Depeche Mode started in early of 1976 as a quartet set on building a strong following in the underground London club scene. With such aspirations, the band never could have imagined that they would be on the forefront of the new wave revolution in the music industry, creating a whole new genre with extremely devoted fans. Within a year of playing throughout London, the foursome was picked up by Mute records and work on their debut album began. They released Speak and Spell in 1981 and the album was a hit on the British charts, with the singles “Just Can’t Get Enough,” and “New Life.” The US became interested in late 1981 and Depeche Mode was signed with Sire Records and they promoted their debut album, making “Just Can’t Get Enough” a dance club staple across the US.

Depeche Mode then went back to the studios, after a major tour across the US and UK, and released the album, People Are People. This album was also a hit on both continents and their distinctive synthesized sound could be heard on modern rock stations everywhere. Over the next 6 years Depeche Mode released several albums, all of which became collectibles for their fan base. During this period they released the hit single, “Personal Jesus,” which became one of the largest selling CD’s in US history. After years of playing together and touring, Depeche Mode started to break apart in the early 1990’s to pursue individual art projects. But the band came back together to work on a more “rock” style album and released Songs of Faith and Devotion in 1993. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts and proved that Depeche Mode fans were of the most loyal.

Their album sales aside, Depeche Mode concert tickets and their tours sell out immediately. Their extensive world-wide fan base is so devoted to their tours that even if they don’t have a hit selling album in the oven, their concerts are full to capacity. At this point in their career they can pick and choose where and when they want to perform and fans will flock to their shows. Depeche Mode’s history in the alternative/modern rock genre will last throughout this generation of listeners.