Stripped: The True Story of Depeche Mode

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Summary: BEST BOOK ON THE BAND SO FAR
Review: 'Stripped' is the most comprehensive book on Depeche Mode to date - covering all eras of the group's innovative career.
A lot of emphasis is placed on the band's formative years, with contributions given by those who knew the members before they became international stars.
There is however, like most other books written about the band, a lot of second-hand information from previous interviews - and many of these interviews are well known to those who have a keen interest in the group.
There's plenty to read though - and some rare pictures too which avid fans are bound to like.
All in all, it's definitely worth having if your a fan of "the best electronic group in the world".

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Summary: Finally Depeche Mode makes sense to me now
Review: Finally a book that really gets into the music and personality of depeche mode and lets you understand them. The previous two books were not good and after reading them twice I was still left totally in the dark about the band.

This book discusses what the others didn't, the music!! It really tells the Depeche Mode story album by album and single by single. He tells about how the albums are made and discusses the working relationships between the group members during those albums. From that perspective he goes into personal bits on the band that really show their personalities. This book doesn't just start talking about their personalities and sorta throw in the albums as time markers. It really shows you how their music develops.

He also really brings up alot of new interviews and facts, which I didn't think existed. After reading the other books, which overlapped alot, this book had refreshing new interviews that shed incredible perspective on the group. Alan's story is finally told as well in great detail...giving some of the most candid insights into the group. Daniel Miller, Gareth Jones, and Vince Clark are covered as well.

I have been a HUGE fan for over 17 years now and until I read this book I always thought that they came from outerspace. Its funny but I will kinda miss that naivete. I had my own ideas of them that weren't true that I will miss. But now that I know the whole story, it inspires me.

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Summary: The definitive Depeche Mode story
Review: Having just finished reading this entire book, I have to say this is about as thorough as it gets. The book traces the history of the band from the time when they were grade school age to the Exciter era. Nearly 23 years of history. One of the best aspects of the book is the interview with Vince Clarke, and he covers everything, including the age old question of why he left the band. Finally, you get the story from the source. Each of the band members are pretty candid about why they think Vince left, as well as on other topics. Most important Alan Wilder's departure. We get Alan's take on that also. Again, no speculation and rumor, just facts. Alan's story on his years with the band could be a book on it's own.

The book also covers what went into making each DM album and how the sound progressed over the years. Dave, Martin, Fletch, Vince and Alan give us a rare view inside their personal lives and how the excesses of being on the road almost ruined the band. Dave covers his drug abuse and how he climbed out of the lowest depths in his life. What I consider to be somewhat sad but uplifting at the same time seeing how Dave is doing now. There's some really interesting stories about backstage life during concert tours that will be new to a lot of fans.

As a bonus there's several great pictures in the book, many never seen before. A visual history divided into 3 sections, each relevant to the time frame in the book. Childhood pictures and personal photos round out the collection.

As a fan of the band for over 15 years, I would recommend this to anyone. Some fans will find $30 to be a little steep, but it's well worth it. This is Jonathan Miller's first effort and it's better than some books by authors who have written 10. All the questions people have had over the years are all addressed right here. The only flaw is that the discography has the singles released in '84 as being released in '83, a minor mistake. It certainly doesn't detract from the quality of this excellent biography.

Depeche Mode, a band that made growing up in a boring country town tolerable!