Vince Clarke, “Songs of Silence.” In 1981, Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode just a year after the legendary synth band’s formation. The English keyboardist then went on to become the primary songwriter for Erasure with Andy Bell and scored a string of hits in the ’80s and ’90s. Songs…

Erasure, “Day-Glo (Based on a True Story).” Since 1985, Erasure has churned out pop hits that have been no less subtle (or less fun) than a queer revival. They’re kind of like an Erasure live show, with background singers in rainbow-colored lamé suits and an equally colorful Andy Bell,…

Erasure, courtesy. A few weeks ago I spoke with Andy Bell, one half of Erasure. Bell was still in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was playing a role in a one-man play semi-based on his life’s experiences. I wrote a story about Erasure’s return to the U.S. for Paste Magazine,…

Depeche Mode performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on Sept. 26, 2013. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. Depeche Mode performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on Sept. 26, 2013.Check out videos of “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus,” along with photos from the show, below. Depeche Mode performs…