Depeche Mode "Dreaming of Me" Almost 40

"Dreaming of Me" front cover

Officially, speaking (according to John Doran's interview for Quietus with Martin Gore in 2009), the band's first gig as Depeche Mode was in May 1980 at James Hornsby School (formerely St. Nicholas Comprehensive) in Basildon (a plaque officially marks the spot). So, folks, May this year is the official 40th Anniversary.

Rumours are spreading like wild-fire that Depeche Mode will do a smallish tour again towards the end of the year. Personally, I remain very sceptical but hopeful.

The big musical markers this year are the first official recording sessions which took place in 1980. The recording of "Photographic" for the "Some Bizzare Album" compilation album in the late Summer/early Autumn of 1980 (released 30th January 1981) and of course, the recording of "Dreaming of Me" in December 1980.

"Some Bizzare Album" front cover

So here we are, on the cusp of the grand marker of Forty-Years since Depeche Mode's first single "Dreaming of Me", released 20th February 1981 with the B-Side "Ice Machine" and written by the king of the synth-hook, Mr. Vince Clarke and produced by Daniel Miller & Depeche Mode.

But let's wait another year and discuss this wonderful piece of Synth Pop history in 2021!

Depeche Mode "I Feel You" at 27 Years Old

On this day 27 years ago (15th February 1993), Depeche Mode released "I Feel You", the first single from their forthcoming album, Songs of Faith and Devotion.

But I must confess, I had the song a good month or so before release – it was a strange day. An early January morning on the way to work I called in at WH Smiths to by some cigarettes and on the magazine shelf one of the music magazines had a portrait shot of someone who looked strangely familiar – in fact, looked like the 23-year old me! Shoulder length hair and a goatee beard. It was Dave Gahan. No longer a flat top haircut with a pretty boy face in a leather jacket. I was a little freaked-out to be honest with you.

In all honesty I think I was the only long-haired Depeche Mode fan for miles around. I bought the magazine (long since lost) so I could show my then girlfriend and read about the forthcoming album.


I got to work (#OurPriceRecords) and went about my business. The same day, a guy I knew, who was a #RoughTrade rep, called in to the shop and said he had something for me and handed me a record mailer. Inside was the promo P12 Bong 21 (in the picture) – we put it on the store hi-fi system. This was NOT Violator! This was dirty, dark and feisty. It was brilliant.


But it was a very good year to be a Depeche Mode fan in Croydon – little did we know the legendary Crystal Palace gig would be announced very shortly.

The rest is history.

Picture top to bottom, left to right

P 12 Bong 21 (UK Promo 12”)

L12 Bong 21 (UK Limited Edition 12”

12 Bong 21 (UK 12”)

CD Bong 21 (UK CD single)

LCD Bong 21 (UK Limited Edition CD Single)

Bong21 (UK 7”)

PRO-CD-6022 (US Promo CD Single)