Depeche Mode
Basildon's synth-pop exports spent the mid-1980s shedding whatever "industrial pop" tag they'd started with, and by Black Celebration in 1986 had built something darker and more atmospheric that would shape darkwave's aesthetic for a decade after. Martin Gore's songwriting turned increasingly pessimistic; the band's June 1988 concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl drew 60,453 people, the venue's highest attendance in eight years, proof that electronic music built on melancholy could fill stadiums without losing its underground credibility.
The full story is in Darkwave and Synth Goth.
At a glance
- Active
- 1980–present
- From
- Basildon, England
- Records in the issues
- 2 (1986–1990), 1 of them a Start here pick
- Original label
- Mute
- Listening guide track
- “The Darkest Star”
Listen
In the Darkwave and Synth Goth listening guide: “The Darkest Star”
In the issues
- Darkwave and Synth GothPrincipal · 1979-1995 · Members
Darkwave and Synth Goth is a genre from Europe (particularly Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France) and United States, 1979–1995. Its principal artists include Clan of Xymox, Depeche Mode and The Frozen Autumn. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 18 dated events.
Records
Family tree
Bands that shared members with Depeche Mode, and who.
- VCMG2011–Martin L. Gore, Vince Clarke