Depeche Mode - The day I met Martin L. Gore 

Martin then went home and penned “I feel loved” and promptly filed a restraining order.

"Everybody stop! Martin Gore's crossing the road!" Thanks for sharing your story, I love the way you tell it.

I met briefly Martin in a bar in Montreal Canada after their show (1986 - Black Celebration Tour) I had the chance to get Martin to listen to one of my song composition (on my walkman !) He liked the song and said that the song made him think of Ennio Morricone's vibes. At that time i had the Mirage Ensoniq and made a lot of hybrid samples (like DM).

My sister were 16/15 respectively and hitchhiked across the US following them on the SOFAD tour. We made it onto the news, MTV. It was a huge thing with the band stopping shows to call us to the front. Andy Franks was not impressed with us being kids and hitchhiking across the US to see them. With no money. There's more to this. My sister had cancer at the time, and I'd written a letter to management to ask if they would be willing to meet her. They agreed. That's how we got our foot in the door. Yeah. Those were the days. Also saw Martin in his boxers, he was getting a massage...or whatever they call it.

That’s a great story. I met Martin, Alan, and Fletch at a Nitzer Ebb gig in London when they toured Ebbhead. They were in the crowd and then later up at the bar. Was quite surreal to chat to them.

I brought a Roland MC-303 from Turn Key in 1996 I remember seeing a review of it in SOS and I thought that's for me where's the nearest outlet I can buy one from. I lived in Slough then, so just outside of London and it was a bit more difficult getting what you wanted back then. So I travelled into London, train then tube maybe two can't remember, looked at all the lovely gear they had in Turn Key, I remember Quasimidi had just come out and something called Phat. I brought it after a quick demo, then lugged it home, a great big box in a Roland bag which I had a lot of fun with.

Just found this. Fantastic Story - nicely and funny told!

Thank you Vaughn for sharing this very personnal story with us !

Ahhh this video made my day. You are a great story teller, Vaughn. I love the Mrs Norris American accent!

Great story on meeting a Depeche hero. Hopefully you'll get to interview the DM guys at some point. The full Mrs Norris story please!

"Will it hurt my cat if my cat jumps onto the cover!!" 😂

Great vid! I think the 'overdubbing' quote must be taken out of context as I'm sure you've listed to the World Violation and Devotional 'backing tracks' on RU-vid which seemingly indicates much of the melodic stuff is not on the backing tracks........:-)

Ah those heady days of earning peanuts getting treated like crap and barely being able to afford to stay alive. lol love the MG story, probably the best part of working there aside from the best colleagues was meeting some industry professionals who actually wanted your advice/help. I remember some quite special moments like that but this one is way funny 😂 but you told it so well !

Vaughn, what were the questions you asked Martin? I guess that's the most interesting aspect of meeting someone you idolize for years and most of us certainly fantasized about the different personal questions we always wanted to ask and get answers to.

Next video can please please It doesn't matter by Depeche Mode.

You’re definitely my hero.

i love Liverpool

Did Martin ever hear you play I bet his mouth would have been wide open said why are you not in Depeche Mode your very good.

I'm sure Martin L Gore will eventually agree to meet you again after watching this great story. It's gotta happen. It's written in the Stars.

I've met him back stage a few times and one of those times was able to hang out with him longer and without a crowd of people around. He is very much like you say and I too cried after the time I spent with him was over. Wonderful gentle soul. ♥️

My vivid meeting experience: Met Mr Martin L. Gore in the green room after a Chicago concert on the Delta Tour. A friend of a friend is "Gooch" who is Martin's guard here in the states. Martin sat next to me and we talked for approximately 2 or 3 minutes about healthy eating and running. Another fan then presented a t-shirt for a charity and asked for his signature. I happened to know about the charity and Martin asked me if it was okay for him to sign!! (Martin Gore was asking me for my opinion!!) I asked permission for a photo and he agreed. He was wearing a red/white/black plaid jacket with a silver zipper and he still had glitter on his face. Martin then stood from the sofa and made his way around the room. Peter was standing having a long conversation and his beer went warm. I opened a cold beer bottle and gave it to him; he was having a Heineken. Martin left the room and then Peter. Peter then returned and apologized for not saying "bye"! So unbelievable. Small gestures like that make you remember for a lifetime.

I hope Martin sees this video...

But what happened to Mrs. Norris?? Did she get her sustain pedal and dust cover?

Great story Vaughn. And really well told. You’re a great storyteller 😃

Met all four of them, in particular during the SOFAD era and few times later on. They are all great guys although I caught Dave and Fletch in bugged/grumpy mood once or twice. Well, they are human beaings too and if there too many people craving for your attention things can be a little nervewrecking. Anyway, usually Dave is a perfect gentleman, Alan too, Fletch can be like the down-to-earth nice guy from next door and Martin is a a little shy but a sweetheart! Once Martin even searched the whole backstage room for the last cold beer for my girlfriend after I mentioned that it's her birthday. :D

Hey, I'm fangirling over your story so I can only imagine what you were going through. I dream of meeting him (all of them, any of them really, but specially Martin) to just say 'thank you'. That last bit with the cab and you on the street, I felt that. Thank you SO much for sharing this story!!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🙏🏼

Great story and i felt myself like I was in that store watching you talking to Mr. Gore. I met Alan once in 2006 in the record store here in Moscow and the only question he asked was my name so he could write it done on the MFTM CD as his autograph. I also felt extremely excited and I can share your feelings when you met Martin.

Wonderful story. I graduated high school in 1989 so Depeche Mode was a huge part of my life in very important years. I was born and raised in Southern California so I was able to attend the Rose bowl concert. It’s something I will never forget because I was with my high school sweetheart and we loved each other very much. Fast forward to now, I’m 52 years old and my wife and I just saw Memento Mori concert in downtown Los Angeles. I was amazed at the energy they had now that they are in their 60’s. Funny side note, my parents own a town home in Santa Barbara and I’m always looking for Martin when I go and stay at my parents place. I understand why he lives there, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the states. Perfect weather year round. I’m so happy that I found your channel. I get hours of enjoyment out of it.

I bet Martin enjoyed the silence on his ride home. Finally free of that intense guy with all the questions! Just kidding, it's a very entertaining story.

The Universe solved your rent problem at that time in a fabulous way! Imagine, no less than Martin Gore who bought items from you. Thanks for sharing your amusing encounter with MG. Btw, I haven't met Mrs. Norris but damn I was so impressed with your impersonation! I laughed so hard with your side story of Mrs. Norris.

My friends (not me unfortunately) got to sneak in to the vip balcony area of club x, in Detroit Michigan back in October of 1993. It was after their concert (second night) at the palace of auburn hills Michigan. Anyway, it was the after party for the band. I was with them for part of the interaction. Dave was fairly friendly, although sort of off-with his drug fueled persona. I was eventually kicked out of the club with the rest off the riff raff, but two if my friends managed to get passes from some beautiful girls (big surprise). So anyways, my friend hung out with Martin all night. He was wasted,surrounded by beautiful women, and very friendly. They basically sat and talked, then hit the dance floor. Ironically, despite his reputation for shyness, he was the most outgoing and friendly. My buddy walked up to him, and he said that basically all these girls just kind of parted like the red sea and let him sit right next to him and talk. They talked about the crowds etc…pretty surreal.

That's a great story, cheers Vaughn.

Great story! I met Martin in 2015 at a charity event in LA. He shook my hand, and I just had to say "the HANDSHAKE..." :-)

i love your impersonation with the laugh at the end of every sentence :)

You handled it way better than I would have, I probably would have fainted 😂🤣💓

Great story! I was in London in the late 90´s and went to a music store in Maida Vale to look at the brand new Emulator III. I called the store and we got a slot on a monday but I was sick that day. So we went there the next day instead but when we got there the salesman told us that Depeche bought the only copy yesterday. Then when we walked away from the store on a deserted walkway a couple are appering. He surely looks like Matrin Gore. My friend is getting nervous and walked pass him but I stopped and said with a stuttering voice. -Are you Martin Gore? And he was so nice and we talked about synths and life in general. And then we met him again two times by accidence before we went back to Sweden. The last time he came to us and said like: The Swedes are still here.come and sit with me. He gave us his telephone number and we were the only persons on his guest list och Scandinavium in Gothenburg the year after. A fantastic person! 🖤

Wow, very vivid story indeed, not everyone gets an opportunity to meet their heroes, lucky you. I would bet that he sensed you were more than just a rabid fan and he kept a good memory of it. And we forgive you if you inspired even a tiny bit of Exciter 😁

I'm almost in tears...beautiful memory! Thank you so much for sharing it...and to have put it into context with your past..and upbringing it's amazing how more emotions and details pop up as we talk about our memories

I'm pretty sure that Martin L. Gore remember this day very well... :D

This makes me happy 😍🥰❤ good morning everyone 🌹

Thanks, Vaughn. This is my favorite video you have ever done. Not just because of your experience with Martin but because we got to know a little bit more about you.

Just imagine if it was Alan Wilder xD

As it was in 2000 the equipment you sold him was the reason for this terrible "Exciter" album 🤣 Best video on your channel 😃👏👍

Great story. Nice to hear a little about your background too. The Mrs Norris story is very funny. It must have been so frustrating for you.

Ah yes Mrs Norris. You haven't truly worked in retail until you have had a Mrs. Norris.

Dude! Thank you for this story, I enjoy your enthusiasm. I also remember when I met Martin L Gore. He was so nice. It was backstage at the KROQ Acoustic Christmas in 2005 at Universal Amphitheater. Playing the Angel was a new moment for DM. Once I got there, I told some Goth girls I had just shuck hands with Dave, then they pointed to Martin. I have a picture with him from my cell phone at the time. Priceless. I feel happy that I told him, "you are brilliant!" And yes, he is very comfortable in talking to, like with my best friend.

I saw Alan Wilder at Arsenal vs QPR game in the late '80s. Alan is a QPR supporter, but he sat on Arsenal supporter side, so when Arsenal scored, Alan had to stand up and cheer (to pretend he's a gooner...). Needless to say, QPR lost. I always wondered if Martin gave Alan his ticket for that particular match. Alan came with some guys, but they weren't DM members.

Vaughn..a great story. 1982 in Virgin record shop in Manchester. Me and my mate Brian were shopping for tunes. Dave Gahan and his then wife Jo were looking at Stranglers albums. My mate was overrawed ..Dave Gahan asked if we wanted his autograph. I said 'do you want mine?' He said yes..on the guest list + 2...A Broken Frame Tour at Manchester apollo

Since the release of this video staff at Chipotle Mexican Grill have reported strange groups of black clad geeks standing staring at the floors and not ordering any food...

Cracking story and you put it down so well. I have had similar situations also living and working in london...cheers

What a wonderful story by a wonderful story teller! You are our Martin Gore Vaugh (: much love to you.

I know .exactly how you feel I went to see recoil later time Alan toured it was in Toronto I'm from Canada I was by the side bar having a great time dancing away . After it was over their was a meet and greet at another bar to see Alan, and when it was my turn I sat down beside Alan he looked at me and said I saw you during the show you were by the bar dancing. I looked at him with this look of amazement!!! I almost lost my shit,i couldn't believe he actually noticed me your average nobody it was the greatest moment in my life I got a couple pics and he signed my dm jacket and when I left I needed a moment to process just what happened and I did the same thing as you. Took a few deep breaths as I started tearing up ...and for a few moments in my life all was right in the world ...great story Von😊

we should react like this to every human being we meet.

What a great story! I wonder if you influenced any of his future songs, I've been looking for an obscure B side called Turnkey or "keyboard salesman" 😂

What a wonderful and honest story, Vaughn. You’re so lucky meeting Martin:) I used to go to Turnkey back in the day. I found it really intimidating, as I was felt completely out of my depth:)

This was fabulous, Vaughn. Thanks so much. I can only imagine, I probably would have said something dumb like “MARTIN GORE! I had you all over my bedroom! I mean, um...” HehehehHAHHAHhehheheh! It’s seriously a special story, appreciate the detail. And yes please do take us to the Chipotle. “And this guac bar is where I showed him the Korg...” LOL

That was a wondeful story Vaughn! Reminds me of the time i‘ve met Alan Wilder in a Club in Cologne, Germany, during bis promotion for the liquide release. I was able to speak a few sentences with him and got my cds autographed by him. Cheers!

Maybe you've had some influence on Martin regarding TC Electronics, 'cause Martin is using (for sure) since Exciter Tour, maybe earlier a lot of gears from that company. Mostly foot effects, and some rack systems as well. I remember in 2001, when I worked at backstage, some gears of that company. Don't recall the exact model, but for sure TC's. On TOTU TC Electronics gave them for free some stuff with the backstage tour as the exchange.

Such a great story! Funny and emotionally. Made me laugh and also cry... Lucky you!

I once came across MG on a street in Santiago de Chile. I'm sure he was with the same guy you mention here. I reacted in the same way as you, I asked him for a photo and this giant man appeared and said no photos, but Martin said, leave it, no problem. I have this photo on my instagram, I feel very lucky, especially coming from a country that is on the ass of the world. He's a nice guy.

23:30, the overdubbing live. He said that, but they're not "lip-syncing" the keyboards; they're playing on tape the studio tracks that are sequenced and they've figured out what sounds the three could play live. The studio tracks are minus whatever those sounds are. Someone who explores this live and it's very fun to see, is a guy called RJ8, here on RU-vid. I have no idea where he got the clean studio backing tracks - they're minus all the reverb on the albums, and the sounds he uses are close or the same as DM's sounds. It was really eye-opening to see this.

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing. Would love to meet Martin some day. I’d probably freak out too lol.

Love this! One of your best videos Vaughn. It's like me "Walking In Your Shoes" :)

Brilliant story, Vaughan! Loved your retelling of it. I met the entire band once in Manchester, on the Masses tour. They were staying in the Britannia hotel...4 friends and I came up for the day to try and meet them ( we couldn't get tickets for that night's show at the GMEX). Well we did eventually lay eyes on the guys... trouble is I had very Martin-esque bleached hair ( impressionable teen ) and he spotted me from the lifts. I bet he thought "oh God, psycho stalker"! They all came out one by one... Dave was in rock star mode even then, signed things for me and others but was quite distant. Fletch was affable, Martin was fine but Alan and I had a funny moment. He signed something for me but I'd got loads of shopping bags and ran out of hands to take my pen back! He laughed and I said "put it in my teeth Alan" so he did and gave me a huge grin. He was so nice! Bet your fanboy alarm is going off now! Anyway I thought I'd add my little tale. There is another Mode based story but it involves a Skoda and a wasted concert ticket...which I managed to get two freebies to replace the one ticket from a very nice lady at Mute. I literally, in my teen naivety, called up and explained my friend's crappy car broke down and I couldn't attend the show. She took pity on me - thanks Janice! And in the background a very familiar "haw, haw, haw"...I think a certain Mr Gore was in the vicinity!

I've met Martin twice, once on the MFTM tour and again on the Violator tour. Both times we talked for quite a long time. The thing about Martin is that he's very shy. I approached him like he was just an average dude. And he appreciated that. We took pictures together and he remembered me from our previous encounter. So, if you ever get to meet him and want to have a lengthy conversation with him...that's how you go about it!

Great story Vaughn, I'm a 53 year old life-long DM fan and would still be a gibbering wreck if I met any of them, even today!

This is possibly the best fan-boy video ever. Thanks for being so authentic Vaughn! Stilfontein rocks!

Year 2000, i was in London too. I had an apartment in Maida Vale and remember i was near a Martin Gore house... I rembember going to the Fletcher's pub.. along walk.. Great time

Really a beautiful story, thanks for sharing it! P.S: I love your imitation of Martin's laughter :)

I can understand how you felt, I've been a big fan of the beatles since I was a kid in the 80s, to me they are my "main" band, I have posters of them on my walls, I've bought their albums like four times each in different formats, I learned how to play guitar because of them, I've been obsessed with them for more than 30 years now, the beatles are to me what depeche mode is to you, (I love depeche too, but the beatles are my number one favorite band). I can imagine what it would be like to meet paul or ringo. I would probably have a heart attack hahaha. when you love a band so much all your life, they don't know you but you know their faces, their voices, their biography, their personality, it's like they have been always present in your life, your memories, everything. so seeing one of them in reality after seeing them in videos, photos, magazines, posters and album covers, must be like seeing a god!!!. it's normal to freak out.

LOL ‘keep your p$&@y off the cover Mrs. Norris’

Great story Vaughn! I'm in agreement with you regarding ETS. My life changed also after listening to a sound I'd never heard before. I've met all of them a few times, but Alan only once during his last Recoil tour. I met Dave on his 41st birthday at VH1. I know my pics have circulated the internet. Fletch during his DJ gig and some other bar, and he was quite flirty. Mart backstage a couple of times. Quiet and shy. Overall great, but I was most nervous with Alan. I told him "DM is better with you".

I met him after sneaking back stage for their one small Ultra release party in LA. Dave and Andy declined to take a photo with me but Martin was a good sport. He said “ok you’ve got 10 seconds” and laughed. The flash didn’t work and he jokingly said “you’ve got 3 seconds”. I asked Dave for his autograph. He said “hold on” walked off into some more VIP part of the room but he back out, looked around until he spotted me and signed my ticket. I thought “my life is now complete”.

What an amazing moment for you. Your excitement is infectious and totally understandable. I also hope he sees this as many of us would be so thrilled to meet someone we admire so much - but what to say when put on the spot! For you, you had a whole hour with a common knowledge point. “Mind-blowing” really is the word.

His wife works with my sister in L.A.

I had MLG London adress ...and phone number ;)

What a great story Vaughn..do you still have the autograph,or has that got lost too.....did you have other well known musicians come in too....would love to know who...✌️✌

Cool experience. I was and am still a fan and met all four in 1993. Didn't recognise Alan at first. Fletch spoke for Martin. And Dave was late but really friendly. I spent about 2/3 hours with them all. Incredible experience and managed to remain calm .

I'm gonna laugh about loud azz Mrs. Norris for the rest of my life...

He paid your rent, you helped make indirectly his record maybe?

Thanks for these 'confessions', Vaughn! Once, in 1997, I was confronted with 'my' ultra hero for life: Jean Michel Jarre.........I know what your feelings were, at the time, like walking on the moon, caus I had the exc same ones! You're not alone in this, haha!

I'm wondering if hanging in your room posters of difficult to deal with customers, like Mrs.Norris, would make you a better, kinder salesman? :) BTW, great story!

It always makes feel old when people say.omg when i go to no depeche mode violator.im like what dam im old...speak and spell was my 1st depeche mode album yes album cassettes.lol

Great story Vaughn. Mid - 1981 DM were playing in Brighton at Jenkinsons Bar. Before the gig support had even started Martin L Gore was playing the Space Invaders machine in the lobby. I crowded around with many others to watch. At some point in the game he obviously got ‘shot’ and stood back quickly. That’s when he stood on my toe. I’ll never forget my meeting with Mr Gore.

You should do videos on Simple Minds - particularly pre 1990 and Mick McNeil who was a great keyboard player

He should have hired right on the spot as his backline bloke. (fancy a move to California?)

We all want to be cool as f**k when we meet somebody famous. The reality is usually dumb as f**k.

What a lovely story 😄❤️

2:30 min Actually, I am very respect BRITISH people, who are returning to the UK, because of their british ancestry! Especially from Africa! Your decision was in any way the right decision, to investigate where your "DNA came from"! 👍

Still acts like he’s 18 the mans a winner still love any second now voices by Martin

No need to apologise at all Thank you ever so much for that passionate, heartfelt story! Love the fact that you got the opportunity to meet such an influential person, both in terms of your upbringing, musical tastes and professional life. In your own words, am moment when "Everything came together". The Universe was indeed smiling on you that day. If you had met Mr Gore in any other situation, the outcome would have been a source of frustration and regret for you for your whole life. You would have just been another fanboy freaking out. As it was, you were able to make a positive contribution to the Depeche Mode story, albeit in a small ordinary everyday way. That's pretty damn impressive! I am new to your channel, having binge watched your Depeche Mode album series over the last week or so. I would like to personally thank you for the videos. I have loved them from an entertainment point of view, found them really informative from a music point of view and learned a lot about Depeche Mode and their music as a result. Thank you for that. I have also decided to get back into practicing music again, after a number of years in the wilderness. I was (and I suppose still am) a pretty crappy but enthusiastic guitar player who always wanted to try my hand at becoming a pretty crappy but enthusiastic keyboard player. I am now walking that path, thanks to you and your channel. Music has a religious quality to me, and being able to play the most basic part (really badly) feels to me like the presence of God must feel like to a person of faith. I still feel that buzz and it makes me smile. Your meeting with Mr Gore must have been much like a Christian meeting Jesus. I mean no insult by saying that and I do not exaggerate either.

Oh my God! Your voice did really sound like Martin's... 😂😂😂

It's really surreal story lucky you :)))))))) PS and when you crossed the street you something like that: Back off you all! It's MY MARTIN GORE!!!!!! :))

What would you have done, if instead of Martin it was Fletcher?

THAT WAS GREAT! I've had a quick encounter with Martin. Last tour at a post show reception at the Hollywood Bowl (night 3). I was able to shake his and and just told him thanks for all of his work and lyrics and how much they've helped me get through things in life. He smiled and said, "thank you". It was such a great trip for this Wisconsin boy. I also met Matt Pinfield while at the reception. Super cool and nice guy. On the flight back home from LA to Chicago the Movie Star, Demi Moore sat next to me in 1st class. Such a CRAZY 3 days I had. Demi was SO NICE and personable. We share the same Birthday, and I let her know that. She gave me an amazing personal note and autograph. Anyhow, thanks for reading. OH....I'm thinking you could relate. I never wanted the flight to end while sitting next to Demi. I bet you didn't want a Taxi to ever show up to send Martin on his way. CHEERS!

This was really great, thanks for sharing. I would've said something stupid and fainted😂

Chipotle: where music gear shops go to be reborn

What a experience!!! I am a seller and I know what it is that "pick up the phone" , but while you are with our god!!! Must be a hell!!! A dream come truth... of course! He is an adorable man. I met him while he was signing authografs through a grid, with his big smile and humility, but of course, nothing compares to have him as a costumer! Congrats! Qué experiencia! Soy un vendedor y sé lo que es ese 'atiende el teléfono ', pero mientras estás con nuestro dios! Habrá sido un infierno! Un sueño hecho realidad, por supuesto! Él es un hombre adorable. Lo conocí mientras firmaba autógrafos a través de una reja, con su gran sonrisa y humildad, pero por supuesto, nada se compara a tenerlo a él como un cliente. Felicitaciones!

The best and closest I ever got to them (or their team at least) was when my tweet was retweeted by Depeche Mode and got the most likes in quite a time. I felt that.

We live in New York and often go to the Jane Hotel which is on the block where Dave lives... according to legend.