Depeche Mode: what is the true origin of the group’s name?

If we look at the names of some of the classic bands we hear every day in LOS40 ClassicMany of them are relatively easy to understand. MacFleetwood composed of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, Bon Jovi is the surname of their leader or ABBA It was composed of the initials of its members.

But let’s look at a British group that has just released a new single and announced an album to be released on March 24. Where does the name Depeche Mode come from? Although their name derives from modern French, there has been much controversy surrounding how the band got their name.

Trained in Basildon, Essexin 1980 by founding members Vincent Clarke and Andy Fletcherthe innovative techno-pop group born under the influence of The treatment quickly became one of the staples of the mew wave movement. However, the band did not take on its name until guitarist, keyboardist and songwriter Martin Gore joined in the spring of 1980.

Before Gore joined what would become Depeche Mode, the musician was part of a musical group called The French Look. Following the introduction of Dave Gahan to the group, the ensemble was fully formed and began playing small venues in May 1980.

It was Gahanel who came up with the idea of ​​naming the new line-up after a French magazine, modo Dépêche, taking inspiration from his progressive sound influenced by French fashion. It took the name leafing through a French fashion magazine named after. Explaining the choice of name, Martin Gore would state in 1985, “means the hasty or expeditious way of fashion. I like the sound of that.”

“The more we advanced in the world of pop, the more it changed. It was like a before and after ad. Before he was calm, introverted, conscientious. He was a hippie with long hair like everyone else. Then I realized that I could do something that others might like,” the musician continued.

Depeche Mode helped create what would become the sound of the 1980s: new wave pop with depressing lyrics about guilt and grief, but extremely danceable because of all the keyboards and drum machines. Over time, the sound of Depeche Mode moved away from synth sounds like I can’t get enough y people are peopleand the British band helped usher in ’90s alternative rock through enjoy the silence oh personal jesus.