The Story Of The Blues

"Depeche Mode? There's four dum-dums stood there...."

Not sure what year this was (80's judging by the pic) but it seems Francis had already begun to lose it! We're talking one of the most successful acts on the planet! Or they certainly became that. One of the best as well in my view. 

He has a pop at Duran Duran and Tears for Fears as well. He wasn't old but he feckin' sounded it!   

Hasn't covered himself in glory with this one. Wonder what he thought of Dexy's Midnight Runners 

He hated the band, but thought the bass player was great.

have that in a scrap book ,one of many I put together when I was younger

Same here. No idea why I especially remember his diet comments in interviews.

Perhaps it's the contradictions after enough time has flown by. I seem to remember him describing sausage in a roll with brown sauce as real rock n' roll food. This may have been at Bray Studios canteen or Shepperton.

Though shortly after this he became a vegetarian. Quite committed as well for a time, though I believe he was worried about getting enough of the right stuff so became a Pescatarian (perfectly legal in the UK!)

In terms of the interview, I'm not sure he is having a serious go at any band but more about their choice of band names for some reason. With regards to Depeche Mode, I think he was saying what a number of other musos have said at times in past eg. where is it all going in terms of synths, computers and backing tapes at live gigs and no action on stage.

Just an observation really when synths were dominating. He even said at that time that he wished he had become a keyboard player as that was where music seemed to be heading! He did at least say that he probably didn't understand the new generation of bands as he was getting on a bit.

More contradictions though as Rossi loved 'The Human League' and 'Don't You Want Me' etc. Quo also recorded the 'Men Without Hats' track 'Safety Dance' for the 'Don't Stop' album.

One of Rossi's favourite pastimes had been to congratulate bands personally if they made a record he loved, even from bands he didn't like or understand such as 'The Pet Shop Boys'.

Quite tame stuff from Rossi in the interview, just an odd way of expressing himself, when you consider some of the stuff spouted by other bands and acts. 

Do like a bit of Depeche Mode...



I guess Francis had limited exposure to them, and probably had stuck in his head 'first impressions' 1981 era Depeche Mode, who were more Kraftwerk-like! By Cannon and Ball time, 1985, they were well on their way to being far darker and industrial in their sound and image. Hmm, sounded a bit 'NME' there.