Depeche Mode are in the studio — seeking solace at work. After founding member Andrew Fletcher died unexpectedly on May 26, 2022 at the age of 60, the question arose as to whether and how the legendary band would continue. On August 15, 2022, the band announced on their social media that things would continue — and probably with (long-awaited) new music. A photo has been released on the official Depeche Mode account showing Dave Gahan and Martin Gore working in the recording studio. Behind them is a computer and a wall of modular synthesizers. “Finding stability in what we know and love and focusing on what gives life meaning and purpose,” the caption reads.
Fans of the synth-pop pioneers react enthusiastically to the studio snippet. “It’s so nice to see you together during this difficult time,” writes a follower of the group. “I can imagine how difficult it was for both of you to adjust without Fletch as a friend and bandmate. It is heartwarming to see you return to music. Fletcher would have wanted it that way,” commented another person.
All information about the new album
This means that fans’ hopes for an early follow-up to the last Depeche Mode album “Spirit” (released in 2017) could well be fulfilled. So far, the band has kept a low profile regarding a release, there is no official release date (or even the announcement of a new record). There has been speculation about an imminent release for several years: in 2020, the Slovakian fan site “depechemode.sk”, citing insider circles, reported that the band was already hard at work – in two teams. Gore worked alone in his home studio while Dave Gahan worked on songs together with drummer Christian Eigner and songwriter Peter Gordeno. At that time, 2021 was mentioned as a realistic release date.
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