Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn - by Reuel Golden (Hardcover)

About the Book

Since the 1980s, Dutch artist Anton Corbijn has cemented Depeche Mode's cutting-edge reputation as the world's biggest cult band. This wallet-friendly successor to our 2020 limited edition, created in collaboration with the band, has over 500 photographs from Corbijn's archives, plus his handwritten observations.

Book Synopsis

In November 2020, Depeche Mode were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Dave Gahan, accepting the honour, said: "I'd like to thank Anton Corbijn who thank God came in at the right time and actually made us look cool." Also in the fall of 2020, TASCHEN released the limited edition Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn (81-18) signed by Depeche Mode and Anton Corbijn, and it became one of the fastest selling collector's editions in the publishing company's history. This equally epic, but more wallet friendly XL edition, is a testament to Corbijn's unique vision, and indeed "cool" as Gahan acknowledged so movingly in his speech; a detailed illustrated history of how Corbijn, who became in 1986 the band's de facto creative director, and helped cement Depeche Mode's reputation as the biggest cult band in the world.

Featuring over 500 photographs from Corbijn's extensive archives, some never seen before, including formal and informal portraits from places such as Madrid, Hamburg, the California desert, Prague and Marrakech (some taken during the making of iconic videos such as "Enjoy the Silence" and "Personal Jesus"); a multitude of off-the-cuff, candid images; and stunning live shots from all their tours since 1988. In addition to the photographs, there are sketches and designs for stage sets and album covers, Corbijn's handwritten captions throughout the book, placing the reader right in the middle of the shoots, and an extended interview with the Dutch master.

Created with the full collaboration of the band, who share some insights on working with Corbijn, Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn (81-18) trumpets how one man's original aesthetic, that has encompassed all of their photography, most of their music videos, album graphics and set designs, helped shape the band's enduring popularity. Reflecting on his role in Depeche, Corbijn recalls in the book's introduction: "A lot of it came down to me, and I wanted it to be right for them. I wanted to think for them. To be great for them." This book is a tribute to the depth and breadth of that greatness, a celebration of one of the most creative and enduring collaborations in rock history.

Review Quotes

"Depeche Mode by Anton Corbijn is clearly a fan favorite and is an accessible addition to any art book collection."-- "forbes.com"

"He thought they were pop lightweights - then turned them into moody megastars. [Corbijn] recalls his adventures with the band, from desert trips to drug-induced near-death experiences."-- "The Guardian"

"Anton was able to give the DM sound, that we were beginning to create, a visual identity."-- "Dave Gahan"

"We finally nabbed him in '86 and that led to the video for 'A Question of Time' in LA. The rest is history."-- "Andrew Fletcher"

"We were big fans of Anton's art before we worked with him and after the amazing results we saw from the first photo sessions and videos, we had no reason to doubt his ideas."-- "Martin Gore"