Depeche Mode — 1980s Music, Albums & Concerts
Depeche Mode evolved from playful Basildon synth-pop to one of the most important electronic acts in history.
Origin: Basildon, England · Years active: 1980–present
Biography
Few bands have arcs as dramatic as Depeche Mode's across the 1980s — from the chirpy synth-pop of Speak & Spell (1981) to the sinister stadium electronics of Music for the Masses (1987) and the gospel-tinged darkness of 'Personal Jesus' (1989). They turned synth-pop into a serious global force.
After Vince Clarke left following the debut album, Martin Gore took over songwriting. A Broken Frame (1982) and Construction Time Again (1983) introduced industrial textures and the band's preoccupation with sampled metallic sounds.
Black Celebration (1986) and Music for the Masses (1987) cemented their global stature. The 1988 'Music for the Masses' tour culminated in the legendary Rose Bowl concert in Pasadena, California, captured in the film 101.
Depeche Mode are arguably the most successful electronic band ever, and a model for every dark-pop and synth-driven act that followed.
Key 1980s albums
- Speak & Spell (1981)
- A Broken Frame (1982)
- Construction Time Again (1983)
- Some Great Reward (1984)
- Black Celebration (1986)
- Music for the Masses (1987)
Essential songs
- Just Can't Get Enough (1981)
- Everything Counts (1983)
- People Are People (1984)
- Stripped (1986)
- Personal Jesus (1989)
Genres
Upcoming concerts
No confirmed upcoming Depeche Mode concerts are listed in the Radio1980 concert database right now. Browse all upcoming 80s concerts.