Die Lese-Rampe: Marcel Kawentel und Timo Lombeck

When synth-pop conquered the masses
Jürgen W. Müller reads from "Depeche Mode - More Than a Band, Pt. 1"

June 14, 2025 is the 45th anniversary of the first live performance by British band Depeche Mode, whose electronic pop sounds were to pave the way for the electronic genre. Music expert Jürgen W. Müller was one of those who were fascinated by this new sound from the very first time they heard it. In his book "Depeche Mode - More Than a Band, Pt. 1", he tells how he and others discovered the music of Depeche Mode for themselves. A passion that, over time, led to an intensive study of the band, its changing musical styles and line-ups, its crises, tours and record releases.
Müller spoke to fan club members, musical companions and people from the band's circle. Or rather bands, because although Depeche Mode were a force of their own, they were not alone. There were band offshoots such as Vince Clark's Yazoo, Erasure and various side and solo projects.
Müller's interview partners included Wayne Hussey (The Mission), producer Tim Simenon, Emil Schult (ex-Kraftwerk, also designer of the book cover), Joachim Witt, Clan Of Xymox, Front 242, Leæther Strip, Elegant Machinery, Chris Carr (former press spokesman for Depeche Mode).
Jürgen W. Müller alternates between the perspective of the chronicler and the fan. His informative band biography is also a portrait of the generation that grew up with Depeche Mode and other innovative formations. This sound, which began around 1980, is by no means outdated. Current artists such as The Weeknd and Purple Disco Machine draw inspiration from the synth-pop era in their arrangements, with Depeche Mode coming up particularly often.
Jürgen W. Müller's reading comprises two parts. In the first, he will discuss the band Joy Division, from which New Order emerged in 1980. The second part is dedicated to Depeche Mode.
Also available from Jürgen W. Müller is the novel "Pop-Up" about a teenage flat share with extremely idiosyncratic characters (Sparkys Edition).
Preview: On 13.6.2025, the "Lese-Rampe" will welcome screenwriters Marcel Kawentel and Timo Lombeck ("Die Totenfrau", "Die Fälle der Gerti B." and others), who will present examples of their work in conversation with host Dr. Harald Keller.
The literature series "Die Lese-Rampe" is sponsored by the Friedel & Gisela Bohnenkamp-Stiftung in cooperation with the Literaturbüro Westniedersachsen.

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