is / are the latest artiste(s) that has been signed to Mute and can you tell us something about them?
We probably have got more new artists now than ever because of the different labels that work within the Mute umbrella. Artists such as Rancho Diablo, Plastikman and from America two brand new bands Thirty Ought Six and Toenut. They are all very different musically ranging from experimental techno to hardcore guitar music and I think they are all very strong and original.
Do you have the power to change anything you don’t like on the recordings released by Mute?
I would never change anything on a recording by an artist without discussing it with them. Ultimately they always have the final say, although if I feel strongly about something in particular I will fight very hard to get my point across.
What other city would you like to live in apart from London?
New York, Berlin, Hong Kong.
When Depeche Mode first started, did you have any idea of how big they were going to be?
No.
If Depeche Mode were to release another album, would you like to produce it, if not, why?
I don’t think it would be a good idea as I co-produced the first five albums with the band and once “Black Celebration” was finished we all felt that it was time to get some new inspiration. Part of the creative process for a band is to work with a producer for fresh ideas.
Are you surprised by Depeche Mode’s international success?
I’m not surprised by the international success because of the quality and universality of their music and songwriting. Whereas many British bands feel that the world begins and ends with a front cover on the NME, both Depeche and Mute have always had a very internationalist point of view and the band, because of their commitment to touring around the world over the years, have managed to build up and sustain their audience.
When Vince Clarke left the band, did you think that was the end of Depeche Mode?
I didn’t think it was the end of Depeche. Vince had made a huge contribution to the early part of their career but I knew that Martin had already written a number of extremely good songs and that there was a great deal of determination in the band to succeed.
Do you ever get to see Depeche Mode perform when they are touring?
I try to get to see them as often as I can.
Why do you think DM are still treated badly by the press even though they are one of the biggest bands in Britain now?
I think Depeche Mode have been treated very badly in the press over the years. More recently they have been getting the respect they deserve but the press sells because they slag off bands not because they are complimentary of them and that’s the nature of it, I’m afraid.
Name three bands who you would love to have signed to Mute?
Fuse, Basic Channel & Leftfield.
What is the most exciting experience you have had with Depeche Mode?
Too many to list here.
Have you ever been worried that Depeche Mode might leave Mute and sign with another label?
Er…
What was your childhood dream and have you fulfilled it?
It was a nightmare and I’m in the middle of it now.
Can you play any instruments, if so which ones?
I used to play guitar very badly and I fiddle around with synthesizers.
Have you ever played in a band?
Played in bands at school when I played guitar and a bit of electric sax and then I toured once with a guy called Robert Rental.
What is your favourite DM album and song?
My favourite albums and songs always change depending.
If you were not the boss of Mute Records, what do you think you’d be doing now?
Mini-cabbing.
What is your all-time favourite record?
Constantly changing but would include “Radioactivity” & “Autobahn” by Kraftwerk, quite a lot of early Kinks stuff especially tracks like “Days” and “Waterloo Sunset”. More recently of course a lot of things on Mute although I get so involved in the making and selling of Mute records it takes a while to be able to listen to them again and appreciate them fully. Obviously, there are a lot of others that I can’t think of right now.
What is your favourite country (visited)?
They have all got their good points.
What was the first and last record you bought?
My first record bought was “Hiawatha” by Tony Steele. Last record I bought was “Pure Phase” by Spiritualized Electric Mainline.
What is the worst part of your job?
Anything to do with legal work.
What advice would you give to a band that is just starting out?
Be clear about what you want to do. Don’t be fooled by the music industry, work extremely hard and don’t compromise (too much!!).
What football team do you support?
Chelsea.
If you became Prime Minister, what would be the first thing you would change?
I would like to change a lot of things including: abolishing all forms of censorship, re-nationalising the public utilities and using the profits to pay for a better health service and education, heavily tax the huge profits that tobacco companies make in order to pay for the physical damage they cause to people, and there are loads more things of that nature but I don’t want to bore you too much…
Have you ever written a song?
I’ve written a couple of songs which were released on the first Mute single under the name The Normal they were “Warm Leatherette” and “T.V.O.D.”. I also wrote some material in collaboration with Bruce Gilbert and Graeme Lewis of Wire under the name Duet Emmo.
What concerts have you been to recently?
Last concert I went to was Moby at the London Astoria 2, which was brilliant by the way, why weren’t you there?
What are your hobbies?
Photography, electronic music, skiing and walking in the mountains.
Thanks to Ami Jarvie, Julia Ruette, Carol Miller, Christopher Hunt, Robert Broj Krzysztof Baranowski, Helen Cole and others who sent in the questions for Daniel Miller.
[From Bong 24, March 1995.]
What inspired you to sign Depeche Mode?
The songs, the arrangements, the presentation of the songs. I felt they were the first pop group to really use synthesizers as their first instrument.
In your opinion, do you believe that Depeche Mode will go down in history as one of the best techno-pop bands?
Yes.
What was your background experience in the music business before you established Mute?
None.
Why and how did you choose the name Mute Records?
I had a long list of names for the label one of which was Mute. I had to make a quick decision in order to get the labels printed for the first 7” and just picked that one out.
What (or who) made you want to start up a record company?
Me. I wanted to put out a single that I had made.
Which city, in your opinion, currently has the best music scene?
Berlin.
What goals have you set for the future?
My goals are the same as they have always been really, which is to put out great records and to get them to as many people as possible all around the world.
Who is / are the latest artiste(s) that has been signed to Mute and can you tell us something about them?
We probably have got more new artists now than ever because of the different labels that work within the Mute umbrella. Artists such as Rancho Diablo, Plastikman and from America two brand new bands Thirty Ought Six and Toenut. They are all very different musically ranging from experimental techno to hardcore guitar music and I think they are all very strong and original.
Do you have the power to change anything you don’t like on the recordings released by Mute?
I would never change anything on a recording by an artist without discussing it with them. Ultimately they always have the final say, although if I feel strongly about something in particular I will fight very hard to get my point across.
What other city would you like to live in apart from London?
New York, Berlin, Hong Kong.
When Depeche Mode first started, did you have any idea of how big they were going to be?
No.
If Depeche Mode were to release another album, would you like to produce it, if not, why?
I don’t think it would be a good idea as I co-produced the first five albums with the band and once “Black Celebration” was finished we all felt that it was time to get some new inspiration. Part of the creative process for a band is to work with a producer for fresh ideas.
Are you surprised by Depeche Mode’s international success?
I’m not surprised by the international success because of the quality and universality of their music and songwriting. Whereas many British bands feel that the world begins and ends with a front cover on the NME, both Depeche and Mute have always had a very internationalist point of view and the band, because of their commitment to touring around the world over the years, have managed to build up and sustain their audience.
When Vince Clarke left the band, did you think that was the end of Depeche Mode?
I didn’t think it was the end of Depeche. Vince had made a huge contribution to the early part of their career but I knew that Martin had already written a number of extremely good songs and that there was a great deal of determination in the band to succeed.
Do you ever get to see Depeche Mode perform when they are touring?
I try to get to see them as often as I can.
Why do you think DM are still treated badly by the press even though they are one of the biggest bands in Britain now?
I think Depeche Mode have been treated very badly in the press over the years. More recently they have been getting the respect they deserve but the press sells because they slag off bands not because they are complimentary of them and that’s the nature of it, I’m afraid.
Name three bands who you would love to have signed to Mute?
Fuse, Basic Channel & Leftfield.
What is the most exciting experience you have had with Depeche Mode?
Too many to list here.
Have you ever been worried that Depeche Mode might leave Mute and sign with another label?
Er…
What was your childhood dream and have you fulfilled it?
It was a nightmare and I’m in the middle of it now.
Can you play any instruments, if so which ones?
I used to play guitar very badly and I fiddle around with synthesizers.
Have you ever played in a band?
Played in bands at school when I played guitar and a bit of electric sax and then I toured once with a guy called Robert Rental.
What is your favourite DM album and song?
My favourite albums and songs always change depending.
If you were not the boss of Mute Records, what do you think you’d be doing now?
Mini-cabbing.
What is your all-time favourite record?
Constantly changing but would include “Radioactivity” & “Autobahn” by Kraftwerk, quite a lot of early Kinks stuff especially tracks like “Days” and “Waterloo Sunset”. More recently of course a lot of things on Mute although I get so involved in the making and selling of Mute records it takes a while to be able to listen to them again and appreciate them fully. Obviously, there are a lot of others that I can’t think of right now.
What is your favourite country (visited)?
They have all got their good points.
What was the first and last record you bought?
My first record bought was “Hiawatha” by Tony Steele. Last record I bought was “Pure Phase” by Spiritualized Electric Mainline.
What is the worst part of your job?
Anything to do with legal work.
What advice would you give to a band that is just starting out?
Be clear about what you want to do. Don’t be fooled by the music industry, work extremely hard and don’t compromise (too much!!).
What football team do you support?
Chelsea.
If you became Prime Minister, what would be the first thing you would change?
I would like to change a lot of things including: abolishing all forms of censorship, re-nationalising the public utilities and using the profits to pay for a better health service and education, heavily tax the huge profits that tobacco companies make in order to pay for the physical damage they cause to people, and there are loads more things of that nature but I don’t want to bore you too much…
Have you ever written a song?
I’ve written a couple of songs which were released on the first Mute single under the name The Normal they were “Warm Leatherette” and “T.V.O.D.”. I also wrote some material in collaboration with Bruce Gilbert and Graeme Lewis of Wire under the name Duet Emmo.
What concerts have you been to recently?
Last concert I went to was Moby at the London Astoria 2, which was brilliant by the way, why weren’t you there?
What are your hobbies?
Photography, electronic music, skiing and walking in the mountains.
Thanks to Ami Jarvie, Julia Ruette, Carol Miller, Christopher Hunt, Robert Broj Krzysztof Baranowski, Helen Cole and others who sent in the questions for Daniel Miller.
IN OUR EYES
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Various contributors.]
This page is here to inform you about the activities of the fan clubs that exist all around the world and work locally for Depeche Mode fans in that particular area or country. It is open to every fan club who wants to share some of their experiences during their conventions or parties. We would also welcome any photographs to go with your stories. All contributions should be sent to the usual Bong address.
Please note, the official DM Fan Club BONG is not associated with the activities expressed below, doesn’t take part in the events and therefore takes no responsibility.
The 8th Party For The Masses, Germany
Depeche Mode are being missed by lots of fans and what better way to get over it than to organize a “Black Celebration”.
On January 28th 1995, the doors of the Hamburg’s Markthalle finally opened for the 8th Party For The Masses. More than a thousand fans were waiting impatiently to get in. Our DJ Kirk played a good selection of the old and new songs which were mostly requested by us, the fans. The live acts that played during the night were quite enjoyable but of course not as good as Depeche Mode… The programme was similar to the one last year, including “Dave dancing” etc. The most important thing: DM fans, DM fans and more DM fans who were celebrating their favourite music.
The next “Black Celebration” is going to be held in May at the Markthalle, Hamburg and I hope that everyone will show up again.
Monica Lepping
Dusseldorf, Germany
workHard, Spain
Our last DM event so far was The Devotional Party held on Saturday 4th March 1995 at the Distrito 10 Club, one of the best-known night-spots in town. Everything had been carefully arranged for the occasion. We did promotion on radio stations (i.e. commercials and interviews) and put posters in pubs and in the streets, not only in the Valencia area but also in Madrid and Barcelona.
Inside the club, DM hand-painted artwork was used to dress the club’s empty walls and create the right atmosphere. Doors opened at 6:15pm and Nitzer Ebb’s “Hearts And Minds” welcomed the devotees. Fifteen minutes later the show began with a live performance by Dream Division (formerly Odysea) who, apart from their own songs, played “Big Muff” and an instrumental version of “Higher Love”. Both were highly praised by the audience.
The DM session started with the “Rush” intro that the band used on their 1994 tour in the USA. This was followed by the original version of the song. The play-list was made of some 50 songs among which there were tracks such as “See You”, “But Not Tonight”, “Condemnation” and “I Want You Now” (these two last songs were taken from the live recording of the USA ’94 Tour). The crowd seemed pretty cold at the beginning but after a while they let themselves go by the music and everybody went wild singing and dancing. The DJ turned the volume down several times to allow the 450-people crowd to sing along with their idols.
Some of the songs were played on video on the large screen situated onstage. The fans had a chance to see excerpts from the “Live In Hamburg” video as well as the “Devotional” video, some TV performances, the “Strangelove” video (USA) and more.
People were delighted which made us proud of our work and happy when the fans kept telling us what a wonderful time they were having. The party at the clubs ran until 10pm but the fan club staff and all the fans who wanted to join us went for dinner and late-night drinks together.
Afterwards, we went to a pub called Tan Tam and there we spent hours talking, drinking, playing billiards and, of course, listening to more Depeche Mode.
This way, we would like to thank all the fans for attending, including the fan club from Barcelona. We must also thank BONG for giving us a hand and providing us with the DM give-aways for the fans.
The next DM convention is being planned for June ’95. If you want to join us for a “Black Celebration”, please do not hesitate to contact us. (See the “Satellite” page.)
Marisol Diaz, Valencia, Spain with thanks to
Oscar Sanchez, Barcelona, Spain
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Various contributors.]
This page is here to inform you about the activities of the fan clubs that exist all around the world and work locally for Depeche Mode fans in that particular area or country. It is open to every fan club who wants to share some of their experiences during their conventions or parties. We would also welcome any photographs to go with your stories. All contributions should be sent to the usual Bong address.
Please note, the official DM Fan Club BONG is not associated with the activities expressed below, doesn’t take part in the events and therefore takes no responsibility.
The 8th Party For The Masses, Germany
Depeche Mode are being missed by lots of fans and what better way to get over it than to organize a “Black Celebration”.
On January 28th 1995, the doors of the Hamburg’s Markthalle finally opened for the 8th Party For The Masses. More than a thousand fans were waiting impatiently to get in. Our DJ Kirk played a good selection of the old and new songs which were mostly requested by us, the fans. The live acts that played during the night were quite enjoyable but of course not as good as Depeche Mode… The programme was similar to the one last year, including “Dave dancing” etc. The most important thing: DM fans, DM fans and more DM fans who were celebrating their favourite music.
The next “Black Celebration” is going to be held in May at the Markthalle, Hamburg and I hope that everyone will show up again.
Monica Lepping
Dusseldorf, Germany
workHard, Spain
Our last DM event so far was The Devotional Party held on Saturday 4th March 1995 at the Distrito 10 Club, one of the best-known night-spots in town. Everything had been carefully arranged for the occasion. We did promotion on radio stations (i.e. commercials and interviews) and put posters in pubs and in the streets, not only in the Valencia area but also in Madrid and Barcelona.
Inside the club, DM hand-painted artwork was used to dress the club’s empty walls and create the right atmosphere. Doors opened at 6:15pm and Nitzer Ebb’s “Hearts And Minds” welcomed the devotees. Fifteen minutes later the show began with a live performance by Dream Division (formerly Odysea) who, apart from their own songs, played “Big Muff” and an instrumental version of “Higher Love”. Both were highly praised by the audience.
The DM session started with the “Rush” intro that the band used on their 1994 tour in the USA. This was followed by the original version of the song. The play-list was made of some 50 songs among which there were tracks such as “See You”, “But Not Tonight”, “Condemnation” and “I Want You Now” (these two last songs were taken from the live recording of the USA ’94 Tour). The crowd seemed pretty cold at the beginning but after a while they let themselves go by the music and everybody went wild singing and dancing. The DJ turned the volume down several times to allow the 450-people crowd to sing along with their idols.
Some of the songs were played on video on the large screen situated onstage. The fans had a chance to see excerpts from the “Live In Hamburg” video as well as the “Devotional” video, some TV performances, the “Strangelove” video (USA) and more.
People were delighted which made us proud of our work and happy when the fans kept telling us what a wonderful time they were having. The party at the clubs ran until 10pm but the fan club staff and all the fans who wanted to join us went for dinner and late-night drinks together.
Afterwards, we went to a pub called Tan Tam and there we spent hours talking, drinking, playing billiards and, of course, listening to more Depeche Mode.
This way, we would like to thank all the fans for attending, including the fan club from Barcelona. We must also thank BONG for giving us a hand and providing us with the DM give-aways for the fans.
The next DM convention is being planned for June ’95. If you want to join us for a “Black Celebration”, please do not hesitate to contact us. (See the “Satellite” page.)
Marisol Diaz, Valencia, Spain with thanks to
Oscar Sanchez, Barcelona, Spain
ARCHIVES
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Daryl Bamonte.]
Dear Bong Members,
There appears to be confusion over the titles of some of the songs that the band performed very early on in their career. In Bong 23, it is said that the song “Ghost Of Modern Times” was in fact “Tomorrow’s Dance”. This information is wrong. I apologise for the confusion. This mistake occurred due to the fact that the band have never performed a song called “Ghost Of Modern Times”. We received two letters on the subject. The first was from Roman Munch and Volker Hebenstrick from Bonn, Germany. They pointed out that the songs were not the same. They produced a tape as evidence. Thank you Gentlemen.
The second letter (and tape also) was from Oscar Sanchez from Barcelona, Spain. Oscar reprimands us for our mistake and says, “The official fan-club never should make ‘easy to avoid mistakes’." Sorry, we are almost human.
Oscar’s letter also states that his cassette contains a version of “Tomorrow’s Dance” recorded at The Bridgehouse on 30/10/1988 – it was actually 8 years earlier. Both letters state that their enclosed cassettes contain a version of “Ghost Of Modern Times”. As I said earlier, there was no such title. I listened to the tapes and double-checked with Martin. The song that the three guys are referring to was actually called “Addiction”, and as far as I could remember it was only performed once, at Southend Technical College (as mentioned in Martin’s letter) but Martin recalls that they also performed it at a night-club called “Flicks” in Dartford, Kent, and remembers being excited at performing it as it was a new song. As far as we can recall, at the part of the song that sounds like “Ghost Of Modern Time”, Dave is actually singing “Closer all the time”. We also believe that the Yazoo song “Don’t Go” was loosely based on “Addiction”.
Oscar also mentions four other songs from what he calls “The Bridgehouse era” – “The Price Of Love”, “I Like It”, “The Reason Man” and “Television Set”. He rightly points that the first two were covers of songs by The Everly Brothers and Gerry And The Pacemakers, respectively, but did not know the origins of the other two. “The Price Of Love” was always a popular encore during “The Bridgehouse era”, but “I Like It” came later, also performed as an encore but on the “See You” Tour in February / March 1982. The band did play The Bridgehouse during this tour, on Saturday February 27th 1982, but this was a secret gig, arranged as a thank you to Bridgehouse owner Terry Murphy for helping the band along, [1] earlier on in their career, and so doesn’t count as “The Bridgehouse Era”, which I suppose is anything before the release of “New Life”.
“The Reason Man” was one of Vince Clarke’s early compositions, but I don’t think it was ever performed after 1980 and was never officially recorded. “Television Set” was a very popular Mode song that was actually written by a friend of Vince’s. This survived in the live set, I believe, even as far as the “Speak And Spell” UK Tour in October / November 1981. This song was also never officially recorded (see letters page of Bong 15). [2]
I’d like to thank Roman, Volker and Oscar for their letters and tapes and hope that we’ve now cleared up a few points. If anyone else has any questions about early (or late) Mode stuff, I’ll be glad to help where I can. Also, I’d like to hear from any Bong members who have tapes, set-lists or information regarding early or obscure gigs, as my memory is not what it used to be…
Thanks in advance,
Daryl.
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Daryl Bamonte.]
Dear Bong Members,
There appears to be confusion over the titles of some of the songs that the band performed very early on in their career. In Bong 23, it is said that the song “Ghost Of Modern Times” was in fact “Tomorrow’s Dance”. This information is wrong. I apologise for the confusion. This mistake occurred due to the fact that the band have never performed a song called “Ghost Of Modern Times”. We received two letters on the subject. The first was from Roman Munch and Volker Hebenstrick from Bonn, Germany. They pointed out that the songs were not the same. They produced a tape as evidence. Thank you Gentlemen.
The second letter (and tape also) was from Oscar Sanchez from Barcelona, Spain. Oscar reprimands us for our mistake and says, “The official fan-club never should make ‘easy to avoid mistakes’." Sorry, we are almost human.
Oscar’s letter also states that his cassette contains a version of “Tomorrow’s Dance” recorded at The Bridgehouse on 30/10/1988 – it was actually 8 years earlier. Both letters state that their enclosed cassettes contain a version of “Ghost Of Modern Times”. As I said earlier, there was no such title. I listened to the tapes and double-checked with Martin. The song that the three guys are referring to was actually called “Addiction”, and as far as I could remember it was only performed once, at Southend Technical College (as mentioned in Martin’s letter) but Martin recalls that they also performed it at a night-club called “Flicks” in Dartford, Kent, and remembers being excited at performing it as it was a new song. As far as we can recall, at the part of the song that sounds like “Ghost Of Modern Time”, Dave is actually singing “Closer all the time”. We also believe that the Yazoo song “Don’t Go” was loosely based on “Addiction”.
Oscar also mentions four other songs from what he calls “The Bridgehouse era” – “The Price Of Love”, “I Like It”, “The Reason Man” and “Television Set”. He rightly points that the first two were covers of songs by The Everly Brothers and Gerry And The Pacemakers, respectively, but did not know the origins of the other two. “The Price Of Love” was always a popular encore during “The Bridgehouse era”, but “I Like It” came later, also performed as an encore but on the “See You” Tour in February / March 1982. The band did play The Bridgehouse during this tour, on Saturday February 27th 1982, but this was a secret gig, arranged as a thank you to Bridgehouse owner Terry Murphy for helping the band along, [1] earlier on in their career, and so doesn’t count as “The Bridgehouse Era”, which I suppose is anything before the release of “New Life”.
“The Reason Man” was one of Vince Clarke’s early compositions, but I don’t think it was ever performed after 1980 and was never officially recorded. “Television Set” was a very popular Mode song that was actually written by a friend of Vince’s. This survived in the live set, I believe, even as far as the “Speak And Spell” UK Tour in October / November 1981. This song was also never officially recorded (see letters page of Bong 15). [2]
I’d like to thank Roman, Volker and Oscar for their letters and tapes and hope that we’ve now cleared up a few points. If anyone else has any questions about early (or late) Mode stuff, I’ll be glad to help where I can. Also, I’d like to hear from any Bong members who have tapes, set-lists or information regarding early or obscure gigs, as my memory is not what it used to be…
Thanks in advance,
Daryl.
I MET THAT BLOKE FROM DEPECHE MODE ONCE
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Paul Lewis.]
If you met Depeche Mode or one of the band members and would like to share your experiences with the other fans, this is your chance. We are giving you an opportunity to tell us when and where you met the Modes and under what circumstances. You can send us full stories or simple details, whatever you prefer. We would also appreciate any photographs you have that we could print as it always makes the page more interesting and will prove to everyone that you were really there! Please, be assured that we will take good care of your photos and return them to you on your request.
Today’s story should give you a rough idea of what this page is going to be about. So, get your memories together and send us your letters and photographs to our usual address and please, don’t forget to mark everything with your name and address. We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Although I can’t claim to have been a Mode fan from day one, I do consider myself to be a very long standing fan. I first remember Mode, as most honest people do, for “New Life”. I always liked the early stuff but never really got into it in a big way but do remember playing “Just Can’t Get Enough” repeatedly from a double album called “Chart Hits 81”.
Then came “See You” and “The Meaning Of Love” both of which taped from the chart show and played to death. “Leave In Silence” finally sold me but still I didn’t go out and buy it – another of life’s little mysteries! Mode were however well and truly under my skin by then.
June 83 - before meeting someone near the Bristol Colston Hall I decided to pop in and see who was playing soon. Of course it had to be Mode and that as it – I was now the proud owner of two tickets. Next step was off to the local Virgin and I bought (on its first week of release as it happens) “Construction Time Again”. What an album! I was sold hook line and sinker! The following Saturday saw me back in town buying the other two albums and every 12” I could get my hands on. By the time the gig came I knew every word to every song inside out and backwards, but what would they be like live? [1]
The very next day saw me on the phone booking tickets for two of the Hammersmith shows and booking time off work to go to London. I decided that after booking in at a cheap hotel to check out the venue and see if there were any other fans around and if in my wildest dreams there was the chance of seeing the band arrive for the sound check. Luckily, there were about six or seven people waiting for the band and they all seemed confident that we would see the band – I wasn’t convinced! Sure enough though, it wasn’t long before Dave pulled up in a black cab shortly followed by Alan who had just come on the tube. Martin and Andy weren’t far behind and there was I chatting to my new heroes and getting all my things signed – I was in shock! Those gigs were great!
When “Some Great Reward” was released, so were the tour dates and seven dates being booked again. I got together with some other fans to go to the gigs together. It was a good laugh though as the security was beginning to tighten up so we all had to hide under the crew’s trucks and pounce on the band when they were least expecting it! Fletch’s face was a picture when we all appeared from underneath this truck in pitch darkness all but for the camera flashes popping away.
You can imagine we all had a good time. A lot of the friends I made then and all throughout that tour stayed in touch for years – some even up to today.
Paul Lewis
Avon, England
[From Bong 24, March 1995. Words: Paul Lewis.]
If you met Depeche Mode or one of the band members and would like to share your experiences with the other fans, this is your chance. We are giving you an opportunity to tell us when and where you met the Modes and under what circumstances. You can send us full stories or simple details, whatever you prefer. We would also appreciate any photographs you have that we could print as it always makes the page more interesting and will prove to everyone that you were really there! Please, be assured that we will take good care of your photos and return them to you on your request.
Today’s story should give you a rough idea of what this page is going to be about. So, get your memories together and send us your letters and photographs to our usual address and please, don’t forget to mark everything with your name and address. We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Although I can’t claim to have been a Mode fan from day one, I do consider myself to be a very long standing fan. I first remember Mode, as most honest people do, for “New Life”. I always liked the early stuff but never really got into it in a big way but do remember playing “Just Can’t Get Enough” repeatedly from a double album called “Chart Hits 81”.
Then came “See You” and “The Meaning Of Love” both of which taped from the chart show and played to death. “Leave In Silence” finally sold me but still I didn’t go out and buy it – another of life’s little mysteries! Mode were however well and truly under my skin by then.
June 83 - before meeting someone near the Bristol Colston Hall I decided to pop in and see who was playing soon. Of course it had to be Mode and that as it – I was now the proud owner of two tickets. Next step was off to the local Virgin and I bought (on its first week of release as it happens) “Construction Time Again”. What an album! I was sold hook line and sinker! The following Saturday saw me back in town buying the other two albums and every 12” I could get my hands on. By the time the gig came I knew every word to every song inside out and backwards, but what would they be like live? [1]
The very next day saw me on the phone booking tickets for two of the Hammersmith shows and booking time off work to go to London. I decided that after booking in at a cheap hotel to check out the venue and see if there were any other fans around and if in my wildest dreams there was the chance of seeing the band arrive for the sound check. Luckily, there were about six or seven people waiting for the band and they all seemed confident that we would see the band – I wasn’t convinced! Sure enough though, it wasn’t long before Dave pulled up in a black cab shortly followed by Alan who had just come on the tube. Martin and Andy weren’t far behind and there was I chatting to my new heroes and getting all my things signed – I was in shock! Those gigs were great!
When “Some Great Reward” was released, so were the tour dates and seven dates being booked again. I got together with some other fans to go to the gigs together. It was a good laugh though as the security was beginning to tighten up so we all had to hide under the crew’s trucks and pounce on the band when they were least expecting it! Fletch’s face was a picture when we all appeared from underneath this truck in pitch darkness all but for the camera flashes popping away.
You can imagine we all had a good time. A lot of the friends I made then and all throughout that tour stayed in touch for years – some even up to today.
Paul Lewis
Avon, England