Depeche Mode - A Broken Frame artwork discussion with Brian Griffin

[@thierryrault3951]

The most beautiful Artwork for Depeche Mode. Congratulations, Mr Brian Griffin!!!

[@juliemay9796]

I love this ! So interesting! Next time can Brian show images of Depeche Mode covers that they didn’t use as the covers like other takes of the covers?

[@KortKramer]

I'd love to see those too, if he still has them.

[@maryfedotova4406]

It’s simply unbelievable seeing such an iconic artist present the whole story in such a down to earth way... I personally did not know the grandeur of the image and the scale it gained back in the day, so I learned everything just from this video for the first time. It gave me some actual shivers, a breathtaking story. Thank you Vaughn for bringing this series to us and a special huge thank to Mr Griffin for taking his time to participate!

[@VaughnGeorge]

You're very welcome Masha!! Always good to hear from you!! VG:-)

[@Nephilim-81]

A Broken Frame has by far away the highest ranking for me, personally amongst all Depeche Mode album covers. The colour photograph is so majestic. The sky colour alone gives me goosebumps. Great video, Mr. perfect 👌!! 😇

[@shallowwaters6690]

This cover and the one from Some Great Reward are my favorites.

[@NickFixHC]

My all time favorite DM cover. Yes!

[@kennlubbers5963]

I have this very special relation to this album.... Back in '82, when I was about 15, I heard this wonderful synth-pop song in the radio... The RadioDJ didn't gave any info about this song (Actually, it turned out to be "Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You) by A Flock of Seagulls) One day, at the record store, I saw that image from the Broken Frame album, I checked the list of songs. You can imagine the rest. I got a bit disappointed, when I heard "A Photograph of You", but when I listened to songs like "Leave in Silence", "My Secret Garden" and "The Sun and the Rainfall" I was there.... A Depeche Mode fan for life... by accident :-D

[@VaughnGeorge]

Kenn , thank you for sharing your story with us!! VG;-)

[@DolphCas]

Fantastic and interesting. Thanks for asking detalied questions Vaughn!

[@greckendale]

Thankyou as always Vaughty! Don’t stop, you’re just getting started, and the world loves you.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Shane!! in the words of Freddie Mercury, "DON'T STOP ME NOW!!" I've past the point of no return!! VG;-)

[@greckendale]

Vaughn George I was telling ‘the little birdy’ today that I used to watch Rogan when he had crappy cameras, sitting on his couch with only a few thousand subscribers, and a few years later he’s bigger than Jesus. Same goes for Rick Beato. Roll on!

[@jameskimball8159]

Always such a pleasure listening to Brian's insights on his photography (I am also a photographer [amateur] so I have a few reasons why it's such a pleasure) and what was going on around that time with DM, Daniel and such. This is my 2nd favorite album cover of Brian's for the DM stuff although as a photographer this is my favorite for technical reasons. I always feel like I am sitting there with you two and listening to the stories and points of views. Outstanding job as always my friend, Cheers!

[@mauriciomandara5946]

Thank you for sharing this! A great artist and a great interview! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@R---66---R]

The music on this album can't ever be made again. Thanks for liking my comment, Vaughn...you, again, did a great job on inviting a very kind and humble, friendly and super talented mister Griffin and it was all very, very interesting...background info of a big part of my youth and life, afterall..thx, pale!

[@DINGDONGDANIEL3]

Ooh, I’m excited!

[@remicius974]

i really love Broken Frame,and the the cover is the crown on those period in the bands life!thank you very much for this interview

[@VaughnGeorge]

You're welcome Remi!! V:-)

[@sonofhibbs4425]

This was so exciting for me. Thank you! I think you said DM got you into music, but DM got me into art! Brian’s art inspired me while listening to Depeche. He makes it all sound so simple, but you all have to realize the level of talent here!!! So inspiring!

[@alanwilder1549]

Brian should publish a special DM edition including photos of all Depeche artworks he did including also the ones that have not been commercialised. Soon will be Christmas... So great to hear all the behind the scenes stories. Stefan x

[@VaughnGeorge]

Alan Wilder hi Stefan !! Brian has actually made an exclusive set of DM images exclusive to my channel. All these images are the size of a vinyl sleeve and are personably signed by Brian with a dedication of your choice. He has made them available at a reasonable price . If you’re interested then please email me at [e-mail] and I will give you more info 😎👍

[@LusciousApparatus_]

Great interview! I was lucky to get a signed copy of Brian's book when it was first released. I was pleasantly surprised by how many other artists he has worked with. I highly recommend the book. It's a beautiful collection.

[@jeffnelson4758]

Another great interview - thanks, Vaughn! Your channel is awesome!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Jeff Nelson thank you my friend !!

[@phillines7385]

The additional photographs on the album with the model are also brilliant!

[@Montag971]

"Only when I loose myself - the end of their great era"...I always felt the same way about it. And Brian's video was a breath of fresh air, terrific!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Keep watching this channel for more exclusive interviews with Brain Griffin !! VG:-)

[@Montag971]

@@VaughnGeorge Sure, I love his work. And, great job, I am following all your videos! ^_- I am from Switzerland, so I am particulary looking forward to the forthcoming "Construction time again" interview...

[@platetec4636]

It was great to meet Brian and Yourself at the MMX Gallery and see the Original Photo, Classic, Classic Picture which conjures up images of working the land. There's a great video on youtube for The Sun And the Rainfall which uses that image and I always think of it when listening to that song, one of my favourite DM songs. Thank You Brian and I will check out your site.

[@55tranquility]

Great video and a stunning photograph ! You know for years I thought the image was actually a painting 😳. That’s how strong a photograph it is, i originally brought it on CD and because I didn’t really like the album never played close attention - it was only until I was looking at a mates vinyl version, and I was like fuuuuuuuck that’s actually a colour photograph and was pretty blown away. I studied photography at college and always tried to take images like this - never with any success of course ... 😀😀. One amazing photograph ! Brian’s comments really remind me of college as I remember my lecturer saying photography is unique in its mix of technicality and creative skill - the coming together of creative and technical methods - and yes I was doing it as well years before digital arrived in real film and then developing in the dark room - hoping for at least one good picture!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your story Nikk!! V:-)

[@tonyduncan4416]

Ready to check this out!!

[@QuangLy]

Brian Griffin's "Some Great Reward" is my favorite all time Depeche Mode album cover

[@nohman2012]

As a guy always being into photography and as a big fan of (earlier) Depeche Mode this a really awesome. Thanks so much!

[@KortKramer]

Love your shows with Mr. Griffin. As a lifelong Depeche fan, graphic artist, and photographer, these are *REALLY* interesting to me. It really is likely one of their best album covers.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Kort Kramer thanks for your kind words and you art very welcome !! V😎👍

[@KortKramer]

@@VaughnGeorge - Thank you sir! I'm a bit eclectic when it comes to my photography, but I'd like to think I could have managed a DM album cover at some point! :) www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/?uid=4265&member

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@KortKramer those photos of your are superb!! Wow!! VG;-)

[@ReginatorNet]

Before the internet I used to think 'A Broken Frames' album cover was a historic painting used by Depeche Mode. I believe it will still be revered a thousand years from now.

[@VaughnGeorge]

It certainly does have that timeless look about it!! :-)

[@QuangLy]

There is also a certain atmosphere and loneliness with A Broken Frame album cover that really reflects loss of Vince Clarke

[@ewashortnotsofastandfuriou6947]

This was lovely! Thank you once again! I´m soooo happy i found your channel! 💓

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello Ewa!! Thank you for your kind words!! You are very welcome here !! VG:-)

[@StockholmNightlife]

So worth waiting for!!! Another great video!! Thanks Guys!! Brian "The Butterfly" Griffin is a Genius, and super cool!!

[@rewanji]

Vaughn I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this series regarding the artists behind the graphic work of DM. They often go unnoticed or tend to stay on the background and this where’s credits due where it’s due. Hope you can find the time to cover the seminal work of mr. Neville Brody, Peter Saville, 23envelope among many others. Cheers…

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your gratitude ! I really appreciate it and you are welcome here !! VG :-)

[@bondbug73]

Very interesting insight from Brian. Music for the Masses is still my favourite DM album since it's release. But the stylish Broken Frame artwork is one of the best ever. Brian's work is far better than the samey paint brush stroke artwork DM's had on every release since 89. Great interview.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Ian !! Thank you Sir!! You are very welcome !! VG :-)

[@robmiranda7120]

Quite a revelation in this video Growing up in NY this album was a part of my beloved CD collection

[@grafiek]

Probably the best video so far

[@ricobonifacio1095]

These are some of my favorite videos you do. I learn alot of things I dont know. Brian seems like a cool dude always on here too. Good stuff!

[@dennissaluaar9103]

Thanks for those iconic album covers mr. Griffin!

[@robertcopland7541]

Great video as always! Can't wait for the album review!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Robert!! V:-)

[@RTK171]

When I saw this album cover when I went to buy it. Its was captivating you look at image and you feel your in it. Also when BRIAN said he was into socialist imagery and I thought that when I saw it and DPM followed this theme for their 12 inch sleeves live in Humburg etc... Best album cover ever and I believe having Brian explaining it all is a amazing. What a guy

[@R---66---R]

A Broken Frame made this huge impact...with the instrumental 'Nothing To Fear', all that would be dark, turned immed into blue...just like Mr. Griffin ran with the crew, to catch 'the' light!

[@abrokenframe82]

Great video Vaughn. I was thinking if The sun and the rainfall had been a single the album cover would have been perfect for the cover.

[@syracusemusic1539]

Great video can’t wait to hear Construction Time Again.

[@andrewsly3183]

On the remastered cd version you get the images on your tv with the second disc-live tracks as well as the awesome new images !

[@Rolanoid]

You missed your cue to say "Get the balance right" at 20:15. Great album, album cover and interview thanks.

[@bethanynjosephsadventures2935]

Wonderful story Brian; cheers, Vaughn! Unfortunately, I live in Exmouth, Devon, so I don't really visit London that often for any of Brian's events; I'll try to at some point, though!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you my friend!! I'm sure we will meet at an event some day!! Thanks for your support and kind words as always!! VG:-)

[@ilikemusic76]

In the 80’s there were so my shitty covers around. It was a real lucky coincidence that Daniel found Brian to compose these iconic DM album covers that transformed the band‘s image onto a whole new level.

[@Curtiss1965]

Nice! A timeless classic This was my first ever DM album after I bought "Leave In Silence", the 12" version.

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

the 12" of Leave In Silence is to me their first great 12" in a series that stretches all the way to the 12"es from the Violator singles. Of course the first really famous one was "Get The Balance Right" with the groundbreaking and extremely influential "combination mix".

[@cornerliston]

Nice to see and nice of Brian to take time for this. I know it's too much to ask but it really would be nice to see Brian bring polaroids and roughs with him when you talk to him next time. Looking forward listening to A Construction Time Again. About who came up with the idea... A hint can be to ask the designer Martyn Atkins. Most often the commission to make a record cover/design is given to the Art Director/designer who in discussion with the band and A&R comes up with the initial idea for the sleeve. The Art Director then comes up with an overall idea, often including ideas for photo visuals. If the label/artist likes the idea next step is to contact the photographer the designer has in mind for the visuals. This can obviously differ from project to project. Sometimes an artist has a very clear idea they want. So it could off course be e.g. Daniel Miller who come up with the suggestion to work with Brian just because he liked his photos. But worth clarify the most common way of how a record's art work is made. And certainly not at all trying to degrade Brians work since a lot of the visuals the designer's idea often are based on a certain photography he or she thinks is the best for the project and gives it the right quality. Anyway... most important, does the farmer of the corn field has this cover on his office wall? : )

[@beatatomaszewska5009]

It's so hard to forget.... the first person Daniela and second when we talk about 1982 this is Brian and his this picture. It was very good undertaking , work with young people DM, and than work with Brian. He had belive their and for this thanks. When I see this picture always think The sky is full of clouds . It`s going to rain, it is beauty. Yes, Yes , Yes right this legendary Brian ;)). About this woman what .. I told everything earlier , this is clean socialism. Cover K . Bush no this is same . Polish fans , heheheh

[@VaughnGeorge]

Beata you are always so sweet and I always love hearing from you!! Thank you!! VG:-)

[@beatatomaszewska5009]

You are architect this channel ;) It was very be interested evening, thanks so much Vaughn

[@xaviconde]

I've used this cover as my smartphone background since ever. Also, it's really hilarious seeing Brian holding the record while hiding behind it 😂

[@eltonjamey2584]

Really interesting stuff! I love this kind of "story-behind-the-story" stuff. Very intriguing. I didnt even know the cover was a photograph! I was convinced it was a painting:) Since viewing this I have really taken a closer look at my CD version cover, and still find it hard to believe its a photo. I actually really like A BROKEN FRAME - nothing to fear (best DM instrumental), the sun and the rainfall, shouldnt have done that, leavein silence, my secret garden, satellite and monument, all have that dark moody vibe and that theme ties in perfectly with the dark, moody agoraphobic cover.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Elton !! It was indeed intended to look like a painting , that was the goal and he achieved it perfectly!! VG:-)

[@martinalandavefletch]

A beautiful cover, one of the most beautiful ever.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Indeed!! VG:-)

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

it's great, only "the meaning of love" should have been on Speak and Spell :)

[@daveschrdinger]

Question to Brian: Could you film the music video for "The sun and the rainfall" in 1982?

[@scottsanders1414]

Great stuff again.

[@tracyjohnson4881]

Loving the Mr Perfect mug, Vaughn!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hahahha thank you Tracy!! VG:-) xx

[@greckendale]

Anticipation building!

[@ricardosotto6885]

There's something about that cover that takes me to "Catcher in the rye" by J.D. Salinger.

[@daveschrdinger]

Comrade Griffin, you are genius!

[@strychnyne3530]

Years ago life magazine had an issue about the 100 best photographs. Brian's photo was on the cover if i remember correctly.

[@markwibrow9126]

Great video Vaughn and a nice insight into (and around) the artwork of A Broken Frame. Personally I get a sense that Brian Griffins artwork from Speak & Spell through to Black Celebration is wrongly undervalued by the band. I might be wrong. Each one of those album covers are fantastic and instantly recognisable and have stood the test of time and that is down to the iconic shots taken by Brian. I think it was / is disrespectful of the band to have not recognised the quality at the time and possibly even now. Now it all seems to be about “Anton Corbijn”. You have to remember the band were teenagers from Basildon at the time and, knowing them a little bit around that era, wouldn’t have had a clue about “art” 😂 What Anton Corbijn has done subsequently is also wonderful. I love Anton Corbijn’s photos also, be it with DM or U2 etc but Brian’s work is remarkable .... especially in a pre digital age were his photos are actual photos and not constructed by digital trickery or photoshop 🎹🎹🎤🎹

[@VaughnGeorge]

Always good to hear from you Mark and I agree with everything you've said!! VG:-)

[@markwibrow9126]

Vaughn George Thank you Sir. 🎹

[@bioLarzen]

Hey, Vaughn, another thing we seem to agree on: I have Only When I lose Myself, too, as the "turning point" beyond which I could simply no longer feel good about the music the guys played. After that point, they felt more a rock band to me - and though that's perfectly fine, it was not really "my kind of music" anymore - and never since, sadly.

[@PerAnkh418]

It does look like the fen land in cambrigshire. The Irony is. I moved there from the North East of the UK. I walked through those fields on my own listening to this & black celebration in 87, I walked for miles through these fields, And the sky was dark then, a crack in the clouds broke with a beam of brilliant light. It did feel a Majikal place 👍

[@lanagarrison3771]

Are the signed prints still available from him?

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hi Lana !! Yes , go to www.vaughngeorge.com and let me know if you have any questions . VG 😎🎹👍

[@RobinPM100]

best DM cover to this day, forget Anton, bring back Brian

[@高梨毅]

What is most suprising thing regarding A broken frame artwork is that until recently I had thought this is a drawing not a photograph.

[@Tomversal]

Also before I found your channel I actually thought these were just cool paintings, to know they're photographs is amazing! Painting this stuff would be challenging don't get me wrong but a photograph can very easily go wrong, only rarely are that pitch perfect and every Brian DM Cover was just that

[@VaughnGeorge]

Tomversal Welcome on board !! VG 😎👍🎹

[@Tomversal]

@@VaughnGeorge Thanks Vaughn!

[@datavalisofficial8730]

Oh hey guys !

[@brianparrott5662]

Such a modest chap :(

[@phillines7385]

Would love to see the original transparencies on a lightbox too..

[@davisanaiz6742]

Can you please do a video on Martin Atkins and his Iconic Cover he did for Depeche Mode’s Music for the Masses.

[@AnalogueSolutions]

Brierley hill! I live 2 miles from there! I am going there later!!!!

[@AnalogueSolutions]

...I think they knocked it down :(

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@AnalogueSolutions Oh will then Tom , send us a photo anyway of you standing by the ruins or the new building. VG;-)

[@adamtokay]

Guys, have you ever seen corn? That's definitely not a corn field. Also, that's not how you hold or use a sickle. That being said, it is a beautiful picture.

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Yeah..I was scratching my head too. Definitely not corn. I love this photo.

[@salemhollst3884]

In British English “corn” refers to grain, not the maize we have in the Americas. This field is probably wheat.

[@augmentedkeys5971]

What camera did he use? Lens?

[@augmentedkeys5971]

What camera did Brian Griffin use? Film type? Kodak? Did he use a 35mm format or medium?

[@marblehead69]

The B&W photo was used on the 2006 remaster, so Daniel Miller had certainly seen it before the POP book. None of our memories are what they used to be! 😉

[@Killcujo]

life magazine winter 1990 they said it was one of the decades best photographs! I have the magazine

[@wattage2007]

Great stuff. He seems a real easy-going cool guy. Not sure why he thinks Round Oak Steel Works (Some Great Reward) still exists though. The whole site was demolished in 1984 and sadly nothing remains.

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

I had no idea the video to "Only When I Lose Myself" is by Griffin as well. This is the video that get closest to the core of what post-Violator Depeche was about. I really loved it so much, especially because of the existential LGBT undertones :D

[@darrecotta]

I remember, A Broken Frame was the only album I bought on vinyl because of the cover. I'd love to know Brian's thoughts on sleeve covers that come out now. Personally, I don't feel it's as important to bands now as it was back then, shame really. Love that image Mr Griffin.

[@mattavalon]

As usual a ground breaking episode so thank you. Would you be able to get a signed copy of my copy of A Broken Frame?

[@Tomversal]

If I had to rank every DM cover it'd probably be 14. Delta Machine 13. Exciter 12. Ultra 11. Playing The Angel 10. Spirit 9. Sounds Of The Universe 8. Songs Of Faith And Devotion 7. Music For The Masses 6. Violator 5. Black Celebration 4. Some Great Reward 3. Construction Time Again 2. Speak And Spell 1. A Broken Frame It could change, but I think this would be it (just the covers, not the albums themselves)

[@claudiocruzat7667]

How the hell can you get those pictures?? I guess there is some analog treatment afterwards. Id like some enlightment..im not an expert.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Claudio Cruzat hello there !! All the info is here : www.vaughngeorge.com/shop VG 😎👍🎹

[@ramireza6904]

While i totaly dislike "A broken Frame" as piece of music, i always LOVED the artwork! IMO the best Mode album cover....

[@StockholmNightlife]

5 Minutes left...

[@bioLarzen]

Sometimes you got to feel Anton Corbijn's MO was a distinct lack of sharpness on his photos...

[@stephankindler316]

Question for Brian: How did it come that they chose to continue working with Anton instead of you and were you annoyed?

[@unnecessarycherry2757]

I always thought that Broken Frame cover took inspiration from the story of saint Notburga

[@spasmspector]

Gareth Jones?! Oh right!

[@augmentedkeys5971]

Where was the exact location of the photograph? I didn't know that there were cornfields in the UK. Vaughn, you're not asking the best of questions. And it's annoying that Brian Griffin is holding the album and pimping it with sunglasses.

[@AnalogueSolutions]

"unfortunatley he died" (looks at camera)

[@VaughnGeorge]

You spotted the awkward moment !! VG:-)

[@glidingforward]

The harvest is the end of the age.

[@diavimusic4523]

"Where's he now?"....hehe woops. No off-topic chicken for that?

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hahhaha the OFF-TOPIC chicken seems to have been asleep during this video!! :-)

[@waz3128]

I have to say this album cover image was far too advanced for DM's music at the time.

[@davidw4023]

Ultra is the last good DM album and Only when i lose myself is the last good single DM did after that it's been all down hill sorry Speak & Spell up to Ultra best DM years 😉👍

[@augmentedkeys5971]

Vaughn, Why didn't you tell the old geezer to take off his sunglasses?!