1977: Vince Clarke and Andy Fletcher Form No Romance in China
Vince Clarke and Andy Fletcher formed the band No Romance in China in 1977, marking the beginning of their musical journey together.
1978: Martin Gore Forms Norman and the Worms
Martin Gore formed the acoustic duo Norman and the Worms in 1978 with his school friend Phil Burdett.
1979: Vince Clarke Joins The Plan, Martin Gore Forms Norman and the Worms
In 1979, Vince Clarke joined the Ultravox-influenced band The Plan, while Martin Gore formed the acoustic duo Norman and the Worms.
June 1980: Composition of Sound's First Concert
On June 1980, Composition of Sound, as a four-piece, performed their first live concert at Nicholas School in Basildon, England.
September 1980: Composition of Sound Becomes Depeche Mode
Composition of Sound changed their name to Depeche Mode in September 1980. The name, suggested by Dave Gahan, was taken from a French fashion magazine.
December 1980: Recording of "Dreaming of Me"
Depeche Mode recorded their first single, "Dreaming of Me," in December 1980, marking their first collaboration with Daniel Miller and Mute Records.
1980: Recording Debut with "Photographic"
Depeche Mode made their recording debut in 1980 with the song "Photographic," which was included on the Some Bizzare Album released the following year.
1980: Composition of Sound is Formed and Dave Gahan Joins
Vince Clarke and Andy Fletcher formed Composition of Sound, later joined by Martin Gore. Dave Gahan joined the band in 1980, after Clarke heard him singing at a local Scout hut jam session.
February 1981: Release of "Dreaming of Me"
Depeche Mode released "Dreaming of Me" in February 1981. The single reached number 57 in the UK charts.
October 1981: "Speak & Spell" Released
Depeche Mode released "Speak & Spell" in October 1981. The album peaked at number ten on the UK album charts.
November 1981: Vince Clarke Leaves Depeche Mode
Vince Clarke announced his departure from Depeche Mode in November 1981, citing discomfort with the band's direction.
1981: Debut Album "Speak & Spell" Released
Depeche Mode released their debut album, "Speak & Spell," in 1981, marking their entry into the British new wave scene. The album received mixed reviews.
1981: "Photographic" Released on "Some Bizzare Album"
Depeche Mode's song "Photographic" was released on the "Some Bizzare Album" in 1981.
January 1982: "See You" Release and North American Tour
In January 1982, Depeche Mode released "See You", their first single without Vince Clarke, which achieved greater chart success than their previous singles. This success coincided with their first tour in North America.
July 1982: Start of Recording for "A Broken Frame"
Depeche Mode began working on their second studio album, "A Broken Frame", in July 1982. During this period, producer Daniel Miller informed Alan Wilder that he wouldn't be needed for the recording process as the band aimed to prove their capability without Vince Clarke.
1982: Vince Clarke Departs, Alan Wilder Joins
Following Vince Clarke's departure, Depeche Mode recruited Alan Wilder as their new keyboardist in 1982. Wilder would go on to play a significant role in shaping the band's sound.
1982: Alan Wilder Joins Depeche Mode
Alan Wilder joined Depeche Mode in 1982, marking a pivotal moment in the band's evolution and sound.
January 1983: "Get the Balance Right!" Release and Shift in Sound
Depeche Mode released "Get the Balance Right!" in January 1983, marking the first track recorded with Alan Wilder as an official member. Their third album, "Construction Time Again", saw a significant shift towards an industrial sound, influenced by Wilder's introduction of the Synclavier and E-mu Emulator samplers.
September 1983: "Construction Time Again" Tour
Depeche Mode launched a European concert tour in September 1983 to promote their album "Construction Time Again".
1983: Release of "Construction Time Again"
Depeche Mode released their third studio album, "Construction Time Again," in 1983, marking the beginning of their collaboration with Alan Wilder.
September 1984: "Some Great Reward" Release
In September 1984, Depeche Mode released "Some Great Reward", an album that garnered critical acclaim and marked a shift towards more personal and darker themes in their music. The album also featured Martin Gore's first ballad, "Somebody".
1984: "The World We Live In and Live in Hamburg" Release
Depeche Mode released their first concert video, "The World We Live In and Live in Hamburg", in 1984, featuring footage from their "Some Great Reward" tour.
1984: Release of "Some Great Reward"
In 1984, Depeche Mode released their fourth studio album, "Some Great Reward," further solidifying their place in the electronic and alternative music scenes.
July 1985: Concerts Behind the Iron Curtain
Depeche Mode performed their first concerts behind the Iron Curtain in July 1985, with shows in Budapest and Warsaw.
October 1985: "The Singles 81→85" Compilation Release
Mute Records released "The Singles 81→85", a compilation album featuring Depeche Mode's hit singles, in October 1985. The US version included additional B-sides.
1985: US Breakthrough and LGBT Anthem
In 1985, "People Are People" gained significant traction in the US, marking Depeche Mode's first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. The song became particularly popular within the LGBT community, frequently played at gay clubs and pride events.
1986: Shift in Sound with "Black Celebration"
Depeche Mode continued to evolve their sound in 1986 with the release of their single "Stripped" and their album "Black Celebration". The band embraced a darker, more atmospheric sound and Gore's lyrics became more pessimistic.
1986: Release of "Black Celebration"
Depeche Mode released their fifth studio album, "Black Celebration," in 1986.
1986: "Black Celebration" Influences a Generation
Depeche Mode's 1986 album, "Black Celebration," with its dark themes, had a profound impact on heavy metal artists, notably influencing Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.
October 1987: Start of the "Music for the Masses" Tour
Depeche Mode kicked off their "Music for the Masses" tour on October 22, 1987.
1987: Release of "Music for the Masses"
Depeche Mode released their sixth studio album, "Music for the Masses," in 1987. This album, along with "Black Celebration," helped to solidify their dominance in the electronic and alternative music scenes.
1987: Experimentation and "Music for the Masses"
In 1987, Depeche Mode released "Music for the Masses", an album marked by synthesizer experimentation. The album saw less reliance on sampling and more on creating a distinct electronic sound.
March 1988: Performance in East Berlin
In a groundbreaking event, Depeche Mode performed in East Berlin in March 1988, becoming one of the few Western bands to do so during that time.
June 1988: Pasadena Rose Bowl Concert and Breakthrough in US
Depeche Mode concluded their "Music for the Masses" tour with a landmark concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in June 1988. The concert drew a massive audience and signaled their breakthrough in the US market.
June 1988: Depeche Mode's Rose Bowl Concert
In June 1988, Depeche Mode performed a concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl to a crowd of over 60,000 people, cementing their status in the electronic and alternative music scenes.
September 1988: Performance at the MTV Video Music Awards
Depeche Mode performed "Strangelove" at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.
1988: Depeche Mode's debut on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart
1988 marked the year Depeche Mode first charted on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, a testament to their growing influence in the alternative music scene.
1989: Recording "Personal Jesus" and Controversial Marketing Campaign
In 1989, Depeche Mode began working on their new single, "Personal Jesus," with producer Flood in Milan. To promote the release, they launched a controversial marketing campaign by placing ads in the personals sections of UK newspapers. The ads initially featured the phrase "Your own personal Jesus" and later included a phone number to listen to the song. This tactic sparked debate and contributed to the single's success, becoming one of their best-selling tracks.
January 1990: Release of "Enjoy the Silence" and Near-Riot at LA Signing
January 1990 saw the release of "Enjoy the Silence," which achieved significant chart success in the UK and the US, earning the band another gold record. However, a promotional in-store signing in Los Angeles for their album Violator went awry. An overwhelming turnout of approximately 20,000 fans led to chaotic scenes, with some attendees getting injured amidst the massive crowd. The band later issued an apology and released a limited-edition cassette tape for fans in Los Angeles.
1990: Release of "Violator"
Depeche Mode released their seventh studio album, "Violator," in 1990. The album was a commercial success, reaching number seven on the Billboard 200 and achieving triple platinum certification by the RIAA.
1991: Depeche Mode Contributes "Death's Door" to Wim Wenders' Film
In 1991, Depeche Mode contributed the song "Death's Door" to the soundtrack of Wim Wenders' film "Until the End of the World." Wenders challenged the artists involved to create music as they envisioned it would sound in the year 2000, the film's setting, offering a glimpse into their futuristic musical perspectives.
1991: "Enjoy the Silence" Wins Brit Award
In 1991, Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" won the Brit Award for Best British Single, further solidifying its impact and legacy.
1991: Release of U2's "Achtung Baby"
U2 released their acclaimed album "Achtung Baby" in 1991.
January 1992: Depeche Mode Explores Grunge Influences
In January 1992, Depeche Mode reconvened in Madrid to begin working on new music. During this period, lead singer Dave Gahan developed a keen interest in the burgeoning grunge scene emerging from the United States. Bands like Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana particularly captivated him, influencing the band's musical direction.
December 1993: Release of "Songs of Faith and Devotion Live"
Depeche Mode released their second live album, "Songs of Faith and Devotion Live," in December 1993, capturing the raw energy and intensity of their performances during the tour.
1993: "Devotional Tour" Described as "The Most Debauched Rock 'n' Roll Tour Ever"
Q magazine called Depeche Mode's 1993 "Devotional Tour" "The Most Debauched Rock 'n' Roll Tour Ever." The tour was marked by personal challenges and struggles within the band.
1993: Release of "Songs of Faith and Devotion"
Depeche Mode released their eighth studio album, "Songs of Faith and Devotion," in 1993. The album was a success, but the band experienced internal struggles during recording and touring.
1993: Release of "Songs of Faith and Devotion"
Depeche Mode released their album "Songs of Faith and Devotion" in 1993.
1993: Release of "Songs of Faith and Devotion" and Experimentation with New Sounds
Depeche Mode released "Songs of Faith and Devotion" in 1993. Produced by Flood, the album marked a departure for the band, incorporating elements of grunge, gospel, and live instrumentation into their electronic sound. It was a landmark achievement, debuting at number one in both the UK and the US, making them one of the few British acts to achieve this feat. Notably, the album showcased Alan Wilder's drumming debut on the track "Clean."
February 1994: The Exotic Tour Begins
Depeche Mode embarked on the Exotic Tour in February 1994, a continuation of their "Songs of Faith and Devotion" tour, which began in South Africa and continued their global trek.
1994: Andrew Fletcher Suffers a Breakdown and Daryl Bamonte Steps in
During the 1994 leg of Depeche Mode's Exotic Tour, keyboardist Andrew Fletcher experienced a mental breakdown and could not continue touring. Daryl Bamonte, a longtime personal assistant to the band, stepped in to fill Fletcher's role on stage for the remainder of the tour.
June 1995: Alan Wilder Departs from Depeche Mode
In June 1995, Alan Wilder announced his departure from Depeche Mode. In a statement, he cited a lack of appreciation and recognition for his contributions to the band as the primary reason for his decision.
1995: Alan Wilder Leaves the Band
In 1995, Alan Wilder left Depeche Mode, following internal struggles within the band.
1995: "Devotional Tour" Film Nominated for a Grammy
The concert film "Devotional Tour," directed by Anton Corbijn, earned Depeche Mode their first Grammy nomination in 1995. The film documented the band's intense and visually striking live performances during their 1993-1994 world tour.
1995: Dave Gahan's Struggles and Martin Gore's Solo Considerations
Throughout 1995, Depeche Mode faced significant challenges as Dave Gahan grappled with intensifying personal problems. Despite Martin Gore's attempts to initiate recording sessions, Gahan's struggles hindered progress. Gore even contemplated disbanding the group and releasing his material as a solo album.
1996: Dave Gahan's Overdose and Entry into Rehab
In mid-1996, Dave Gahan experienced a near-fatal drug overdose that brought his struggles to a head. After his heart stopped for two minutes, he entered a court-ordered rehabilitation program to address his addiction to cocaine and heroin. Gahan's recovery became the priority as the band's future remained uncertain.
April 1997: Release of "Ultra" and Decision to Forego a Full Tour
In April 1997, Depeche Mode released "Ultra," their first album since Alan Wilder's departure and Dave Gahan's recovery. The album achieved commercial success, debuting at number one in the UK and Germany and reaching number five in the US. However, the band chose not to embark on a full tour to support the album, prioritizing their health and well-being. Instead, they held a few select "Ultra Parties" in London and Los Angeles as part of the album's promotion.
1997: Release of "Ultra"
Depeche Mode, now a trio, released their ninth studio album, "Ultra," in 1997.
1997: Alan Wilder Releases Fourth Recoil Album
In 1997, Alan Wilder, following his departure from Depeche Mode, continued to focus on his solo project, Recoil. He released his fourth studio album, "Unsound Methods," exploring more experimental and atmospheric soundscapes.
April 1998: The Singles Tour and Introduction of New Backing Musicians
Depeche Mode held a press conference in Cologne in April 1998 to announce their upcoming Singles Tour. This tour marked a significant change in their live setup as they introduced two new backing musicians, Christian Eigner (drummer) and Peter Gordeno (keyboardist), to fill the void left by Alan Wilder's departure.
March 2001: Exciter Tour Announced
In March 2001, Depeche Mode held a press conference at the Valentino Hotel in Hamburg to announce their upcoming "Exciter Tour."
2001: Exciter Released
In 2001, Depeche Mode released their eleventh studio album, "Exciter," produced by Mark Bell. The album had a minimalist, digital sound, influenced by IDM and glitch.
2001: Release of "Exciter"
Depeche Mode released their tenth studio album, "Exciter," in 2001.
May 2002: One Night in Paris DVD Released
In May 2002, Depeche Mode released "One Night in Paris," a live DVD of their performances at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy during their "Exciter Tour."
October 2002: Q Magazine Innovation Award
Depeche Mode won the first-ever Q magazine "Innovation Award" in October 2002.
2002: Singles from Exciter Released
Following the release of Depeche Mode's album "Exciter," the singles "Dream On," "I Feel Loved," "Freelove," and "Goodnight Lovers" were released in 2001 and 2002.
2003: Solo Projects and Label Founding
In 2003, Depeche Mode members pursued solo ventures. Dave Gahan released his debut solo album, "Paper Monsters," and toured in support of it. Martin Gore released his second solo album, "Counterfeit²." Andy Fletcher established his own record label, Toast Hawaii, specializing in electronic music.
2004: Remixes 81–04 Released
Depeche Mode released a remix compilation album titled "Remixes 81–04" in 2004, featuring new and unreleased promo mixes of their singles from 1981 to 2004.
October 2005: Playing the Angel Released
In October 2005, Depeche Mode released their eleventh studio album, "Playing the Angel." This marked the first time Dave Gahan contributed lyrics to a Depeche Mode album, making it the first since 1984's "Some Great Reward" to feature songs not written solely by Martin Gore.
November 2005: Touring the Angel Begins
Depeche Mode launched their "Touring the Angel" concert tour in November 2005 to support their album "Playing the Angel." The tour spanned nine months, covering Europe and North America.
2005: Release of "Playing the Angel"
Depeche Mode released their eleventh studio album, "Playing the Angel," in 2005.
November 2006: The Best of Depeche Mode and MTV EMA Win
In November 2006, Depeche Mode released a "best-of" compilation album titled "The Best of Depeche Mode Volume 1," featuring the new single "Martyr." That same month, they received the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Group.
December 2006: The Complete Depeche Mode Released on iTunes
In December 2006, iTunes released "The Complete Depeche Mode" as its fourth-ever digital box set.
2006: Depeche Mode's Enduring Influence Recognized
In 2006, music critic Sasha Frere-Jones acknowledged Depeche Mode's significant and growing influence on English music.
2006: Touring the Angel Concludes
Depeche Mode's "Touring the Angel" concert tour, which began in November 2005, concluded in 2006 after nine months, having reached a massive audience across 31 countries.
August 2007: New Album Announcement
During the promotion of Dave Gahan's second solo album, "Hourglass," in August 2007, it was announced that Depeche Mode would return to the studio in early 2008 to begin work on a new album.
May 2008: Studio Sessions Begin
Depeche Mode returned to the studio in May 2008 with producer Ben Hillier to develop songs Martin Gore had demoed at his home studio in Santa Barbara, California. They also parted ways with their long-time US label, Warner Music, signing with EMI Music worldwide.
October 2008: Tour of the Universe Announced
The "Tour of the Universe" was announced at a press conference in October 2008, held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
2008: Return to the Studio
As announced in August 2007, Depeche Mode was set to return to the recording studio in early 2008 to commence work on their next studio album.
January 2009: Sounds of the Universe Announced
Depeche Mode's official website announced the title of their twelfth studio album, "Sounds of the Universe," in January 2009.
February 2009: "Wrong" Released Digitally
"Wrong," the first single from Depeche Mode's album "Sounds of the Universe," was released digitally in February 2009.
April 2009: Sounds of the Universe Released
Depeche Mode released their twelfth studio album, "Sounds of the Universe," on April 14, 2009. The album was also made available through an innovative iTunes Pass.
April 2009: Performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On April 23, 2009, Depeche Mode performed on the television program "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, drawing a massive audience of over 12,000 fans.
May 2009: Tour of the Universe Begins
Depeche Mode embarked on their "Tour of the Universe" concert tour in May 2009, supporting their album "Sounds of the Universe." The tour commenced with a warm-up show in Luxembourg and officially kicked off in Tel Aviv.
2009: Praise from Music Peers
2009 saw notable figures like Jim Kerr of Simple Minds and Matt Bellamy of Muse praising Depeche Mode's enduring relevance and unique style.
2009: Release of "Sounds of the Universe"
Depeche Mode released their twelfth studio album, "Sounds of the Universe," in 2009.
2009: Depeche Mode in Left 4 Dead 2
Depeche Mode allowed their likenesses to be used in Valve's video game "Left 4 Dead 2" in 2009.
March 2010: Echo Award Win
Depeche Mode won the award for "Best International Group – Rock / Pop" at the Echo Awards in Germany in March 2010.
2010: Depeche Mode Champions Charitable Causes
From 2010 onwards, Depeche Mode began using their platform to support various charities, including MusiCares, Cancer Research UK, and the Teenage Cancer Trust.
May 2011: Release of "Personal Jesus 2011"
On May 30, 2011, Depeche Mode released "Personal Jesus 2011," a new remix of their iconic song by Stargate, to promote their upcoming compilation album.
June 2011: Release of Remixes 2: 81–11
In June 2011, Depeche Mode released "Remixes 2: 81-11," a compilation album featuring remixes by various artists, including former members Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder.
December 2011: Contribution to U2 Tribute Album
Depeche Mode paid tribute to U2 by contributing their cover of "So Cruel" to the album "AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered" for the 20th anniversary of U2's album "Achtung Baby" in December 2011
October 2012: Announcement of New Album and World Tour
Depeche Mode announced a new album and a 2013 world tour at a press conference in Paris in October 2012.
December 2012: Signing with Columbia Records
Depeche Mode officially signed a global deal with Columbia Records in December 2012.
January 2013: Confirmation of "Delta Machine" Title
The title of Depeche Mode's new album was confirmed as "Delta Machine" in January 2013.
February 2013: Release of "Heaven"
"Heaven," the debut single from "Delta Machine," saw a commercial release on February 1, 2013.
March 2013: Release of "Delta Machine"
Depeche Mode's album "Delta Machine" was released in March 2013.
November 2013: Depeche Mode's Performance in Berlin
Depeche Mode performed at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany, in November 2013 as part of their Delta Machine Tour.
2013: Depeche Mode's 2013 World Tour
Depeche Mode embarked on a world tour in 2013, starting in Tel Aviv and continuing through Europe and North America.
2013: Release of "Delta Machine"
Depeche Mode released their thirteenth studio album, "Delta Machine," in 2013.
October 2014: Announcement of "Live in Berlin"
Depeche Mode announced the release of "Live in Berlin," a video and audio recording of their performance in Berlin during the Delta Machine Tour, in October 2014.
November 2014: Release of "Live in Berlin"
The release of Depeche Mode's "Live in Berlin" took place in November 2014.
2014: Charity Gala in Moscow
In 2014, Depeche Mode, in partnership with Hublot, held a gala at the TsUM building in Moscow, successfully raising $1.4 million for Charity: Water.
2015: 25th Anniversary of "Violator"
Depeche Mode celebrated the 25th anniversary of their album "Violator" in 2015.
January 2016: Announcement of New Album Plans
Martin Gore revealed plans for Depeche Mode to return to the recording studio in April 2016 to begin work on a new album.
October 2016: Announcement of "Spirit"
Depeche Mode's fourteenth studio album, "Spirit," was officially announced in October 2016.
2016: Billboard Names Depeche Mode a Top Dance Club Artist
In 2016, Billboard named Depeche Mode the 10th Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists.
February 2017: Release of "Where's the Revolution"
Depeche Mode released "Where's the Revolution," the lead single from their album "Spirit," in February 2017.
March 2017: Release of "Spirit"
March 2017 marked the release of "Spirit," Depeche Mode's fourteenth studio album.
May 2017: Launch of Global Spirit Tour
Depeche Mode kicked off their Global Spirit Tour with a performance in Stockholm, Sweden, in May 2017.
2017: Hublot Big Bang Depeche Mode Watch Released
Depeche Mode collaborated with Hublot to release the special edition "Big Bang Depeche Mode" watch in 2017, with proceeds donated to Charity: Water.
2017: Release of "Spirit"
Depeche Mode released their fourteenth studio album, "Spirit," in 2017.
July 2018: Conclusion of Global Spirit Tour
Depeche Mode concluded their Global Spirit Tour with two sold-out shows in Berlin, Germany, in July 2018.
2018: The Singles Limited Edition Watch
Furthering their support for Charity: Water, Depeche Mode and Hublot launched "The Singles Limited Edition" watch series in 2018, based on the Big Bang model.
September 2019: Announcement of "Spirits in the Forest"
The announcement of "Spirits in the Forest," a documentary about Depeche Mode filmed during their Global Spirit Tour, took place in September 2019.
November 2019: Theatrical Release of "Spirits in the Forest"
"Spirits in the Forest" was released in theaters for one night only in November 2019
June 2020: Release of "LiVE SPiRiTS"
Depeche Mode's "Spirits in the Forest" documentary was released on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray under the title "LiVE SPiRiTS" in June 2020.
November 2020: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Depeche Mode was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2020.
2020: Start of Work on "Memento Mori"
Depeche Mode began working on their album "Memento Mori" in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Depeche Mode Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Depeche Mode was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
May 2022: Death of Andy Fletcher
Andy Fletcher, founding member and keyboardist of Depeche Mode, passed away from an aortic dissection at the age of 60 in May 2022.
August 2022: Hint at New Album
Depeche Mode posted a photo on social media of Gahan and Gore in a recording studio, suggesting they were working on a new studio album in August 2022.
October 2022: Announcement of Memento Mori and Tour
Depeche Mode announced their fifteenth studio album, "Memento Mori," and a supporting tour in October 2022.
2022: Andy Fletcher Passes Away
Andy Fletcher, founding member of Depeche Mode, passed away in 2022.
February 2023: Release of "Ghosts Again"
"Ghosts Again," the first single from Depeche Mode's album "Memento Mori," was released in February 2023 and received critical acclaim.
March 2023: Start of Memento Mori World Tour
Depeche Mode began their Memento Mori Tour in March 2023.
2023: Release of "Memento Mori"
Depeche Mode, now a duo, released their fifteenth studio album, "Memento Mori," in 2023.