From the charts to the decks
Members of his own band refer to him as the backbone of Depeche Mode. Andy Fletcher presents a DJ set at Free2Go Club 22 tonight. For 20 frenetic years, Depeche Mode conquered the United States and Europe, topped the charts, filled up stadiums worldwide and band members nearly lost their lives. Addicted to heroin, David Gahan suffered at least two heart attacks, Fletcher survived depression and nervous breakdowns while Martin Gore went through a series of panic attacks – add to that various failed marriages and lots of in-band quarreling and there’s plenty of material for a sensational movie script! Things have calmed down over the last few years, however. Gahan and Gore have recorded solo albums, while Fletcher has established his own recording label, under the umbrella of Mute (called Toast Hawaii, this was the name of the local diner next to Depeche Mode’s recording studio in Berlin). Besides listening to hundreds of demos, in the last two years Fletcher has been touring the world presenting DJ sets. At the same time, Depeche Mode has begun recording a new album, scheduled for release in 2005. Meanwhile, the second part of the collection featuring the group’s music of the last decade was released a few weeks ago – a CD with remixes by leading DJs is also set for release soon. Fletcher’s invitation for tonight’s Free2Go Club 22 event was extended by Hysterika, the official and very active Greek fan club. Besides his own favorites, Fletcher will also play a few songs from the new album. Free2Go Club 22, 22 Vouliagmenis, tel 210.924.9814.
