The one word that can describe Alan's contribution to the music of the band is that his sound engineering and creativity made the music "cinematic". Meaning listening to the music as a teenager I couldn't help but visualize my version of what the music video should be for the song. In other words in my head I create a visual story as I listen to the song. Without Alan a lot of that "effect" went away. It was there in Ultra and slowly started to fade away. I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. Alan also had an incredible knack for engineering remixes.

@88feji

2 жыл бұрын

Actually Alan Wilder's departure is only one of the reasons the band's music quality went down ... The quality of Martin Gore's melodies had started going down just before Alan left ... all the later songs after the Violator album lack a well defined melodious structure .. in contrast, their earlier hits all had very identifiable, unique and memorable melodies distinct from one another and from the trending sounds of other musicians ... Songs of Faith and Devotion was the first album when Gore started to make songs to cater to the larger trend of the music industry rather than making songs solely to express himself ... as a result all the songs that came after Violator had vague indistinct melodies that are mostly indistinguishable from many other bands of the day .... .. and thats why the fan base are so split these days between those who enjoyed their pre-Violator unique-ness and those who have a wider audience taste who generally likes them for adopting the styles of other trending bands ... Personally I belong to the first group of fans ...

@newjiant

2 жыл бұрын

@@88feji Songs of Faith and Devotion has some of the most innovative and "outside of the box" compositions Depeche Mode has ever written. Condemnation is one of Gahan's best vocal performances. The arrangement on One Caress is beautiful. I Feel You and the pre release remixes were amazing. The lyrics are raw and personal. For me, an "old school fan", this is their Swan Song. They put out something special even though it was basically their breakup with Wilder.

@metsot

Жыл бұрын

It seems Alan Wilder kind of made the sound of dm and after he left that sound was not there anymore.

If Vince Clark stayed I think DM would have kept their light airy ( pop ) sound - like with Erasure. Alan Wilder gave them that dark orchestral and very atmospheric edge that really suited Martin Gore's lyrics and Dave Gahan's vocals. Also his sound direction was top stuff for remixes and extended samplers.

@jimmyvexed1109

5 жыл бұрын

If Vince stayed he would have followe

@Stacerbell

4 жыл бұрын

If VC had stayed, I think if the chemistry could stablized it would be more like The Smiths with poppy melodies with dark lyrics

@mimih4022

4 жыл бұрын

my words!! and i am an old fun..

@michaelc.4413

3 жыл бұрын

Hi what is the best number Allan Wilder have made after DM in your opinion? Thanks for sharing

@ricardobritoruiz3279

3 жыл бұрын

But you didn't mention Andrew Fletcher's style for clapping and dancing in front of a keyboard

I have a dream.... a 40 anniversary reunion tour with him... I know, it's crazy...

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Jaci C. I agree with you my fellow dreamer !! V👍😎

@dclanguages5528

4 жыл бұрын

should it come true, then I go to their gig, for sure!

@michaelhugh-bloch1356

4 жыл бұрын

I share the same dream! Sometimes dreams may come true though. Hope they read.

@user-um3pf6fj9q

4 жыл бұрын

@@michaelhugh-bloch1356 It would be great!

@plutostube

4 жыл бұрын

@@VaughnGeorge Am I a dreamer if we can try to do a mass campaign/petition, gathering as much as possible funs, and send it to the actual members of DM and their management and asking to have Alan as a producer for the next album (I don't think we can ask much more) ? I think that will be a great move from them for next great album, also as image as well

The magic that Alan Wilder sprinkled on DM can never be replaced.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Psychedelic Rocker right you are matey !!😎👍V

@musiclove4635

5 жыл бұрын

I agree. It took two to attempt to replace Alan, and very poorly.

@rubaidaallen2764

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed

I remember reading back in the 80s that Alan was feeling like a third wheel from the beginning. Well, not exactly the third wheel since they were 4, but you get the idea. They "hired" him and always treated him as a "contractor" and not as a real member, even though he carried the band on his shoulders most of the times. If someone cared for the band it was him, even while he was not a founder. It was so unfair, poor guy. I love him.

@kfnrkldbrm8265

3 жыл бұрын

So do we. Depeche Mode would never have been so good without him.

@marieaug9322

Ай бұрын

Oh no, thats so very sad and heartbreaking.

I'm a devotee from the begining...But Depeche died when Alan Wilder left I even said those words the day The news broke

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Marco Ziervogel many devotees will agree with you bro 😎👍V

@vinnie97

5 жыл бұрын

They need to get over it, same as those Underworld fans who couldn't face the loss of Darren Emerson (i counted myself among them for a long while).

@RTK171

5 жыл бұрын

I said they same thing to my friend

@ashingtoon

4 жыл бұрын

Preferred the Clarke era myself

@Donutgames00

4 жыл бұрын

Marco Ziervogel at least Ultra was pretty good.

Alan Wilder a true genius! We all miss him so much!

@peternagy-im4be

2 жыл бұрын

He was okay i suppose

DM with Alan Wilder = 10/10 DM without Alan Wilder = 5/10 As a musician/composer/producer myself - it became very clear Alan was a core reason why DM had such classic songs and albums between 1984-1993

@ebiasmusic808

3 жыл бұрын

As a musician/composer/producer myself x2, I totally agree of what you have said. I feel a bit sorry for Alan Wilder, since he should develop more skills in song writing which i think is the weak point of his own projects.

@manuelpuente7336

3 жыл бұрын

As a live act, they sound much better with their current lineup

@mastermaciek

3 жыл бұрын

@@manuelpuente7336 No they don-t. Its rather painful to listen. Please stop embarrassing yourself.

@Deano14397

3 жыл бұрын

+ Vince Clarke 10/1000

@nealkelly9757

3 жыл бұрын

ULTRA was a good album

I’ve been a DM fan since 1982 and I agree that Alan’s contribution to the sound was massive.

Alan wilder is a bit like David gilmour in so far as they're both not founder members but were pivotal to the sound they're best loved for

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

mono lith a perfect comparison !! V😎👍

@manxpuss

5 жыл бұрын

Very good example mono lith. Hey maybe Vince Clarke and Syd Barrett should have formed a band ;))

@stopbunsen

5 жыл бұрын

Also, David Gilmour without Roger Waters and vice versa is a good comparison too.

@stopbunsen

5 жыл бұрын

@@kmfdm10392 Yeah I'm not a fan of Roger's last solo album too. I only really like Amused to Death and Pros and Cons but not as good as Floyd. Dave's solo work hasn't been that great either I have to say. I think Roger had a way of bringing out the best in Dave. For example that 4 note phrase in Shine On was something that Dave played by accident and Roger said, play that again. But Dave can really evoke emotion in a guitar. Even though they famously didn't get along, they created magic together, along with Rick.

@mck7646

5 жыл бұрын

Alan Wilder was also like Richard Wright, underappreciated but absolutely integral to the sound.

I was lucky enough to hear them at Pasadena 101

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Wow !! You are a part of history Sir!! :-)

@rubaidaallen2764

4 жыл бұрын

Lucky you. I need a time machine 😂😂😂

@joegarcia4771

4 жыл бұрын

Man 101 was historical!!!

@EtsiJuuret

4 жыл бұрын

Who was the warming band?

@squeeze511

4 жыл бұрын

Etsi Juuret Wire, Thomas Dolby, OMD

Need Alan for Depeche Mode to be complete again.

@maggsandcats2437

4 жыл бұрын

I think they are complete without him, but I think it'd be very awesome if he did collab with the them on an album or concert.

simple ... Alan Wilder made the sound legend of DEPECHE MODE. We miss you Alan.

@CristianSirb

5 жыл бұрын

do you by any chance have the slightest idea about WHO actually composed DM greatest hits? Was it Alan?

@dashafed

5 жыл бұрын

@@CristianSirb do you by any chance have the slightest idea about the difference between sound and composition?

@CristianSirb

5 жыл бұрын

@@dashafed do you have the slightest idea about WHO really produced the Albums of DM while Alan was in? Because it wasn't him. So he never composed nor produced. I presume he HAD a certain influence on the final soundscape, but the survival itself of DM without and after him, with huge success, is an answer per se. I don't want to diminish his contribution, but I also LIKE to emphasize that having Martin as leading composer, working with inspired producers, perfectly ensured the survival and great success of the band.

@thesynthfloyd

5 жыл бұрын

@@dashafed He thinks DM had a huge success without Alan. For real fans like us, we know. We know everything. There is no relevance anymore.

@gfdsa2866

5 жыл бұрын

RECOIL is great. No doubt about that. But Alan in DM is Colossal and unrivalled! Fab4 of all time as Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Not the same if one's gone. Depeche Mode is still the anvil and hammer on which bands of today are to somewhat must shape themselves with. I can just imagine DM going to some awards night with those millennial brats! And steal the show, steal the awards. Their music is still the mod and the mode of our time and theirs and beyond!

Alan Wilder is a genius sound wise guy, he knows MUSIC, he has this special filling - best in class producer. DM is suffering without him

101% agree that "Devotional" was their magnum opus. The best live show I've ever seen by DM.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Ash Neuro no comment !! All I can say is agreed 100%!! Cheers bro 👍😎V

@stopbunsen

5 жыл бұрын

I agree, and Alan's production on the live show was stellar, especially the variations he would make to some of the songs, that added to the song rather than ruin it. And getting Hildia and Samantha on backing vocals was a great move.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Timothy Cole yes Devotional was DM at their peak !! V😎👍

@ash23neuro

5 жыл бұрын

@@stopbunsen Devotional "Everything counts" vs Global Spirit one is beyond comparison. Alan is a wizard

@rubaidaallen2764

5 жыл бұрын

I saw DM on that tour and it was stunning, omg!!! I'm so happy my younger brother and I were present to witness that momentous event. Like I said before, that moment will never be repeated. DM were at their peak between the years 1986-1994. Those albums and tours were magnificent. Too bad we can't relive it. 😭😭😭

I believe what made the Devotional Tour so epic was Alan's reworking of classic DM tracks for live performance. For example, the intro to "Walking In My Shoes" was a brilliant edit of the Portishead/Johnny Dollar remix; "Everything Counts" had a new bass and drum track that appeared to be culled from the 1989 remixes; and the live version of "I Want You Now" (added to the set list during the 1994 shows) was incredible.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Good observations there !! Thank you !! V:-)

@daveaskew2105

5 жыл бұрын

Well exactly. But Alan also did all the sample processing for the live shows since 83. And he co-produced the live recordings from the Devotional tour with Steve Lyon. I don't listen to any DM stuff since SOFAD but bloody hell - if u listen to the older live stuff and then by mistake listen to a live track since 2005 you'd swear u were listening to another band! They have totally ruined the sound of all the classics....

@marcoziervogel6957

4 жыл бұрын

I totally agree... That's also for me was the pinnacle of DM what Alan created on that tour was pure musical genius 👌

@miqueasvalentinhernandez3998

4 жыл бұрын

Really?

@EtsiJuuret

4 жыл бұрын

And Something to do)

If you take "Enjoy The Silence" for an example. Martins demo is just an organ and him on song. I think that was the demo that he gave to Wilder. And we all know the result at the end. That song just show how much impact Alan Wilder had on Depeche Modes success.

@yester30

5 жыл бұрын

Let's not forget Flood on this x)

@mickadatwist1620

5 жыл бұрын

its almost unjust to put MG as the writer of Enjoy....after you compare the demo and the LP version.

@grimlund

5 жыл бұрын

@@mickadatwist1620 Agree. Is that one of the things that made Alan quit the band? We all now that Alan didnt cope with the band after the SOFAD tour. Maybe he didnt think he got the credits for all the efforts he put in the band. Martin, Dave and Fletch was pretty messed up during the SOFAD era. I think Alan was the one that stod pretty solid in the studio when all the other ones was out drinking and drugging.

@sonofhibbs4425

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly.

@rubaidaallen2764

5 жыл бұрын

Preach!! Alan Wilder's version of ETS is so iconic, so beautiful and so timeless. That song came out in 1990. I listen to it now and it feels so new and fresh. Mr. Wilder, you are missed. Please grace us with your presence in this wonderful band once more.

I so agree with you when you say that every time you listen to "post Alan Wilder" DM, you think what would´ve been if Alan still on DM. I love DM since I was 9 yo, and Martin is a freaking genius, but Alan Wilder was the soul, the nerd that explored every single note until it was perfect. We miss you Alan, please come back!!

Alan Wilder is and always be the artisan behind the sound of Depeche Mode. His talent is missed.

I feel the same way as you do about Depeche Mode's music not having that Alan Wilder touch - I met him and chatted to him about this and he knows we all miss him. Great channel, I'm a fan. Devotional Freddie

After wilder, depeche mode sounds like a normal rock band, sorry, Alan Was the heart of the modes production, Please, come back

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Aaron Drumm: You are SO RIGHT in saying that my friend!! :-)

@Magnus_Loov

5 жыл бұрын

They were already heading in that "Rock" direction (still being an electronic/synth based band). Even as early as Violator you could here the guitar blues riff part in "Personal Jesus" and some more "smudge" in some of the songs on that album. And, of course, in "Songs of Faith and devotion" it was all in with the more dirty sounds, distortion and really depressing tones. That album, I didn't like that much at all. I think it was the worst one that Allan was involved in. In fact I don't even think Violator was that good, it just had happens to have two of their best songs on it ("Enjoy the Silence" and "Personal Jesus") the rest was to me quite boring songs. In the albums preceding that almost all the songs were really good or at least not boring.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words!! V :-)

@steverushforth7009

5 жыл бұрын

So true, ver1 superb electro pop group, ver2 superb electro rock group, ver3 rock group.

@skyreadersociety6183

5 жыл бұрын

yep - you'll hear what happened to the music when Alan joined. A complete different level. He and the the studio guys left, when the other three were already at home... However they evolved since the last 3 records, not the same of course but kinda caught up.

Every new album DM realices since SOFAD I still wish to have Alan Wilder back :..(

@glubone

4 жыл бұрын

Ultra was sounding like continuation od sofad sound. Exciter was completly new sound but.... But nex albums are messy. Some great songs but no great albums

Alan is one of the most unappreciated band members of all time. While he was in the band, we all had the impression that he was a keyboard playing lackey, and that Martin and Dave were the puppet masters who were responsible for all the brilliance. But then he leaves and there’s an immediate, lasting decline in the arrangement and layering and atmosphere of the songs, and chatter surfaces that Wilder left because he felt he was carrying the band in the studio while Gore and Gahan took the credit. I can believe this - the Wilder albums have a thick, dark, intensity not found on either side of the group’s discography.

@mck7646

5 жыл бұрын

Well said. Atmosphere is key here, the layering, the spaciness, it was a huge part. And the thick, dark, intensity as you put it is exactly what I look for and it's a shame that it's been missing.

@onimenokyochristy4925

3 жыл бұрын

for me , alan wilder has a lot brought to depeche mode . i adore him !!!

@elleblue07

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I used to regard Alan Wilder as the anonymous background bit-player, which often happens to the quieter, modest, hard-working types who stay in the background........and I felt so bad when I realised how important a role he played. I have been trying to make up for it ever since 😢.

@STcaramonM

3 жыл бұрын

I disagree with you saying that since Alan’s departure DMs music has been poor. It’s easy to say that as you have hindsight. These are all what ifs. Most bands that continue making music into their 40’s and 50’s decline, life and other responsibilities take priority. We’ll never know but perhaps had Alan remained they would have still declined in quality anyway. Ultra and Exciter were two very strong albums. They proved they didn’t need Alan 95-02. Since Exciter there was a huge decline but is that really because there is no Alan? I disagree. The decline wouldn’t have happened as it always does. Alan admitted that he’s a control freak and this may have caused tension in the studio between him and Martin. Alan’s also admitted he was a fool for not writing more material as there’s more money in IP publication that in production - Martin owns all those songs and gets a LOT more money. That’s not Martins fault- that’s the industry. Alan’s should have stayed and fought it out but through pride did the wrong thing and it back fired. I’m an Alan ‘fan’ as well.

@marooqi

3 жыл бұрын

Gore, Gahan took credit, but Andy Fletcher did as well, it turns out. Where do you draw the line. ANDY fletcher should get less credit than a drummer. And Alan it turns out def. carried the band. All the success their songs had, was thanks to Alan Wilder.

I think one of the best Wilder’s age albums is Some Great Reward. All songs fantastic and the industrial sampling sound was really innovative at the time- and still is-

@Russman1966

2 жыл бұрын

One of my favourites

When he left I left them

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

Right on bud!! VG:-)

@veenk

3 жыл бұрын

I feel the same way. I really tried, and I liked Ultra, maybe even a bit more than SoFaD, but I couldn't stand Exciter! The percussion was replaced with a bunch of pops and clicks, and was just painfully frustrating to listen to. And the hooks were gone! You can play the first six notes of Strangelove and everyone instantly knows what song it is. But try that with any song from Exciter and newer. I can't think of a single memorable melody.

Alan was a their sound.

I too started to lose enthusiasm for DEPECHE after ULTRA. I still love them but I haven't listened to anything after that. Great video!

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Kevin Vekni: Thank you for your kind words and encouragement . More videos like this are coming soon and thank you fro subscribing. V :-)

@JD-of8uy

5 жыл бұрын

I feel the same as you.

@systemshocker2875

5 жыл бұрын

You know,wilder did come back to depeche mode....once

@NITE_SHIFTING

5 жыл бұрын

@@systemshocker2875 was it like a one off on stage or a couple songs or a remix?

@systemshocker2875

5 жыл бұрын

@@NITE_SHIFTING during the teenage cancer trust concert along with Michael Gore

Happy birthday Mr.Wilder!

ALAN is the SOUND of DM . While DM has moved on since they separated , DM had never been the same - the reason why I love DM so much is because of ALAN .

@yeppoyou

4 жыл бұрын

koji himuro agreed. he created the sound and atmosphere we most associate dm with. it disappeared when he left.

Depeche Mode is/was the soundtrack of my life. That life ended when Alan left the band. It never started again since than.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Hollix00 and many do agree with you bud 😎👍V

Great video! I couldn't say it any better. People tell me to get over it and accept the fact that Alan left 24 years ago but I just can't! Been a Devotee for 16 years and everytime I watch a video of DM with Alan in it I sorta get some bitter-sweet feeling. I guess I will just miss Alan forever, and if I were granted one wish, it would be Alan rejoining the band.

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words Alena!! I am glad you feel the same!! VG:-)

@donherson

4 жыл бұрын

Pretty comment Alena....beuty like you :)

@aracelypadilla4658

Жыл бұрын

Yesss, mine too!

My band opened for AW/Recoil a few years ago. We got to hang and chat a bit. What a cool freaking guy. Legend!

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Scott Griffith thanks for sharing that matey and welcome to the channel !! V👍😎

Every DM concert I've gone to after Alan's departure I come out wishing Alan was back. No offense to the guys that replaced him, they're not Alan.

@rubaidaallen2764

5 жыл бұрын

I love DM always will. Sadly I have to agree with you. I saw them 3 times on the last tour, and I have to tell you the shows were f'n amazing, superb, but no where near as awesome as the 1993-1994 devotional shows. We will never, ever see that again. That is the sad reality DM fans have to live with. Unless Mr. Wilder comes back, that lovely unique DM sound that Alan Wilder is known for will never be heard again. Sad but true folks.

@josefuedefua1

5 жыл бұрын

Yes is thrue.

@yeppoyou

4 жыл бұрын

my first time seeing them after alan left was two years ago and it was just not the same. i knew it wouldn’t be, that’s why i hadn’t seen them in so long... i always say that i will break the bank to see them front row center if he ever reunites with them live.

@foodog777

4 жыл бұрын

So are you mad at Alan for quitting or DM for carrying on? I saw them in 2017 and they were awesome. The heart of DM will always be Martin’s creativity and Dave’s showmanship.

@donherson

4 жыл бұрын

Yes !!! True !!!... Gordeno and drummer are not Alan...live session musicians only. ..and tgat drummer using a convetional drum really heat that.... sequenced and programmed drums was the key of success DM...an Alan's work.... post Alan Era...DM goes down ...and never will be the same. Sad but true !... greetings

We're all crossing our fingers and praying for a reunion with Alan.

So true. I have no interest in the albums post Alan Wilder. I don’t even care to know the names. I know a few songs here and there, but that’s about it. The rest of it sounds like any other rock band that’s out there. I was never into rock music all that much and DM back in the day was not considered part of that genre. They had a unique sound that you just couldn’t quite categorize. That’s what made them so appealing. Even though SOFAD had a rock-like sound to it, it was such a special album. Nowadays there’s no more sparkle to DM. It’s just the same old same old. Thanks for this video. Looking forward to more. (Also love the adorable kitty.)

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Lady Neptune: Thank you for your comments and I am glad you found value in the content!! Thank you also for subscribing , be sure to follow the channel as there is plenty more to come!! The "adorable kitty" is called Lily. She is very naughty and knows that she should not be on top of my speaker but I never have the heart to chase her away !! V :-)

@petetaylor9370

5 жыл бұрын

Lady Neptune - you want to like these post Wilder , you want the old sound to return and you want to be back in the 80’s/90’s but they just don’t take you there do they?

@puredominancehdgaming947

5 жыл бұрын

Uh listen to Playing The Angel. That album is from 2005 and it’s great.

@petetaylor9370

5 жыл бұрын

Pure DominanceHDGaming precious s the only track I’ve been excited by since Ultra, which did boast a few good tracks tbf

@mickadatwist1620

5 жыл бұрын

yes...nowadays there is no sparkle to DM

He did make a difference. If you look at the style now, whilst still good, it's not the same sound. DM had a very distinctive sound especially in the 80s that made them what they were. It's a shame he felt he wasn't given enough credit for what he did. Fair point on fletch, what the hell did he do!

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

Well said Neil!! Thank you for your comment and I am glad you agree !! VG :-)

alan was the sound and the spirit of depeche mode that's all !

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

AMEN to that brother !! VG:-)

The most amazing gift that humanity could ever get is a "reunion" world tour with Dave, Martin, Andrew and Allan Wilder.....Good luck getting a ticket if that ever happens....If we survive COVID-19 !!

@rubaidaallen2764

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, yes and yes!!! Minus Andrew 😂😂

@archibaldikowski3646

3 жыл бұрын

If we survive the Lockdowns and the Vaccines. ;)

What I noticed is in the booklet for Ultra you'll notice there's WAY more producers and session musicians, you realize it took all these people to replicate one Alan Wilder.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Dylan Warrick that is a very good observation that needs mentioning !! Thank you 😎👍V

Thanks a lot for your video! We also love and miss "The Boss" and we're still happy about his and Steve Lyon's Masterpiece "Devotional", for us it is also the creative and emotional peak or the artistic climax of an unbelievable musical career. We try to keep Alan's spirit alive in our tribute productions! Thank you for your interesting thoughts with this very intense and "musically sad" situation! Best wishes. Christian // F2M

Alan Wilder was just as integral to Depeche Mode as Martin's songwriting and Dave's vocals. The proof is in the pudding -- look at the quality of their work since 1995. Truthfully, Alan Wilder could fart into an old coffee can and make it sound more compelling than anything Depeche Mode has done since "Songs Of Faith And Devotion". Also, I loved your comments about SOFAD. Whereas any other band would've come out with "Violator 2", they turned themselves inside-out, upside-down, and topped it. It's visceral, rough around the edges, debauched, introspective, and in-your-face triumphant. It's no wonder artists like Gary Numan count it as their most inspiring and influential album.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your well written comment!! Thank you so much for your kind comments and I am happy you like the content !! Thanks again!! V:-)

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

ByeUK appreciate your insight and honesty bud!! All opinions are welcomed and none are wrong !! Thanks again for your interactions 😎👍V

@thirdlantern

5 жыл бұрын

​@@AtticusBleep I think real fans understand it's the culmination of everything they started doing with MFTM. SOFAD was the apex of that arc, just like BC topped off their first one. I found SOFAD garish, to be honest. I was quite horrified to see the sheen of Violator stripped away, both sonically and in their appearance. But that was the point, and once that clicked I could focus entirely on the album being their masterpiece.

@nakanon340

5 жыл бұрын

Wait, there’s albums beyond Construction Time Again? Oh, sorry, I forgot about Some Great Reward. I hear Black Celebration is coming along just fine. Looking forward to its release.

@CornholioDK

5 жыл бұрын

Ultra is a very impressive album tbh.. But yeah its easy to hear Alan is not around anymore.

Thank you very much for posting this particular video! My all-time favorite Depeche Mode albums are Black Celebration, Music for The Masses, Violator, and Songs of Faith and Devotion. Playing the Angel is their best post Alan Wilder album, but there is still something missing. Alan's synth programming and work in the studio is obviously missing. Well said Vaughn George!

@kennethvalbjoern

Жыл бұрын

I have exactly the same favorite DM albums.

@morghe321

Жыл бұрын

​@@kennethvalbjoern I also agree with this, but I would also include Some great reward, which I think is when their sound started to shape, although, the sound is not as mature and dark as on Black Celebration. The first 3 were pling plong,1980s video game music. I also agree about Playing the Angel being the best post-Wilder album.

I too agree with the sentiments shared by most fans when it comes to Alan's decision to leave Depeche Mode; I followed the band from the very beginning and as a result a very big part of the reason why I pursued electronic music was primarily due to the heavy influence and impact that the music of DM had on me at such a young age. And specifically Alan's contributions to the band's overall sound is what I feel made them who they were. Dave the great singer and frontman, Martin the chief songwriter (after Vince Clarke's departure) and Fletch... um, whatever he did... was a total package that had massive musical mojo and moxie and it packed a punch! The brooding, foreboding, darker semi-industrial element that Alan brought to the songs was what appealed to me the most. As an electronic musician myself, I marveled at the way Alan utilized the tools of technology combined with his sheer raw talent to bring the music to life and give it the edge that ultimately defined DM for the better part of 13yrs. Those are the only years that really matter to me, the Alan years. After his departure there was truly a void left behind in the DM sound that I still think they have had a tough time trying to fill. I honestly own none of DM's albums after Ultra (I give that one particular post Alan album an exception only because there are actually several good tracks on it even though Alan wasn't involved with them when that record was released) but everything else that DM has put out since then has been very disappointing to say the least and to me the majority of it is very un-listenable. So when I say that I'm a Depeche Mode fan, I'm really talking about the Alan years only (which most other fans react with a puzzled look on their face or a scowl because they really don't understand my rationale for saying this) and beyond that I have no interest in what DM has been doing since Alan's departure. Yes, I know that DM is still going strong and yes they are still selling tons of records and selling out stadiums but to me it's just not the same as it once was. I've seen them live numerous times and I was even lucky enough to see them at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena CA for the final 101 show in 1988 (yes that's the very same one that D.A. Pennebaker made his movie from) which to me was the pinnacle concert for my lifetime of being a devoted and loyal fan. That experience can never be duplicated and will truly never be forgotten either. But the magic is gone now and DM are just another band to me. I actually prefer listening to other electronic bands these days and of course I still prefer listening to Alan's solo work on his Recoil project. But as for me, my memories and fondness for DM will always be the period between 1982 and 1995 when Alan was in the band. After that in my own humble and honest opinion, DM is just a band that enjoyed a period of greatness in their heyday thanks to Alan's vision and hard work, and the remaining three members took it for granted and didn't appreciate it as much as they should have and they are still trying to make a living and survive off of the contributions from their former band member. Yes that may sound a bit harsh but I think it's the truth and that's how I feel about it. Thanks to Piano & Keyboard artist for making this video and the added commentary as well, these are great videos for all members of the electronic music community - like me!

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Joe hi!1 Thank you for those AWESOME and detailed post !! You truly are the kind of fan I love to connect with here on the channel and I hope to hear more from you in future!! V:-)

@zararyman769

4 жыл бұрын

Couldn't have said this any better. They have never been the same since he left. It"s sad😥

After tried to like the 3 last albums without Alan, I found one song worth putting on my playlist...

They've never been the same since Alan left. He made the sound, it's one thing to write and sing, it's another thing to personally craft the sound. Alan was the architect that put it all together. My god, I miss this man. I will forever mourn the day he left.

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

Lolita Dolorosa for sure !! We all agree !! VG😎🎹👍

When Alan left I was done with dm....sofad leaned so grunge... it was a big leap for me from violator...I was 20 in 93....I was was proud of Alan for him turning drummer....had it been any other band sofad would have been great. ..but I knew then it was the end of an era...

@jbcharm

5 жыл бұрын

sprintbass your crazy SOFAD was a masterpiece and ultra comes in 2nd!

@23rdcenturyhobbit

5 жыл бұрын

I was 15 when SOFAD came along watching Alan playing the drums on the tour DVD blew me away. Devotional tour was the BEST one out of all. DM concert 2 years in Dallas, Tx lacked the main ingredient: Alan Wilder.

Depeche Mode isn't Depeche Mode without Alan Wilder.

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

Right you are!! VG:-)

@derkernspalter

3 жыл бұрын

Depeche Mode with Alan Wilder, almost each Track is a classic. Depeche Mode post Alan Wilder, we can be glad to get one classic per Album.

@joedecker3900

3 жыл бұрын

Martin is the brains in the band

@obrothers6836

Жыл бұрын

please..... ¬¬

@ca77721

Жыл бұрын

WRONG!! Without Martin and Dave there is no DM.All other members were replaceable. And don't forget the other co founder Vince Clark who helped start their immediate success.

You have expressed EXACTLY what I have said for the past few albums. Martin is the brain, Dave is the heart and Alan was its soul. Without Alan, there music is flat... Alan was able to bring another dimension to Martin’s songs.... Visually, it’s as if Martin wrote in pencil and Alan was the 3D animator. Since he left, their songs are b/w 2D and sometimes colour 2D but nowhere near Alan’s masterful adaptations

@jjviolator

3 жыл бұрын

Depeche mode is like a human body. However I would say: Martin: heart Dave: voice Alan: brains Fletch: arsehole

This is great! I agree with everything you said and your insight about the dynamics of the band, and Alan's role! I've met Martin a few times over the years, and have spoke to him a couple of times and you're absolutely right about how he isn't very good about expressing himself verbally but is fluent in translating his thoughts into music and is the very best at it! Combined with Alan's freedom to apply his massive and unmatchable talent to develop Depeche Mode. I'm so grateful for their music! Soundtrack of my life!

Songs of Faith and Devotion was by far there best album! And out of all there concert tours! Songs of faith and Devotion tour was a spiritual experience

The Magic that Made Depeche Mode so special during it's hey day with Alan Wilder was lost after he left. When he was in the band he played Numerous Instrumentals on Albums and Concerts. Wrote many of their songs and took many of the songs he didn't write and took them to a different level. Look at their concerts now it takes many people to do what Alan Wilder did. Alan was becoming unhappy being in a group setting so he decided to leave. I know many wish he could have stayed but I would rather he be happy then being in a group and feel Unappreciated. Many of us Will always and still Miss Alan Wilder and Thank him for being in the band in the first place.

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

perpetual61 I love this sincere post !! Thank you V😎👍

Alan saved DM. Pure brilliance.

I must say, "Ultra" is probably my favorite album and it was after Alan.

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

johnnyrocco123 Ultra was a superb album !! I do agree !!VG🎹😎👍

@bjorn2625

Ай бұрын

Yeah I’m in the same boat. I totally agree that Wilder took something with him as he left. But Ultra, as far as I am concerned, is the last great DM album. After that it’s just a smear of 5/10s.

I'd watch two hours of Alan breaking down his keyboard setup

As a both metalhead and in secret DM hardcore fan,I think two terrible things happened to music in last 35 years. Death of Cliff Burton and something maybe preventable at some time, Alan Wilder leaving DM. And Alan giving fans sound samples of original material is never heard of. Musicians normally keep their tonal secrets to grave. I salute you sir Alan Wilder, you are one special creation of God.

@peternagy-im4be

2 жыл бұрын

God?

Agree with this. I'm a fan of Depeche Mode since early 80s and love all their work but the "golden period" was definitely due to Alan's input. Haven't been the same since but still love them. Where the hell is Alan? Really hoping that as they all age and realize their time is probably running short (career-wise), they may revisit some old relationships and sounds. Good overview.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Leah and I hope you stay with us with us on this journey!! V:-)

Yes everything changed after the ultra album. Alan Wilder brought a certain abstract sound which was uniquely arranged . There were people out there who tried to imitate but no one could produce that same sound. Just like Sting sound better with the police than solo. At least that's my opinion.

Thank you so much for this video, Vaughn. It's a really good account of Alan's time with the band and what his departure meant for their music. Although Alan has mentioned his reasons for leaving DM in the press statement he still kept it somewhat vague which sparked off a lot of speculation in the fan community. Now I never thought fingerpointing to certain other band members was particularly helpful and yet it bothered me that Alan felt he didn't receive the recognition he deserved for his role in the band. I have just recently finished the book "Halo", The story behind Depeche Mode's classic album Violator, and I came across something that I found quite comforting. It's this quote by Steve Lyon who was an engineer at the Church Studios in London: "I don't think that the band or the label ever underestimated Alan's role, but I do sometimes think that the work he did went unnoticed." It makes more sense when you read it in context and it is a worthwhile read for any fan.

Thank you for this video! Everything you (and Alan himself) said here about DM is so spot on. Alan's mix of "In chains" is top notch and I keep my fingers crossed for another DM and Alan collaboration in the future.

The intro to World in my eyes on the devotional tour gives me goosebumps it’s musical perfection ❤️

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Marc Cartledge yes indeed !! Wilder played a huge part in the pre production and programming of the backing tracks for that tour!! I will cover this in my “Devotional tour” review on this channel!! V 😎👍

@alientek01

5 жыл бұрын

It is incredible! Using the vocoded vocal & filtered synth parts... the subtle build & then BOOM. Then after the main melody it drops back into that nasty groove. The AW touch.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

@@alientek01 I'm going to watch that clip right now!! Cheers bud!! V:-)

@marccartledge2752

5 жыл бұрын

DJ Scot Gray absolutely! It’s right up there with my fave DM tracks to hear live it’s a beautifully put together track

@marccartledge2752

5 жыл бұрын

Piano & Keyboard Artist I can’t wait for that!

All the years without Alan were wasted years. No song had the quality of before.

Pretty much every DM video the comments express love for Alan, and I can only agree. What a genius. I almost resent the band for pushing him away. What a loss.

It's good video, but a few bits are missing. Like Alan was "fighting" with Mart during producing Judas. One of the member of the band mentioned that Alan won. Also , If I am not wrong that Martin wanted enjoy the Silence slow and "quite" , but Alan havd idea to speed it up, and because it we have most favourite DM song ever! Someone on one of DM sites wrote... "If Mozart could live, would be him Alan Wilder" - best ever compliment about Alan!

Awesome refresher and analysis... thank you for putting it together. Agree with you on every point.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Gustav thank you !! V:-)

do the band miss Wilder though? If they are selling out venues, and selling the songs, then perhaps from that the band think 'they still love us'. The reality is yes, we still love them, but we'd prefer to have Wilder. Do the band actually know how much we all miss Alan?

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

That's a great question Tom!! VG:-)

"Alan wilder come back" same.

Depeche Mode my favourite band of all time I love them however since Alan Wilder left the band totally and utterly devastated me the band for me were never same since he left it kind of lost there way I still love the love the band but since he left I dont have the same enthsiasm

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

Shaun Laws I’m with you on that !! 👍😎🎹

You hit every thought I’ve had about Depeche Mode and their sound with and without Alan. I really appreciate you making this video. While I miss Alan being a part of the band and imagine what it could be with him, it certainly doesn’t seem as if he will ever rejoin. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

I agree with everything you've pointed out here. The song writing from Ultra and onward has been the same, but the song development and production from Ultra and onward has been stagnant. Even Wilder's remix of In Chains was better than the album version. Now it just seems that they're trying to find that atmosphere...but are failing.... One thing that I'd like to mention is that Wilder also had a great skill of re-interpreting the songs for the live set: how they were re-arranged and remixed for the live set. For example, look how he redid 'I Want You Now' for the second leg of the Devotional tour (Exotic Tour)...the trip-hop feel was incredible and probably was a good indicator of how/where the sound of Depeche might been going in the future.

@francoiskirmanngamaury285

5 жыл бұрын

I don't know if agree re. songwriting. Although I feel the same about the quality of the records going downhill from Ultra onwards. I mean there are some beautiful songs on Ultra and Exciter for sure but then less and less so. I think Martin Gore "style" of songwriting beeing quite emotional and direct was at his peak in his late 20's and 30's. And it kind of went downhill after that. Lyrics like "Waiting For The Night" or "In Your Room", "World In My Eyes" and countless others - all the sensuality, and poetry from those days have kind of gone. Ironically the most Depeche sounding songs in the recents albums have been written by Dave! (Suffer Well / Take me higher... for example.

@greyroom6730

5 жыл бұрын

@@francoiskirmanngamaury285 - Very good points you make! Well I think starting with Sounds of the Universe, he had given up drinking and I remember him saying that it had an affect on his songwriting....or at least his perspective....I agree that most of the Depeche sounding songs have come from Dave....Although, I think "Alone" (Gore) may be one of the best songs from the past three albums and it's reasons like that why I still keep the faith...

@francoiskirmanngamaury285

5 жыл бұрын

​@@greyroom6730 I will have to listen to Alone then! Re. stopping drinking, yes perhaps it had an influence. Most of violator was apparently written on ecsatsy come downs so... perhaps these things help!

@janinebedfordl

5 жыл бұрын

"Alone" is great, I like most of Delta Machine in fact - a really strong album. The "In Chains" remix really does make me miss Alan though, it just proves that as late as 2011 was it when he did that? He still had whatever it takes to take their songs up a further... I was going to say 25% but actually in the case of that song it's a lot more than that (something like "Alone" couldn't grow in the same way but he could maybe significantly lift the weaker tracks which litter a lot of their post Ultra albums)

For what it's worth Precious is my favourite track post Wilder. I've seen them live many times WW and AW (with Wilder and after Wilder) and I will always be a fan, but it's not the same. They still put on a polished show but it's lacking something. A live drummer is NOT the DM we knew, they are/were an electro synth act, and Peter G whilst a talented and skilled is a session musician promoted to the limelight.

You can tell how passionate & knowledgeable he (AW) was about his craft, explaining the sounds coming from the keyboards.

Agree. The Songs of faith and devotion tour in Brussels (Vorst) was by far one of the best concerts ever. I was blown away. Since then it went downwards.

Seems like DM & Alan Wilder are over his departure but clearly the fans, myself included are most definitely not! I would love for Alan to return working with DM and put together enough tracks for an EP, maybe a full album or both really! Too bad there wasn't a petition fans could sign that would necessitate such a dream coming true.

Great video. Although I feel the DM Golden Era includes 1984's "Some Great Reward" and even kind of starts with the last track on 1983's "Construction Time Again", "Everything Counts.

@vanillacaffelatte

3 жыл бұрын

I fully agree, SGR is a great album! I'd also add Two Minute Warning and The Landscape Is Changing from CTA, really good songs and one of my favourites. I also like Told You So :D

Hello. New subscriber here :) What a great channel! Came across it a couple of days ago and have been binge watching the videos for hours. I have been a DM and Alan Wilder fan for more than 30 years now. I share your opinion and agree with everything you say about DM and Alan, catch myself nodding in agreement every time you discuss their music, roles in the band, current sound, etc. I like your "geek talk" a lot, too. So thank you for this wonderful channel!

@VaughnGeorge

4 жыл бұрын

Jurgita Rask thank you so much for your kind words and I am happy to have you on board !! VG👍😎🎹

For me Depeche Mode has ended in 1993. Things really started to go downhill once Alan Wilder left the group.

@rubaidaallen2764

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. I saw DM in 1993 and 1994. After AW left I was and still am so heartbroken. He was the backbone of this magnificent band we love so much. Don't get me wrong, DM are still a force to be reckoned with, but without AW the force isn't as strong. I miss him terribly.

@EtsiJuuret

4 жыл бұрын

in 1995

@EtsiJuuret

4 жыл бұрын

@@rubaidaallen2764 and he could be killed by a plain that year, remember?

@rubaidaallen2764

3 жыл бұрын

@@EtsiJuuret Yes I remember that. He was driving with his then wife when a plane crashed near them. Very scary indeed. So happy he's ok.

@rubaidaallen2764

3 жыл бұрын

@Stephen Anthony SOFAD is beautiful. You don't like it?

Completely right. Alan was a key piece and still a key piece missing in the team. What a sham, what a disadvantage for them. I think DM are the ones with the “huge ego” to ask Alan to come back.. Anyway, Alan is turning 60 this year. The others quite soon. Who the hell wants to keep up with the work or a band such as DM has, studio work, touring.. You do that in your 20s up to 40s with no problem. After that age, things are much difficult and it is not as cool anymore. You need a lot of energy to keep up which they no longer have anymore. It would be nice if they could reunite including Vince Clarke and Alan to make a final and magical record including all the different periods in one record. Then tour in certain places. The amount of money they could make is beyond their knowledge. It is not a stupid idea at all.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Richard C: Thank you Sir for your kind words. I agree with you 100%. V :-)

@Kubit76

5 жыл бұрын

Piano & Keyboard Artist I have to thank you for you time recording your opinions. In my case, I just exposed what many fans feel. I am a fan since 1989, I had cassettes, video tapes, t-shirts and many other things an example, and as you, this band influenced my teenage life. I am a piano player since I was 5 years old, used to make music with synths and drum machines, not like today with stupid software easy enough for any dumbhead to play around with. I really experimented with the synths influenced by DM. The last 3 or four albums, I don’t even know the name of the songs, not even the records.

@Judy-1989

5 жыл бұрын

Richard C. Right you are! A few carefully placed appearances (and the money they would make would boggle their minds.) So it wouldn't be hard on them for their age. 💖 A complete joy for the fans though. Probably would require a really good psychiatrist to reunite them to work together again. Or a miracle!

@martink3953

5 жыл бұрын

I agree, but if Alan was to come back and they make another master piece of an album they would fill biggest venues to the max. They still have huge sales. At this point, they can just play at huge arenas and do one third shows they usually do.

@Pepper_Meadow

5 жыл бұрын

There is this interview with Martin saying that he doesn't want to be like the Rolling Stones: being old geezers up on the stage and having half of your fans show up just to hear one song (Paint It Black, for the Rolling Stones). One of the other guys laughs and says "Martin, we're already like that. A lot of people come to our shows to see Just Can't Get Enough and we're like, middle-aged." Martin laughed it off but didn't respond iirc

Alan as he put it.. Gave Martins songs warmth, atmosphere, created a mood ,the vibe.. brilliant producer and muso. The beating heart of mode

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

jason lee Viljoen perfectly stated matey !! V😎👍

I always felt this way after Alan left, never reading or hearing others having the same thought. I feel validated! 1st video I have watched on your channel, now a subscriber. Looking forward to seeing your catalog.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Rachel Wise welcome on board and thank you!!😎👍V

Any subject you speaking about is great. This channel is the best channel for DM fans. Thanks VG.

@VaughnGeorge

3 жыл бұрын

Bless you my friend and thank you for being here !! VG 😎👍🎹

The problem during making of Songs Of Faith & Devotion is actually that Martin was stepping on Alan's toes when it came to producing. That's what caused a riff between them and put Alan over the edge. This is when he realized that he will not have the freedom to shape the sound to his liking and would be at war with Martin every step of the way. Also, Alan put a lot of work shaping the live performances during SOFAD tour. That's why that tour is pretty much perfect. Luckily, I was able to see them live during that time. Magic is gone now. It's hard to listen to any of their albums post Alan's departure. Ultra is very good but still sounds half finished.

In this interview (don’t know how old it is?) Wilder seems to express - in a very controlled British manner - that he still is open to the idea of being a creative force in DM. He is bound to have interesting material lying around. And judging from the studio albums since Playing The Angel really - I think it would be a very interesting and exciting idea.

Great video with lots of gems that you've linked in the description. It's funny, I guess I didn't realize how much I missed Alan Wilder too. At one point, I had every DM album in my collection, with Ultra being the last, but I didn't know why... I quite like the most recent stuff, though.

I believe you're spot on, on Alans role in Depeche Mode and I absolutely share your feelings about Alan. He should be back! Someone definitely should toss him some sort of an apology and tell him a few words about his work in the band (ahrmMartinhrmhrm...). The remaining three are adult, reflective beings so why should it be that difficult! Oh yes. And I have the same sense with Ultra. This album was the "breadcrum" of SOFAD, and that's why it's an acceptable peace of DM-work. I quite like it as well. The following? Not so much.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Glad you agree !! Thank you for your comment!! V:-)

Martin is the heart, Dave the voice, Alan was the brains... Oh, and Andy, he is he. I think Alan gave musical credibility to the band, because since he left there is no real musicians in the band.

@Judy-1989

5 жыл бұрын

Wilder WAS in fact the heart and brains of the group! Martin can sing and write a song. He certainly does NOT have what it takes to be the heart of DM!

@alientek01

5 жыл бұрын

Fletch is the business manager (for lack of a better term).

@glezpik

5 жыл бұрын

DJ Scot Gray indeed, as you can see in the 101 movie and some EPKs, but musically (sound, production, composition, etc) he is almost invisible. But yes, the musical business could be a bitch, and Andy was the smart guy in the band, capable to take care of it.

@spotlight_is

4 жыл бұрын

i think Martin is the body, David the voice, Andy the brains, and Alan the soul.

@pepper1188

4 жыл бұрын

I saw the devotional tour which I absolutely loved but I also loved equally Dave's paper Monster Tour. To me Dave is everything he could perform alone and it doesn't really matter who his background are as long as his voice holds up

Alan Wilder back as producer rather than band member would be quite something-sadly I don't think it will ever happen.

Nice that you discuss that 24 yrs after he left :-)

Exciter is a very underappreciated album. The songwriting is good on that record. Shine, Breathe, I Am You, Dream On, Freelove, When The Body Speaks, anyone? I guess some people will bash everything they do post-Wilder, just because Alan is not in the band anymore. Some people will say the new DM is shit without even listening to it. Not all of the fans are like that but many are just nostalgia-fueled haters of anything recorded without Wilder's input. With all respect to Alan's work (underappreciated by the band for sure), every post-Wilder DM album has its grand moments. Just like the old DM records have their shit moments too. IMO.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

You're right and we should not generalise !! The beauty of DMs albums is that they are so varied and experimental without repeating themselves!! I am loving how we all love DM but still have our strong feelings and opinions on various subjects concerning the band!! I welcome you to the community and thank you again!! V :-)

@jakubkurek4312

5 жыл бұрын

Just to make it clear - I LOVE Alan's work on DM albums. He is a genius and his influence on DM's success is undeniable. Thanks to him and his take on songs like "Enjoy The Silence" they still play stadiums. Their biggest scuccess was a mixture of Gore's talent in songwriting and Wilder's talent in shaping those songs. Still, I really aprreciate and like most of the stuff they did since Alan's departure. It's still good music. And Alan won't rejoin. Ever. There was a brief moment of reconciliation in 2010 (the famous RAH reunion) but things went bad again when Alan decided to sell his DM stuff (Martin and Andy were strongly against that). They are not friends and I believe that the only member of the band who ever really appreciated Alan's work is Dave Gahan. And by the way, where is Alan now? It's been a while since his "Selected events" and he kind of disappeared soon after that. Anyway, I liked the video. Plus, I love the video about Fletch. Gahan once said that there is no Depeche Mode without Andy Fletcher. That's the way it is. Cheers!

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Jakub Kurek I’m glad you are enjoying the videos and I am happy to have you as part of this community!! Cheers my friend !! V😎👍

@sethmatthews7394

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, I think some people will be disappointed no matter how good the next album is, just because it doesn't have Alan. His departure was a huge loss for sure, but not the death of the band.

Alan Wilder should come back. This is what he deserves for being a great member of the best era of Depeche Mode!!

Recoil proved where the DM sound was. Working together they were truly amazing.

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Benjamin Marshalsea your statement is short, to the point and true!! V😎👍

Well, nobody can replace Alan. He was not only talented but also intellectual, logical, with the gift of word when interviewed. Sweetheart.

The combination between martin song's and alan sound was just perfect

Ultra was a great album. DM just needs to STOP using a live drummer and get a better producer!

@markkellett2665

3 жыл бұрын

Wilder played drums

@marcandrebighetti9882

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you stop thedrummers and back tothe basic I'm fan till 1982 and i think broken frame was a masterpiece

What I don´t understand is how only Dave Gahan was the only one who aprecciated Alan´s work/influence in DM, and Martin Gore and the other one who the only thing makes is stay standing didn´t. Unbelieveable. In my country it´s called Envy.

@maggsandcats2437

4 жыл бұрын

Ummm...I'm sure Martin appreciates Alan's hardwork. And what's with all these people hating on Martin?

@user-pn9po6bc3v

4 жыл бұрын

Maggie Because Martin’s inability to express appreciation for Alan’s contribution is a major reason why he left the band and they’ve never been as good since.

@maggsandcats2437

4 жыл бұрын

@@user-pn9po6bc3v , I might not know as much on this topic as you may do, but I don't think Martin not being able to appreciate Alan, is one of the reasons he left the band. Consider what was occurring during the time Alan left the band, Martin was dealing with drinking problems, Dave with drugs, and Fletch with depression. Alan was likely dealing with his own issues and the conflicts that he was experiencing with all of the band members' presences'. This was a very difficult time for them all, and I understand why he'd depart from the band. On the subject of them not being as good as when Alan was in the band, I do have differing opinions on that. Things have changed for them, but I don't think for the worse. All their albums after his departure, are beautiful and have deep meaning. Though it would be fantastic if he did a tour or album with them. I just think Alan should be appreciated for his solo career, and not always pressured to join the band again. Sorry for taking your time, I just really wanted to express my opinion on this subject.

@user-pn9po6bc3v

4 жыл бұрын

Maggie You’re right- you don’t know as much about it. It’s absolutely a major part of the reason Alan left.

@EtsiJuuret

4 жыл бұрын

@@user-pn9po6bc3v and Martin had been paying him as much as Fletch. Couldn’t it be onother 1 reason?

Alan was my favourite in DM...was lucky to bump into him in an electronics shop on Edgware road in September 1986...I nearly had a stroke that day...got his autograph... really cool and down to earth guy, no one in the shop knew who he was, just a regular guy minding his business...of course I was really excited and kept shaking his hand...I think he felt slightly embarrassed cause he got red faced...he left as soon as he'd signed my pad....never forgot that day.

I've just started watching your video posts and I find them quite enlightening with very down to earth comments. Well done! I've been a DM fun since 1983 (actually my Top-2 group along with Genesis). I coud not agree more with your thoughts regarding Alan's value and loss impact on the band's music performance since 1994. Looking forward to moredocumentaries regarding Mode

Love your comments and thoughts on this. (Probably because I feel the same...) I saw some of the great DM concerts live ("Enjoy the Silence" and (best ever) "Devotional tour"). It will never be the same. Thank you for your great channel!

@VaughnGeorge

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Michael! V:-)

It's true that since he left the band their music isn't what it used to be. Their most famous songs are the ones he participated

Great video. So happy to have discovered this channel.

@VaughnGeorge

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to have you on board Clifford !! VG :-)

@cliffordhritz5215

3 жыл бұрын

@@VaughnGeorge check out my new wave duo act The Divys. This song is from our first album. kzread.info/dash/bejne/hpiJuZqiqq3fnJc.html. I play guitar and sing bg vox on it. We are working on new songs now.

Nice video Dude.. I have to say, you're bang on with everything you say.. DM were greater than the sum of their parts with the magic 4.. The depth and class he brought to Martin's songs really cannot be understated.. I was lucky to be at that concert in '93 and it was definitely the pinnacle of their journey.. they have never been able to equal it since It is a real shame that Alan was never fully appreciated for his enormous contribution.. It looked like there might have been some reconciliation back in 2010 after Alan joined them for the Albert Hall performance of Somebody. Alan was even asked to contribute to the remix album, but there was still little feedback or appreciation for his amazing version of "In Chains" I was lucky enough to work with Alan for his "Collected" auction and although I was nervous to meet him(never meet your heroes), I found him to be an incredibly warm, intelligent and lovely human being..