Lift up the receiver, I’ll make you a believer
On March 11, 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence from Moscow. Their Declaration of Independence was one of many such acts that contributed to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. Exactly a week later, on March 18, the first free elections in East Germany (German ‘Democratic’ Republic) took place following the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. These elections marked a crucial step towards German reunification and led to freedom for millions of people.
What followed the next day is neither connected to the historic events described above, nor of the same magnitude (depending on who you ask). However, on March 19, 1990, Depeche Mode released an album that took them to the next level both musically and in terms of stardom. It also solidified their status as the first electronic band capable of filling stadiums around the globe. The album, chronologically their seventh, came during an era which is widely regarded as the band’s high-point. Rolling Stone Magazine ranks it as number 167 on their list of the best albums of all time. Its name is “Violator”.
“Halo – The Story Behind Depeche Mode’s Classic Album Violator” offers a comprehensive exploration of this iconic album that transformed Depeche Mode’s career. The authors dig deep into the creation, promotion, and tour of “Violator”, providing fascinating insights into the band’s creative process with comments from some of the personnel involved in bringing the album to life. While the absence of input from Depeche Mode themselves is notable, the inclusion of conversations with key figures such as Francois Kervorkian and Gareth Jones adds valuable perspectives to the narrative.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to capture the essence of the era in which “Violator” was produced, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans who experienced the album’s release firsthand. But even the casual listener will find the book an engaging read, offering a wealth of insights and anecdotes that shed light on the making of “Violator”. After all, it features two of the band’s most recognizable singles; the classics “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy The Silence”.
Whether you’re a longtime Depeche Mode devotee, just like the authors, or a newcomer to the band’s music, this book provides a captivating journey into the world of “Violator” and its enduring legacy. “Halo – The Story Behind Depeche Mode’s Classic Album Violator” delivers a compelling narrative that will appeal to fans of the band and anyone interested in the creative process behind one of Depeche Mode’s most beloved albums and a seminal release in music history.
Get your paperback copy of “Halo – The Story Behind Depeche Mode’s Classic Album Violator” from Amazon (subject to availability).
- Authors: Kevin May and David McElroy
- Published: September 2022
- Pages: 390
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 20.3 cm / 5 x 8 inches
- Publisher: Grosvenor House Publishing
- ISBN: 9781803812250