Oct 16 2020

Inductee Insights

Depeche
Mode

Depeche Mode has explored new realms of postpunk, electronic textures, and futuristic industrial sounds, paving the way for the genre we now call ‘synth pop.’ Hear more about the band's sonic history in our Inductee Insights series, powered by PNC Bank. 

Inductee Insights: Depeche Mode

Hear the story

Inductee Insights: Depeche Mode

Hear the story

Inside the Episode

Depeche Mode burst from the U.K. town of Basildon in 1981 with a New Romantic synth-blast. Remaining on the cutting edge for over three decades, Depeche Mode has explored new realms of postpunk, electronic textures, and futuristic industrial sounds, paving the way for the genre we now call ‘synth pop.’

On their first album, Speak & Spell, tunesmith Vince Clarke brought his sense of pop classicism to the dance floor in hits like “Just Can’t Get Enough” and “Dreaming Of Me.”

After the album’s release, Clarke left the band, leaving Depeche Mode without a lead songwriter. Martin Gore stepped up to become one of his generation’s most influential songwriters, with his own black-leather blend of existential despair, political bite and sly wit. Dave Gahan’s strong vocals and charisma complemented their new sound.

Depeche Mode built a diehard cult

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Depeche Mode built a diehard cult, becoming one of the essential goth/industrial bands to cross over into the mainstream. Groundbreaking hits like “Never Let Me Down Again” could be heard on both alternative college rock radio and on a major outlet stations.

 

Depeche Mode’s electro reboot of “Route 66” showed off their wry take on R&B, while the albums Black Celebration and Music for the Masses led to their 1990 masterwork – Violator. The album blended ominous synths with rock guitar for classics like “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy The Silence.”

After Violator, their newfound flair for the blues exploded in the goth-grunge swamp gospel of 1993’s Songs of Faith and Devotion. Their inventive spirit has stayed with them on recent global hits like Delta Machine and Spirit.

Known for their dark, industrial love songs for the modern era, Depeche Mode have earned a massive following by pushing sonic and lyrical boundaries with new synthesizer technology and captivating live performances. They continue to evolve, remaining a legendarily fearsome live act across the planet, with one foot in the underground and the other in the club – but always with an eye on the future.

This Is Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode