Dave Gahan

Dave Gahan
Dave Gahan with Depeche Mode in 2022
Dave Gahan with Depeche Mode in 2022
Background information
Birth nameDavid Callcott
Born (1962-05-09) 9 May 1962 (age 62)
Epping, Essex, England
Genres
OccupationSinger
Discography
Years active1980–present
Member ofDepeche Mode
Websitedavegahan.com

David Gahan (/ɡɑːn/ GAHN; born David Callcott; 9 May 1962) is an English singer best known as the lead singer of electronic music band Depeche Mode since their formation in 1980. Noted for his commanding stage presence[1] and unique baritone voice,[2] Q magazine ranked him at No. 73 on its list of the "100 Greatest Singers"[3] and No. 27 on its list of the "100 Greatest Frontmen".[4] As part of Depeche Mode, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.[5]

Although his bandmate Martin Gore continues to be the main songwriter for Depeche Mode, Gahan has co-written a number of songs included on each of the band's albums since 2005's Playing the Angel. Seven of these songs were released as singles, including "Suffer Well" in 2005, "Hole to Feed" in 2009, "Should Be Higher" in 2013, "Cover Me" in 2017, "Wagging Tongue" and "Speak to Me" in 2023, and "Before We Drown" in 2024.[6] His solo albums include Paper Monsters (2003) and Hourglass (2007). He also contributed lyrics and sang lead vocals on the Soulsavers albums The Light the Dead See (2012), Angels & Ghosts (2015) and Imposter (2021).

  1. ^ "Depeche Mode delights the masses during its first of four record-setting evenings at the Hollywood Bowl". Dailynews.com. 13 October 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  2. ^ "Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan: why I don't understand my own band". New Statesman. June 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  3. ^ "Rocklist.net...Q Magazine Lists". Rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  4. ^ "Q286 Exclusive preview". Q. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  5. ^ "Watch Depeche Mode's Wholesome Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech". Edm.com – the Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists. 11 November 2020.
  6. ^ "Official Depeche Mode discography". depechemode.com. Retrieved 14 November 2023.