After the death of keyboardist Andrew Fletcher, the band is now working on the new album “Memento Mori”. A tour is also planned.
By Dagmar Leischow
A sunny morning in Berlin. The small park opposite the Berliner Ensemble is packed. It’s not theatergoers who frolic there, but Depeche Mode fans from all over Germany. Most are dressed in black. Just like in the eighties. Because this band has a loyal following that has remained loyal to them for decades. Especially in this country. Everyone knows that: the musicians, the record company, the tour promoter. That’s why there are occasional goodies for the following. More than 200 Depeche Mode lovers were able to win one of the coveted wristbands from some radio stations or a fan website, giving them access to the press conference alongside media people from all over the world. This event is so special because Dave Gahan and Martin Goren are presenting together again for the first time at a public event after the death of their keyboardist Andrew Fletcher in May. To talk about the future of their band in the pompous hall with ornate gold ornaments and a crystal chandelier.
Depeche Mode are recording songs again
When everyone is finally seated on one of the red velvet seats, the concert organizer warns that no flash photos are allowed. The light goes out. Images from the studio are faded in – of Dave, of Martin, of their instruments. That’s basically nothing new, it’s part of a well thought-out production that finds the right setting in the theater. The band has previously posted similar snaps to the ones featured here on social media. One suspected for a while: Depeche Mode are recording songs again.
The duo confirms this when they come on stage. Dave Gahan wears a charcoal suit with a red pocket square and sunglasses. Martin Gore prefers the hipster look – cool boots with a bomber jacket. Exactly the right outfit for Berlin. The British musician knows this city well. From 1985 to 1987 he lived with his German girlfriend in West Berlin. There Depeche Mode mixed their third album “Construction Time Again” in the Hansa Studios in Kreuzberg in 1983, pieces like “Everything Counts” absorbed the sound of the walled city. The band produced the following albums “Some Great Reward” and “Black Celebration” entirely in Berlin.
Depeche Mode have always been connected to this metropolis. That’s why Dave Gahan and Martin Gore are now holding court at the Berliner Ensemble. Her counterpart is called Barbara Charone. The US-American resident in England used to work as a music journalist, today she is considered an accomplished PR specialist. She relaunched Madonna’s career and put Duffy or Mark Ronson in the limelight, she wrote a Keith Richards biography. Of course, Depeche Mode was also one of her clients. It is all the more astonishing that she does not go into depth at all when talking to the band.
At least one learns: Depeche Mode are not disbanding, on the contrary. A new album called “Memento Mori” is scheduled for release at the end of March. A tour next year is also planned. The start is on March 23 in the USA, but with only a few dates in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago. Then it goes to Europe. There will be a total of six performances in Germany, one in Frankfurt. Sometimes, says singer Dave Gahan, it’s weird going on stage. Especially in these times. Nevertheless, he knows exactly why he keeps appearing in front of an audience: “To bring joy and to celebrate being together.”
At the moment, however, the live gigs, where Depeche Mode are supported as usual by drummer Christian Eigner and keyboardist Peter Gordeno – the two sit in the auditorium and then happily pose for photos with the fans – are not yet an absolute priority. After their trip to Berlin, the musicians fly straight to New York to mix their songs. They recorded most of it in the studio at Martin Gore’s house in Santa Barbara, and also spent a few days in producer Rick Rubin’s studio. Of course, doing all of this without Andrew Fletcher felt unfamiliar. “We missed Fletch and his comments,” admits Dave Gahan. It’s not without reason that the record is now called “Memento Mori”. “The album title is a reminder that we all have to die,” explains Martin Gore. “That’s why you have to get the most out of every day.”
“Maybe we’ll do something with Andy’s favorite songs,” Dave Gahan says
After all, most of the tracks, of which a few snippets with a powerful, melodic sound in the typical Depeche Mode style were briefly recorded before the start of the press conference, were written before Andrew Fletchers died. “We started work on this project early in the pandemic, its themes were directly inspired by that time,” says Martin Gore. “After Fletch’s death, we decided to move on. Because we’re sure that’s what he would have wanted.” That really added meaning to the work. Also, will the band be somehow reminiscent of Andrew Fletcher at their concerts? “Maybe we’ll do something with Andy’s favorite songs,” Dave Gahan says. “Definitely, his energy is with us. He will certainly judge what we do.”
Depeche Mode will perform in Frankfurt on June 26, 2023. Further dates: www.depechemode.de
