New Music ‘Not on the Cards’ for Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan
Depeche Mode enthusiasts might need to embrace a period of silence, as the band’s lead vocalist, Dave Gahan, has indicated that creating new music is not currently a priority for the group. This decision reflects their focus on other aspects of their artistic journey, allowing fans to cherish their extensive catalog while waiting for potential new sounds in the future.
Gahan shared these insights during a recent interview with NME, where he took time to reflect on the profound loss of musicians, particularly his close friend and collaborator, Mark Lanegan. This conversation took place in anticipation of a tribute event celebrating what would have been Lanegan’s 60th birthday, set against the backdrop of London, a city rich in musical history and memories.
Lanegan, who sadly passed away in February 2022, gained significant recognition as a member of the alternative rock band Screaming Trees before further establishing himself with Queens of the Stone Age in the early 2000s. His friendship with Gahan blossomed over the years, resulting in a fruitful collaboration that produced memorable tracks for projects like Soulsavers and Humanist. This creative partnership showcased their shared musical vision and deep mutual respect.
During the interview, Gahan expressed that he has found a renewed sense of inspiration through his daughter, Stella Rose, and her burgeoning musical journey. He shared how their discussions about music have sparked his creativity. However, he also acknowledged the reality that while conversations about new music have taken place with his bandmate Martin Gore, fans should be prepared for a wait before any new material is released.
“Martin and I have had some good chats. In fact, we met recently, which was a pleasant surprise,” Gahan elaborated. “We spent some quality time in Italy, celebrating the renewal of vows for Anton Cobijn and his wife in a beautiful venue just outside of Rome. This experience reminded us of the importance of enjoying life beyond the constraints of work and performance.”
“We truly enjoyed our time together without the usual pressures of work or performing,” Gahan continued. “I asked Martin if he had been writing new material, and he replied, ‘Nah!’ which is completely normal after an intense few years of creativity. The process of developing new music takes time. It’s a wait-and-see situation. While I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of us collaborating again, it’s not something that is currently on the immediate horizon.”
Depeche Mode concluded their Memento Mori World Tour in April, performing an impressive 112 shows worldwide in support of their 2023 album, Memento Mori. This album marked their first new release in six years and represented a significant milestone for the band, as it was their first major project following the death of co-founding keyboardist Andy Fletcher in 2022. Fans celebrated both the music and the memories during this impactful tour.