Band Takes a Pause Following the Success of ‘Memento Mori’ While Gahan Explores New Creative Avenues
After a monumental tour and the release of their deeply personal album Memento Mori, Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan has shed light on what’s next for the iconic band. In a recent interview, Gahan admitted that both he and Martin Gore are taking a well-deserved break after years of intense work.
For devoted Depeche Mode fans eager to hear about new music, the news may come as a disappointment, but Gahan reassured that this period of rest is a natural part of their creative process. When asked whether Gore had started writing new material, Gahan humorously responded, “He said, ‘Nah!’ That’s normal—especially when you’ve worked intensely for a couple of years.”
Gahan further shared that the two recently reunited for a personal gathering in Italy, but their discussions did not revolve around new projects. Instead, they focused on relaxing and taking a break from the demanding cycle of touring, writing, and recording.
While Depeche Mode takes a step back, Gahan remains active in the music world. One of his upcoming performances includes a special tribute concert for the late Mark Lanegan, set to take place in London on December 5, 2025. Lanegan, the former frontman of Screaming Trees, was a revered voice in the alternative music scene, and Gahan expressed deep admiration for his artistry.
“For me, he’s right up there as a 20th and 21st-century voice and writer,” Gahan said, emphasizing how influential Lanegan’s work was to him personally. His participation in the tribute concert shows that, while Depeche Mode may not be active at the moment, Gahan himself is still deeply engaged in music and live performance.
This isn’t the first time Gahan has branched out beyond Depeche Mode. Over the years, he has explored solo projects, including his 2003 debut Paper Monsters, Hourglass in 2007, and Imposter in 2021—a collaborative album with Soulsavers that saw him covering songs by legendary artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and PJ Harvey. His willingness to experiment and step outside Depeche Mode’s usual sound suggests that, even during this break, fans may still hear new music from him in some form.
The decision to pause comes after a significant chapter in Depeche Mode’s history. Their latest album, Memento Mori, released in March 2023, was their first project without founding member Andy Fletcher, who tragically passed away in 2022. The album was widely regarded as one of their most introspective and emotional works, touching on themes of mortality, grief, and resilience.
Following its release, the band embarked on an extensive world tour that saw them performing in stadiums and arenas across Europe, North America, and South America, concluding in April 2024. The Memento Mori tour was not only a commercial success but also a deeply cathartic experience for the band and their fans, allowing them to celebrate Fletcher’s legacy while forging ahead as a duo.
Given the emotional weight of the past few years, it’s understandable why Gahan and Gore are opting to take some time off. However, this is not the end of Depeche Mode.
Though Gahan made it clear that there are no immediate plans for new Depeche Mode music, he also didn’t rule out a return in the future. Historically, the band has taken long breaks between albums, with gaps of four to five years between releases becoming the norm.
For now, the band is in a state of reflection, enjoying some time away from the pressures of touring and recording. Gahan’s own projects, including the Lanegan tribute and potential solo work, could shape his creative direction moving forward.
Fans can take comfort in the fact that Depeche Mode has weathered many transitions over the years, and their ability to evolve and reinvent themselves has always been one of their greatest strengths. While this may be a quiet phase, it could very well be the calm before another groundbreaking album.
Until then, fans can continue to revisit Memento Mori and reflect on how far Depeche Mode has come, knowing that their journey is far from over.
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