lone wolf: February 2009

for a lover of all things depeche mode, i eagerly await the release of their new album "sounds of the universe" to the public at the end of april. after which they will embark on a world tour and i will get to see them for the first time in my 24 year love affair with them.
truly one of the most innovative and consistent bands of our time. once again their ability to morph and assimilate throughout 2 1/2 decades is awe inspiring.
starting their illustrious career in 1980, they have produced 12 full length albums. although they have embraced their own "sound" they were never strangers to trying new ideas. "songs of faith and devotion" took them to a more desperate, guitar influenced place than their prior electronica sound. it was around this time that dave gahan, the tragic leader of the band's heroin abuse became more evident and more crippling. his drug use had been quietly legendary but was spiraling out of control. his self-destructive behavior led to a failed suicide attempt and a drug induced "death" which finally led him to a 9 month court ordered stint in rehab. he has been "clean" since 1996.
as sterile and clinical as my account of gahan's drug use may be understand that the romantic notions of heroin or any drug addled rock icon are very real. the difference is that he stared his demon in the face for years, desperately trying to overcome. drowning in his addiction and endless pain he has created some of the most powerful, passionate and moving songs. songs that were his life story laid out for all of us to touch. a map of abuse. songs that i as a teenager to my present life take me down to a dark place that i often need to visit. and scourge my own demons, addictions and pain.