Fans of Depeche Mode awaiting a swift return to new music may need to temper their expectations. In a recent exchange with NME, frontman Dave Gahan made it clear that there are no immediate plans for the band to embark on a new project following the release of Memento Mori in 2023.
“Martin and I have talked” Gahan acknowledged, referring to his long-time collaborator, Martin Gore. “We actually saw each other recently, and it was really nice. We spent some time in Italy where Anton Cobijn and his wife were renewing their wedding vows in a really nice spot just outside of Rome. We had a really nice time without any work or show pressure
Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Gahan could not entirely sidestep professional matters.
“I did ask Martin if he had been writing,” Gahan continued, with a wry smile, “and he said, ‘Nah!’ That’s normal – especially when you’ve worked intensely for a couple of years. It takes a while. Wait and see. I wouldn’t rule out us getting together at some point, but it’s not on the cards at this point
While the creative engine of Depeche Mode may be in neutral for the time being, Gahan remains far from idle. On December 5, he will take to the stage at a tribute concert in London for the late Mark Lanegan, former frontman of Screaming Trees, who passed away in 2022.
“For me, he’s right up there as a 20th and 21st Century voice and writer” Gahan said of the legendary figure. “We talk about the Nick Caves and Johnny Cashes of this world in terms of what a voice can do. There are few of them, but Mark is at the top of that list”
Gahan also shared his admiration for Lanegan, recalling the time they spent together on tour in 2009.
“His music changed the way I think about music, songs, songwriting and the use of your voice as an instrument to create this amazing cinematic story. Even if you’re not interested in what he was saying in any particular phrase, there was just something about the way he opened his mouth. I was completely engaged”.
