Depeche Mode - Let's talk about Peter Gordeno

[@HJPhilippi]

DM songs were always very straightforward and (in some way) even simple, and Alan knew he had to maintain that style live. No need to shine as a musician on stage when the song alone does! This kind of modesty is one of so many points that has gone with Alan...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Well said brother !! VG

[@phildudu6564]

Alan was an explorator who worked hours in the studio (while the others were having a great time), not to mention all the live concerts stuff (programming, syncing, etc). Peter is a keyboardist who does what he's authorized by Gore. Depeche Mode ended in 1995. Long live to the Basildon Trio.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Phil Dudu Well said matey !!😎👍V

[@resofactor]

It's pretty hard to admit it. I'm not some DM rabid groupie or even that big into Recoil, but even I get it.

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

He really was embarrassingly overlooked and underappreciated by his bandmates for way too long. He began as a replacement key board and developed i to a Engineer, keyboardist, composer, developer, producer and all for same cost of fletchers single keys and clap. He deserved so much better by them. It saddens me almost as much as it pisses me off...almost

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

@@resofactor indeed ..im actually frustrated i cannot enjoy RECOIL more. Depech was so much better as a whole of them all...and Alan is more enjoyable as a whole for me at least durring his Depech years. Recoil does rock..BLOODLINES is wicked good. But seeing Alan in a rave with a hipster bouncing up and down like a crack addict next to him on turntable..just seems sad to me. Like a famous ex boxer doing a depends commercial. But if hes happy im cool with it. Is he happy?

[@MrSandalwood]

Can't disagree.. they need to play Glastonbury sunday headline slot...in front of 200k...

[@ultramet]

You are so spot on. I thought I was the only one who felt this way about DM. DM without Alan is not DM. They have gone from producer to producer (Bell, Hillier, etc.) trying to compensate for his musical absence. I met Gordeno at the Borgata. He’s a nice guy. Great studio session guy but no Wilder who is a visionary.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Agree with young time!! Gordino is a great musician but he is ultimately a session muso. V:-)

[@TheDjnauj]

you are right!!! Depeche Mode without Allan Wilder is not the Depeche Mode that really caught my attention back in the 80's.

[@davidmorelli5090]

Alan : irreplaceable...that's the matter

[@mattbelinski7760]

He literally says that in the video

[@DJVIIIMan]

To me, he's like the guy your divorced mom marries after you're, like, 40 and long out of the house. Yeah, you're glad your mom is happy and able to maintain the lifestyle she's accustomed to, but to you he's just always going to be some dude that lives in your mom's house and helps pay the bills.

[@tonguepetals]

OMG he totally is THAT guy. I've heard him say he's in Depeche Mode while out on tour and I'm like "Excuse me, sir?" I dead ass stared at the side of his face. I'm like you're a session player, nothing more!!!!

[@missyb1020]

To play with them, you would have to be damn good

[@audiolego]

@@missyb1020 Both have perfect pitch. I think George has it too

[@BarkingLondon]

Haaa haa haaa! What a way of putting it! Your exactly right though. 😆😆

[@MiotaLee]

@@tonguepetals I mean, they're essentially a duo now. There must be a reason why nobody actually "replaced" Alan, unlike Al did for Vince.

[@ReginatorNet]

Alan helped Martin develop and bring life to the songs that started out as cassette demos. He chose instruments, he helped Flood & others producers with the arrangements, he played on the albums, he helped with the sequences, he recorded the ARP 2600 arpeggios used on 'Waiting For The Night' and loaded them into the sampler during the original recordings, he gave us the version of 'Enjoy The Silence' that we all love and Dave doesn't sing during recent concerts, he can play keyboards and he can play drums. And he toured with Emulators and EMAX's. Peter plays keyboards during the concerts. He interprets the songs that Alan did with DM because that's all he's able to do... because he wasn't there during the creative process.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Reginator perfectly outlined there mate!! Thank you for interest in the channel !! V 😎

[@ReginatorNet]

@@VaughnGeorge keep up the excellent work!!!

[@DJAlgorhythms]

@Reginator: Great synopsis.

[@Esperluet]

Probably the main difference between them is Peter is not keen on electronic music or synths, more classical education on music.

[@ReginatorNet]

@@Esperluet No doubt, Peter is a fantastic musician. His playing is flawless and I can hear his individuality in the live shows I've seen. But to me he's like a session musician... a hired gun. I'd love to hear his own music to get a sense of why Depeche chooses him for all their shows.

[@rickblasing1237]

keep making DM related videos for us hardcore nerds. fascinating topics and I like your insights!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Rick !! More coming soon!! V:-)

[@robertmarshall72]

I'm liking you're video's its like chatting to my friend about DM in the living room. Good stuff 😎👍

[@VaughnGeorge]

Robert you are very welcome and thank you for your kind comments!! Catch you on another video soon!! V :-)

[@sinwithsebastian]

I think Depeche Mode Owes a lot to Alan Wilder, I have not loved one album or single after Allan left, and I tried

[@christianharris2164]

The reason that I fell in love with the music of Depeche Mode during the late 1980s was due to the complex arrangements built up of specific sounds and samples. The timing of each song was of the upmost importance to me too. The drum track to the 101 version of Everything Counts is crisp and punchy and a joy to dance to. I became increasingly frustrated and disillusioned by the fast and loose 'rock sound' that Dave advocated on his return from touring 'Paper Monsters'. Not only have more and more guitars been introduced over the years but the original songs have suffered from a more natural approach. I would be happy for songs released after Violator to be played by Christian on traditional drums but the timing has become too loose on many of the songs up to Violator. I've always loved Dave's performance but far too many Elvis and Jagger impersonations have crept in since Devotional. I think the final straw for me was hearing Stripped sound like a death metal song. However the rot has set in much, much earlier with 'the nearest approximation' sounds being used. I have always blamed Peter Gordeno for the sound choice, even though he is probably part of a much wider production team. To be fair to Peter, I think that Martin should take some of the responsibility for the stage sound. What I loved about Alan is that although he wouldn't always remain true to the album version, he would create live versions that used aspects of the remixes that all the fans were familiar with. The breakdown in the middle of Enjoy the Silence would send me into ecstasy but nowadays it has mutated into a sloppy loose mess.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Christina I totally agree with you!! Dave is SOOOOO into rock these days and Christian was overplaying things!! V:-)

[@rbrtck]

Martin has been more involved in everything lately, although I think he should be even more involved yet. That said, I'm not sure how much it would help in this case because to be able to do these kinds of practically ground-up re-orchestrations successfully takes a certain kind of "ear" for what gives these songs their character and the ability to translate it to another style with different instruments (mostly synth patches or samples in this case) that sounds different but renders the original songs recognizably. Alan could do this expertly, as he did in several tours, particularly Devotional, in which the style difference was far less subtle. Another example is how Vince Clarke programmed the set of synths he brought on the Phantasmagorical Entertainment (AKA The Tank, the Swan, and the Balloon) tour. Using only a limited, fixed set of synths, he completely re-orchestrated (and often re-arranged) every back catalogue song they played to match the style of their _Chorus_ album, and in my opinion he maintained the spirit of every track even though they used completely different sounds that allowed them to meld smoothly with the new songs from _Chorus_ . Anyone else doing this would have made Erasure sound like a tribute or cover band, I bet, and the same principle applies to Depeche Mode without Alan, in my opinion. Erasure sounds like Erasure no matter what the style may be because of Vince, and to me DM sounds like DM largely because of Alan--I can sort of hear them behind the sounds they use, if that makes any sense. Has DM merely evolved, or have they become their own tribute band--this is more of a matter of individual perspective than anything else, I suppose, but for me they are missing a crucial member and his particular mind and his skills, so to me they are their own tribute or cover band now, and concerning their post-Alan albums they are a different band, just like they became a different band after Vince left and Alan joined.

[@Liquidmuse3]

Kerry Hopwood has been the live sound producer from what understand, ie taking over Alan’s “live reproduction/preproduction” sound duties.

[@rbrtck]

@@Liquidmuse3 I'm sure he is doing his best to give the band what they collectively want, which apparently is to finally sound like a "real" rock band. So that's it, guys, DM have "grown up" or "graduated" from their silly synth-pop phase and are now bona fide (and geriatric) rockers, or so we're supposed to believe. Why, this is what we've all wanted all along but just didn't know it! ;) Right.... Remember, this is Dave here, and we know a few things about this guy by now. He doesn't imitate others because he doesn't have his own ideas, he does it because he tends to embody what he thinks he is, and in his mind this eventually involves every archetype, stereotype, and cliché you can think of, taken, in steps, to the nth degree eventually. That's what the whole heroin overdose phase of his life revolved around, and while he's over that and too scared to ever do that again, he's still trying in every other way to become the "rock god" he has probably dreamt of being since the beginning. Maybe it's just me, but I'd even rather have the stiff, nervous Dave of 1981 back--that's not the best Dave, but I'd take this over his current antics. His singing has developed in positive ways, but the rest of his performance seems more derivative than sincere (the same goes for Martin sometimes, but I think he's just caught up in Dave's fantasies), and the whole live attitude of the band doesn't match the DM I know. And what's funny is that the drummer is out of time. How can that be when the drummer customarily establishes the tempo and rhythm of the whole performance? It's because this is DM and they still rely on prerecorded backing tracks--the equipment they use is different (no more "Start the tape" in a literal sense), but in effect it's the same. This is not exactly a new thing, though. DM (not just Dave) have been struggling with their identity from almost the beginning, always talking about incorporating more guitars or whatever, and in a weird, confusing sort of way. It's difficult to explain, but I think many DM fans would know what I mean. It went along with being defensive about what they did with synths at first (with Alan being the main advocate), and evolved into wanting to be like "normal" rockers. Look, to me a guitar is just an instrument that makes a certain sound, and can be incorporated into music with other instruments, including synths which are cool because they can make so many different sounds. What's wrong with that? Nothing, and for example even synth virtuoso and former DM member Vince Clarke often plays a guitar on stage for some visual dynamics and makes no big existential deal about it because it isn't one. He's even used other acoustic instruments (with session musicians) such as trumpets and other brass sometimes in his recorded music without a comment--if it makes a sound, it can be used for music. But with DM and guitars it's like a much bigger deal instead. They speak of guitars not just as instruments but as part of a different sort of identity, and indeed their identity has seemed to evolve with their increased use of and/or identification with this particular instrument. To me they're being weird about it. It's just an instrument--you don't have to become stereotypical rockers just because you occasionally use guitar sounds. Not that I have anything against rockers, myself, but why did DM, who were pointedly different and in some ways unique from the start, have to become what they never were and join the crowd?

[@spencerholmes1047]

@@rbrtck I have to agree that Alan is superb in the orchestrations. Martin I feel has done a great job considering he was quite lazy in studio whilst Alan was around. The thing I miss most about Alan is his ability to human the performances and how he blended the movement of each song to feel organic. Martin has interesting rhythmic choices, but lacks real groove.

[@sergioogamboa]

Thank you for continuing to produce segments about one of my all-time favorite bands. I appreciate your efforts and I hope you take pride in knowing that your channel is one of the first things to come up when doing a KZbin search of Alan Wilder (this is how I discovered you). I would like to offer my heartfelt praise and appreciation for Peter Gordeno. His talent as a musician and singer is rivaled only by how much of an enigma he is. As a touring member of Depeche Mode I think he has a very intriguing stage presence. He is also an incredibly witty and charming person. I find it a shame that too many fans feel a need to place him in Alan's shadow rather than appreciate his contributions to the band for the past twenty years. To those who regard him as little more than a "hired gun", I think you gravely underestimate his significance and undervalue the bond he shares with Martin. His longevity in Depeche Mode speaks for itself. There are very, very few people out there qualified to play in a band as amazing as Depeche Mode. The degree of skill, talent, intuition, stage presence, stamina and commitment can not be understated. I am very grateful to Peter for his continued success with the band. I am happy you touched upon the important distinction between his role in DM and Alan's former role. While I possess no inside knowledge of the band, I think most of us musicians with extensive experience playing in band situations can intuit what the dynamic is with Peter's role in DM versus what Alan's role used to be. In the peak of their success Alan was very well known to be instrumental as both a stage performer and a key contributor to their music production. After Alan's departure, I am inclined to believe that Martin was more interested in acquiring a skilled and competent stage performer who could seamlessly integrate without the heavy baggage and growing resentment that had unfortunately built-up over time with Alan. While Peter is undoubtedly a well-spring of talent in his own right, I do believe that Martin prefers the unfettered joy and freedom that comes with having ultimate control over his music. One thing that is very consistent in the history of interviews I have found is that he gets tremendous enjoyment and satisfaction seeing his music come to life in the studio. While he is a very generous and giving collaborator when working with DM's production team, he is ultimately the boss. Dave and Fletch are still an integral part of the process and there is much hard-earned love, respect and appreciation between them, but Martin has a long and storied history of surviving, persevering and remaining true to himself as a visionary artist. That requires a degree of tenacity and conviction that only the rarest of the rare possess. In music, he needed to find a way to carry on after Vince Clark's departure, then he needed to do so again after Alan's departure. When Peter joined the band, I have a feeling Martin (with possibly the help of ambassador Fletch) wanted to make clear to Peter what was required of his role: to facilitate the music during their live performances. Over the years I think Peter has been given some degree of creative input on the production of their albums, but to what degree I do not know.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for this brilliantly written and heartfelt message!! I really appreciate your kind words and support of my channel!! Please do consider joining the "Vaughn George Facebook group" where you can continue the discussion with many like minded fans!! VG:-)

[@josesalinas1187]

I still love Alan Wilder . You’re right they do sound more like a tribute band with Peter Gordeno .

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you and I am glad we agree on this !! V :-)

[@tuliusxp]

Peter Gordeno is a great musician, he's just a session musician on DM, but he has classical training and also his dad was a great actor and dancer, he apppeared in Gerry Anderson´s UFO Series on the 70's as Captain Carlin aboard the Sky Diver. Peter Gordeno Sr. died in 2005, but Jr. is a great add to DM, maybe some day they'll give Peter a best place in the band not as Alan Wilder, but a different and well earned place as musician and composer on Depeche Mode.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hi I like your idea. It's strange how the let Peter contribute songs but dont allow him in the studio to help with production . Glad to have you onboard !! Cheers V :-)

[@LouisPlume]

Wont be as good as his dad was as Sky Diver's pilot..

[@AlanAndalon]

These are conversations I’ve been having with close friends and fellow DM fans for years! I really enjoy your channel! Thank you for doing this!

[@MartinZero]

Your definitely hitting the spot with those subjects. I subbed, great stuff

[@VaughnGeorge]

Martin thank you so much my friend !! V :-)

[@lindahandley5267]

DON'T apologize for being YOU! I have researched Peter many times but couldn't find a lot. Thanks!

[@VaughnGeorge]

I appreciate that! VG :-)

[@lindahandley5267]

@@VaughnGeorge Yessir!☺

[@jm6734]

Imagine a press conference at Tate Modern museum in London: A full reunited DM shows up - all the original members including Vince Clarke(!) announcing they’re about to finish a full album and will tour the world. VCMG worked very well together just a few years back so this isn’t entirely wishful thinking. If they all get on professionally it could very well still happen. And OMG it would be exciting!!! Mr. Gore, Mr. Clarke, Mr Gahan, Mr. Wilder and Mr. Fletcher if anyone of you happen to read this... please make yourselves a nice cup of tea and pick up the phone 😊 Just listen to what the kids says: YOLO.. Sincerely A fan.

[@garywalker7493]

You had me on the NLMDA piano part - the way Gordeno plays it is just plain wrong, in my humble view. Less is more...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Yes , less is more especially when it comes to playing DM keyboard parts!! Thank you for your message !! V :-)

[@ninawildr4207]

Gary Walker when will my heart not skip a beat ..(every time I hear NLMDA ,that is Alan's version)

[@BodyConflict]

About the "less is more" thing: Just compare the piano part of "Somebody". Gordeno is playing absolutely fine. But he always has to ad some fancy stuff here and there. Then look at Alan in 2017. Almost always looking at Martin and doing the job to let Martins voice shine. Nothing fancy. Just the piano part. Nothing more. Nothing less. If they would say they fire Gordeno and take Alan with them on tour ..... Will never happen. But a man still can have dreams! ;)

[@leahmcconnell9685]

True - just doesn't sound quite right.

[@alejandromorales8715]

@@estateofcondondavid6297 To be honest, I feel they still butchered IYR, even in its allegedly original form. Eigner didn't bother to play the toms, and Gordeno played a HORRIBLE synth line (I think on a Moog) instead of the iconic sampled guitar line that it's the backbone of the jeep rock mix of IYR.

[@mannybmk]

Totally agree, the only time I like his playing is with Mart when doing the ballads, I really detest his "flairs" on the older songs.

[@VaughnGeorge]

No room for flair in DM music !! Agree with you bud !! V;-)

[@malaperdas30]

Alan was a D.M member, Peter is not. That is quite a difference

[@VaughnGeorge]

Amen !! V :-)

[@Kornhaus]

I might be wrong, but at least Peter Gordeno is a DM-Live member and a co-writer of some DM songs.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Kornhaus yes you’re right !! He did contribute songs to the latest album but they don’t allow him to work in the studio with them which I feel is strange . V😎

[@malaperdas30]

Kornhaus he is a brilliant musician and keyboard artists but as I said, he is not a D.P member and he has no rights. He is a hiring musician from the D.P mempers trio for touring and session performing.

[@mr.doobsie58]

Nikko, I think DM should make him an official member.

[@Kubit76]

With Gordeno the dark side of DM is gone. He is a good musician but belongs to a different kind of band, definitely not to Depeche. As well, I don’t understand why the band keeps changing the sounds and with this, the songs sound different. I really hate today’s DM period.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello Richard hope you're well matey!! Yep he and Christian are I guess a little too generic despite their immense musical abilities . V :-)

[@Kubit76]

Piano & Keyboard Artist Hi!! I pretty good thank you. Just laying in bed watching your video. Nothing against Gordeno, he is a magnificent pianist,it’s just I don’t like his touch for an electronic band as DM. But better him than Andy “the clapper”..😆😆

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@Kubit76 Always love your brutal honesty matey !! Did I tell you that my video "FLETCH THE KILLER CLAP" was inspired by your comment??!! V :-)

[@neurocrash808]

Good point. That darkness remains in Wilders solo albums, but was better when tempered by Gore. Now it's missing.

[@Esperluet]

Peter brings probably more soul when backing Martin. The band can't be the same today than it was 30 years ago when sampling and arranging was a tough work. What would Alan bring today ? Just hearing MG's last personal album brings a respons.

[@legionnairegonk4425]

Factoid: Peter G's dad was an actor who appeared in cult classic sci-fi UFO.

[@LadyMissNeptune]

Hi Vaughn, Sadly I am unable to comment on Gordino since I am not all that familiar with DM’s work post Alan W. Liked your singing and piano version of “But Not Tonight” on this video. Would have liked to hear more. Looking forward to the upcoming videos you have in store for us. These are all the bands I used to listen to back in the day. Congratulations on the growth of your channel. It’s going to be a very fun hangout!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Lady Neptune well hello to you young lady and so good to hear form you again!! Glad you liked the singing and I will do more of it soon!! Thank you for your kind words and support as always. V:-)

[@lancen6805]

What I love about Alan is that while is an extraordinary player who could rip up and down the keys, he chose to keep it "simple." We know that "simple" playing isn't so simple. Less is often more. One more thing....I'd like to see more of you playing.

[@zigmarsgrinbergs4209]

I found your channel today, really happy !!!! Keep it going , please !!!!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello my friend and thank you !! I will keep on rocking for you guys!! V:-)

[@daisy_ddd]

i really love depeche mode and it melts my heart when i watch your videos and see how much you enjoy the subjects you’re speaking about. thank you very much

[@VaughnGeorge]

Da you are welcome in this community my friend !! Thank you so much !!😎👍V

[@orientalflux]

alan is not replaceable, you right peter has different technique, and little bit off from DM records

[@starblindtv3988]

It is well known that Depeche updated their sounds at a certain point as they thought them to be out dated. There are a few gear talks where this is mention.

[@stevemurphy8090]

No question that DM lost something when Alan left. His percussion and production skills in Violator and later SOFAD took DM to it's peak. It's such a shame that his Recoil project never quite reached the same levels. I really wish he could find people to collaborate with so we can hear more of his work at a level that he achieved before with Dave and Mart.

[@rcruz101]

Thank you for doing these videos! I absolutely love talking about and listening about Depeche Mode.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Ron!! V-)

[@kieran0000]

Ive met Depeche and Peter is a lovely person and brilliant laugh !

[@chrisgrandcatz]

I forgot to say that I love when you don't remain on topic. LOL... Always a pleasure to me hearing you talking about my heroes. Peter and Christian aren't involved in the studio like Alan were, that's why they are not attached to the sounds or/and the melodies, that's why Alan had the samples. When you create something, you tend to consider that as your child and I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about. Just someone in the DM crew has to understand that this works the same way for the fans. We are all orphan of old dear DM arrangements. I like Somebody and Shake the Disease with Peter at the piano... just to remain...on topic ;)

[@VaughnGeorge]

hahahhaha hi Christian and thank you for your inspiring words!! I like your saying "We are all orphan of old dear DM arrangements". That is spot on!! Cheers mate. V:-)

[@theodorecupier5920]

Are you familiar with the stuff alan released under the name RECOIL? He started with "1+2" and then 'HYDROLOGY ", both specifically to re-use the depeche mode samples that had so much effort put into them. Recycling ! 😁 check them out, it's great to spot the sounds! 😁 The follow up album "BLOODLINE " is brilliant, but more of a proper full album .

[@chrisgrandcatz]

@@theodorecupier5920 Thanks for the tips my friend, I actually know all the works of Recoil (aka Alan Wilder) till his last album Selected and you are perfectly right cause, spotting DM sounds, sometimes hide and sometimes well on the spot, was my favourite sport especially in those albums you mentioned. I'm have some kind of addiction for everything DM related. But I can happily see that I'm not alone.

[@juliemay9796]

Can you please do a video on Martin Gore’s live performance style evolution and improvement. Can you also do a video on Martin’s outrageous fashion sense ? I love Depeche Mode. Your channel is awesome.They need to bring back Alan ASAP

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Julie!! Yes Martin Gore will be covered quite extensively on this channel!! I am happy you like the channel and it's fans like you that enspire me!! Keep following !! Lots of Love and thanks again!! V:-)xx

[@christownsend9792]

I have just watched this video and felt compelled to comment. I am 51 yrs of age and I have been a Depeche mode fan since 1983. It was not until 88 when I finally saw mode live on the Music for the Masses " tour. I have seen this band develop through the years into a global force that has a following so devout it defies belief. Even with the transitional period when Wilder left and eventually Peter G took over the masses have continued to grow with every tour. I get the feeling that a new audience of at least 50% if not more are witnessing this band now that never saw them live back in the day. I can only agree that as a band back then the music live with Wilder they were definitely more intense and musically superb to watch.....anybody who witnessed live MFTM , Violator and SOFAD will forever have these three tours as the prime Depeche Mode ….simple as. I don't like the some of the melodic parts in classic Mode tracks reconstructed on tours that sound nothing like the original live performances...but!...someone seeing them live since 98 onwards will beg to differ. Lets face it the biggest mistake Depeche ever made was not recording a live official video of the "violation tour" ..I personally see this tour as the best Mode experience any fan could have....and yes Alan was there.

[@Chipchap-xu6pk]

I was at the second from last concert of World Violation, at the Birmingham NEC. It totally blew me away. No concert ever got close, including a couple of DM ones..... But Memento Mori. That DID get close. Maybe I'm swayed by World In My Eyes being my favourite song. Maybe it's my favourite because it opened World Violation.

[@e.g.348]

Can't never compare Alan with anyone . He'll always be UNIQUE . The best DM albums, singles, etc... has his sounds and touch.

[@DxModel219]

Alan was the perfect warm counter-balance to Martin’s mechanical cold style.

[@carlosalenduran4630]

I love your channel and thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent and for letting us know so much about one of our favorite bands Depeche mode.

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome Carlos !! Thank YOU!! VG👍🎹😎

[@carlosalenduran4630]

@@VaughnGeorge 👍🖤🌻

[@rox2u]

since Peter is a hired hand and not a 25% stake in the band member he does what he is told. One thing that strikes me when I see DM play with PG is how bored he looks, like 'I'm doing this cos it's the best gig I can get and will jump whenever something better shows".

[@strychnyne3530]

He doesn't feel the music. He's good on the ballads with Martin but bad otherwise.

[@Liquidmuse3]

I think he’s just trying to look cool (& according to you, failing 😉)

[@syntheticdawn4992]

Peter shreds dm andrew saga ftw

[@rebeccacarson6024]

Dude was with George Michael before. He's much better suited to his music

[@FRB_AlphaApollo]

Hello! New subscriber here! TL;DR -- I agree with you on all your Wilder topics, you've stumbled upon a wonderful niche here in the DM & New Wave Alt umbrella, and look into doing some videos on Thomas Dolby, another underrated and underappreciated musician in a similar vein of Alan Wilder. Start of full comment follows: After some of life's hardships struck me recently, I drove over to my old college to play their baby grand they have for some "music therapy", and ended up recording myself playing "Judas" from SOFAD... then a few hours later happen across all your DM videos by sheer chance, and ended up watched them all to be up-to-date with your releases! Mr. Alan Wilder, Mr. Thomas Dolby, and the late Richard Wright (of Pink Floyd) are my main influences as a musician and keyboardist myself. On the popular Alan Wilder subject, I prefer the sound of DM WITH Mr. Wilder than without him, but I still like both eras... and it's not even a debate that the sound changed once he left. I still have seeing DM live in concert on my bucket list as I was supposed to see them in Tampa, FL in 2017, but then Hurricane Irma struck, and that was that. I'm glad that there's someone making videos on these DM topics...I feel like you have a good market share, especially when in comes to the Wilder topic, as there's many of us fans who would metaphorically sell their soul (or someone else's) to see/hear a album/tour with Wilder (with or without Christian and Peter) again. I think there's another crossover viewer market for some Thomas Dolby videos... his albums, technology innovations, etc, would give you a lot to discuss, and I feel if it seems us viewers are so interested in Depeche Mode, Thomas Dolby would be an interesting and non-sequitur next step. Best of luck, I'll for sure be watching!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you so much for this Ethan!! V:-)

[@johngammon963]

5 Years later and I'm really enjoying this channels early output 👍🏻

[@VaughnGeorge]

Glad you enjoy it! You can join my second KZbin channel "The Depeche Mode Hub" for a completely Depeche Mode Experience! VG :-)

[@chrisbaber4978]

Alan created their sound while Peter signed on to play on a Greatest Hits tour since 1998. Alan was at least running production of the albums! Huge difference in regards on length of stay.

[@pacificbuildingcare]

Newest greatest channel, talking about Depeche Mode because I've got so tired of listening to politics on youtube, this is new leaf to listen to great history on my favorite band, Depeche Mode

[@VaughnGeorge]

CTM hello my friend !! On this channel we refrain from politics and the troubles of the world . So happy to have you on board my friend and thanks for your kind words!! V👍😎

[@roxair1]

Peter is a very talented and skilled musician. He doesn't understand how DM should sound, unfortunatlely, but then agains he was never part of the band or the composition of the songs... I would rather accept a playback than having him on the DM stage.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Kathryn Kando I think a lot of Fans would agree with you !! V :-)

[@CaseWoo]

Ex hard core fan here. Enjoyed geeking out to your videos about DM and thank you for speaking my mind. Jealous of your collection of DM sounds too.

[@argonpathart4938]

I look forward to a series of videos on one of my favorite electronic bands DEAD OR ALIVE. I've loved some of the stories of how Peter Burns started out and how Dead Or Alive progressed or changed over time.

[@MarioBuchichio]

Oh, God, really looking forward for those vids, specially the Talk Talk one. Huge fan here. Please do them justice. RIP Mark, sorely missed.

[@moshefeldman7853]

Your observations are accurate. After watching your video I watched behind the wheel live from 2014 and the sound is clearly different and much less iconic, almost generic sound you can hear at lots of other bands. As for the presentation, or the playing technique of Peter, I also feel he is "jamming" a lot more than Alan. Actually Alan used to "jam" only in Somebody. Now, this is more of a personal preference and taste, but to me the whole live style of DM in the last 20 years is way too much rock & roll. DM are electronics and synths, iconic and original sounds, and all this rock style simply does not do it for me, as it turns an iconic song into a generic one... and this goes along with Dave's singing style. I much prefer the old straight, smooth, precise singing style, not the blues/rock/soul style Dave has adopted. In short, give me the violator/sofad live setup of 3 keyboard players, with Martin occasionaly taking the guitar and Alan the drums, with the original sounds as they are on the E-MU, and straightforward no bullshit singing style of Dave. All this rock style just ruins the original songs, turning them from iconic to generic.

[@VaughnGeorge]

My friend !! You and I are on the same page !! Totally agree with your comments !! Glad you found my channel because you are welcome here !! V :-)

[@sunilsolanki]

Couldn't have said it better myself! Completely agree.

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@sunilsolanki V:-)

[@raphmasse5911]

You're right about Gordeno's piano jamming on Never Let me Down Again. Nonetheless, Alan did that a bit too on the Music For The Masses Tour (87/88) and World Violation (90) : at the very end of the song, he played full chords instead of single notes. You can clearly hear it on the "101" live album. But it's nothing compred to Gordeno's style, indeed. - Interesting video by the way. The technical details in DM always facinated me and it's cool to hear your pro comments about that. -

[@BodyConflict]

Sorry to say but over here in germay if you want to hear "original sounding" DM you go and see a concert of "Forced to Mode" rather than the real DM. Well, I see both anyway! ;)

[@chiseinwang]

Alan is DM n DM is Alan. Peter is not even though he can play well

[@JohnEvans-dr6yq]

we all love you to, keep up the brilliant, amazing quality of your spectacular educational videos

[@VaughnGeorge]

John Evans thank you sir!! I certainly will!! VG🎹👍😎

[@naokikashima2885]

Just to clarify here, Eigner and Gordeno have never been official members of DM, they are just tour musicians. So yeah, Alan was in the band longer than them. :) DM live will never be the same, unfortunately. Last year they finally came back to play in my country and I had no interest whatsoever in going to see them. :(

[@VaughnGeorge]

Right you are!! V :-)

[@CristianSirb]

Great choice! Please, stay with it! Please, please, please. And buy enough handkerchiefs for you crying for Alan.

[@Paul_Davies77]

Have to agree with you there. Went to see them on Touring the Angel and Universe but didn't bother trying to get tickets for Delta Machine as there was not one song I liked and haven't even bought or listened to their last album. Most of the time I can't even remember what it's called. As entertaining as Dave is to watch, it's not enough for me to want to go see them now. His voice can't handle a lot of the songs and I'm fed up of them playing the same tracks only changing a few each tour. Never thought I'd get to the point of passing up on going to their shows or getting new albums but they just don't do it for me anymore. Still love them upto SOFAD and still love my ETS rose tattoo but when it comes to modern Mode it's a no thank you from me

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@Paul_Davies77 And many fans fans would agree with you my friend!!! V:-)

[@CristianSirb]

@@Paul_Davies77 great! than quit listening to DM and get another musical hobby. Its is quite clear DM was just a youth passion of yours. Related to the beautiful years of the high school or college.

[@blankets1453]

Loved the road map of videos to come!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you mate!! I am trying to make this channel as clear and as engaging as I possibly can.

[@Hauntedevil432]

812 subscribers now! Awesome. Just settling down to watch this video.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you bud!! Enjoy!! V-;)

[@Hauntedevil432]

@@VaughnGeorge great video, and loved you singing but not tonight. Your voice is similar to Martin Gore's. Chat soon buddy. X

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@Hauntedevil432thank you that was a great compliment mate !! Always good hearing from you !! V :-)

[@heeeeyjai]

Depeche Mode is quite literally the soundtrack to my life...I've grown with them and am still missing Alan. It's great to see them live but it is not the same since he left. More videos and I second what another viewer suggested, a video on US the DM fans!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Yes my friend that is a good topic !! Thank you so much for your kind words!! V:-)

[@heeeeyjai]

Piano & Keyboard Artist my pleasure!

[@MrTasic]

I am not sure it's fait to compare P.Gordeno vs. A.Wilder it is a question of sound producing and we kind of knew who was responsible for the sounding of DM in early years (you can take SOFAD live CD and read it was Alan Wilder and Steve Lyon). Do we know who makes decisions on which sounds to use and how to play notes? Or we could even suggest that Alan's sounding is not being used anymore because of copyright issues (do not think they are real legal issues but rather some kind of principles )

[@hugorolo517]

Erasure & OMD!!!....very exited about this channel, really enjoying your insight;)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you my friend !! Appreciate your excitement !! V :-)

[@mickeydelplace4343]

Francois le Roux in addition to the incredible dm and omd sound, would be cool to delve into Frankie Goes To Hollywood

[@meloderieugif2294]

I really like it when you change the subject, it feels like chating with a friend and I can't talk about DM or have more profound discusses about music with them 'cause they don't share my passion. About the main subject, for me it's really difficult to like different versions of the songs of any band that I like because I'm used to attach very personal feelings and situations with those songs, not only the lyrics but also the melodies, they are like lyrics in a different language. Alan's remixes or live versions tended to keep the spirit and produce the same original atmosphere and I believe this is why fans always like them but when Peter does something different he adds layers to that song and they lost the relatable atmosphere and we are not so fond of it., but he is a geat musician, very competent and we can see that, some versions like Somebody for example, sounds very good. Looking forward to see the next video and aproach different subjects besides DM.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello young lady once again and thank you so much for your support as always !! V :-)

[@werideatdusk]

Love your brief renditions of Shake the Disease and especially But Not Tonight, and I agree those are moments where Peter really shines and works well with what DM are trying to do with the material

[@VaughnGeorge]

werideatdusk thanks for your kind words and I’d like to welcome you to the community !! V😎👍

[@DevotionalFilms]

I think Peter is giving his own special vibe to it :D DM fans are often to hard to him and Christian.

[@VaughnGeorge]

This is true!! They are both outstanding musicians just trying their best !! V:-)

[@patee101]

I think they are criticised by many hardcore DM fans not because of their personalities (they are nice guys and without a doubt very good musicians), but because what they do is simply doesn't suit DM's music and style, especially the older stuff. I've been a huge fan for more than 30 years, but I must admit that I can hardly relate to and identfy with what they've been doing in the, say, 15 years, which makes me really, really said and disappointed. :(

[@tonguepetals]

We hate them both. It takes 4 people to do what Alan does.

[@Lofote]

Pet Shop Boys... wooohooo… and all the great topics about DM... nice! Oh and Talk Talk, hope you don't forget Alans production work on the tribute album :)… Oh and I would love if at some point you also talk about Recoil, which is a VERY perfect produced project by Alan.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello my friend!! Glad you are hoary about the future subjects!! YEs we will be talking about Recoil!! Keep watching my friend! V :-)

[@Kornhaus]

I love Alan's work on the Talk Talk tribute album!

[@TheMrSpaceghost]

Glad to hear someone mentioned Talk Talk, the colour of spring, awesome album...DM, talk talk, Ultravox, visage, all were a iconic part of my youth as an American in Germany. New Wave forever.

[@TheMrSpaceghost]

Anyone have "the sun and the rainfall" sheets..one of my fav songs...

[@zeitesixx]

I totally agree with every single word you say my friend, glad I found your channel... subscribed

[@MonoLith2049]

Really looking forward to your other videos. Keep up the good work

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you my friend!! V ;-)

[@brianthomas9254]

I just subscribed yesterday and I really like the videos. The improvement in such a short amount of time is really noticeable when you watch them all at once. I'll "DM" any critiques. lol About this video - There was a time where I thought Peter was a little smug and above it all. But I've seen him in some videos and interviews and I've changed my mind. I love the idea that they change the arrangement on many songs during live shows. It's why we go to see them. Did you see the Global Spirit Tour? I loved the new rendition of Everything Counts. It really gave it a contemporary feel. Keep the videos coming. Maybe one on modern vs original live arrangements?

[@brianthomas9254]

I typed too soon! lol Sounds like you'll be covering the topics we want :) cheers!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Brian Spear thank you for your kind comments and your good suggestions my friend !! Welcome on board !! 😎👍V

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

You really hit pay dirt! This is my new favorite channel. I lost interest in DM around the time Alan left (although one thing had nothing to do with another), so Peter G. is all new to me.

[@VaughnGeorge]

M. M. Hello again my friend !! Great to hear from you again and I am happy that you like the channel !! V😎👍

[@cmsox89]

But Not Tonight is my favorite DM song and I enjoyed your brief rendition. Loving the channel!

[@blastfromthepast8344]

As a keyboard player he was a great disco dancer. He looks different to how he did when he was in UFO.

[@VaughnGeorge]

LOL!! Brilliant !! V :-)

[@tuliusxp]

That was his dad, Peter Gordeno Sr. who appeared as Captain Carlin on Gerry Anderson's UFO, and that passed away on 2005.

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@tuliusxp No way!! Are you serious ? I dd not know that !! Thank you for sharing !! V;-)

[@blastfromthepast8344]

@@tuliusxp No... really?

[@francoiseneisen2053]

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!

[@socialorg]

He is an excellent musician who should get more credit for his contribution

[@philippes1987]

As a musician and fan of Depeche Mode, it’s great to hear your analysis about the technicalities of that band. Would love to hear about NIN, just saying😉

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for your comment my friend !! V :-)

[@c.f.apollyon1147]

Dude, don't sweat "staying on topic". You are the topic. You and what you have to say about whatever it is you are talking about. jmo Thanks for the interesting vids.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Im glad you are enjoying the channel so thank you very much !! V :-)

[@ebeneke]

Brilliant, love your work! Thanks for the quirkiness too! :)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Etienne!! You are very welcome in this community!! V:-)

[@luthomdod]

Great content! Thanks for sharing it with us. Any plans on videos about The Cure?

[@VaughnGeorge]

No immediate plans on The Cure but maybe further down the line!! I do like the Cure !! V :-)

[@danillumjrgensen3865]

He he... He gives it a band tribute kinda feel :-) And please don't remain on topic. Wandering off topic makes the videos more interesting. Regarding Peter Gordeno I consider him to be an employee in Depeche Mode. Too many feelings involved when comparing him to Alan Wilder. In a simplified way that makes a lot more sense to me.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Dan Illum Jørgensen glad you like the videos my friend and welcome on board !! V👍😎

[@JackHekler]

I would like to see a video on dissecting Violator, the sounds and production

[@VaughnGeorge]

Jack hi!! Oh YES my friend , that is a monster of a subject on its own!! V:-)

[@laserbender2773]

I am enjoying your videos a lot! I hope you get a chance in the future to talk about Richard Wright and Tony Banks maybe even Keith Emerson. Keep up the great work!

[@RedlineRacer]

Hello, new viewer here, I love your channel! Please do a video about the piano ballads! They are my favorite parts of each concert. Thank you!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Redline Racer thank you and welcome to the community!! I will most certainly do a video on this !! V 😎👍

[@JaciaraCarneiro]

For me you could talk about DM in every video, it's a pleasure. And thank you for the Not Tonight rendition, that was sweet!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Jaci C. Thank you for your kind words and I am happy to have you in this community!!😎👍V

[@rvl9308]

So much dedication in your videos or is it even devotion?! Great job!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you bud I do it for you!! V :-)

[@greckendale]

Hey Vaughny, thanks for the credit and shout out, I look forward eagerly to the next Fletch-File! Please can you write that in print for the heading/thumbnail?! Cheers. Btw, another topic is how DM have influenced new bands, a lot of which I cannot stand, as they come across as pure clones! But I’m wondering are you a fan of PARADISE LOST? They started as a death metal band but over the years evolved to the point of releasing two electronic albums, the first one being One Second which was a dark electro rock album, and then came the majestic HOST album which I regard as a masterpiece! Maybe you could play a bit of this album and talk about it? It was recently remastered and re-released with a green cover, and sounds brilliant! Songs like In All Honesty, Harbour, and Year Of Summer. I could really see you becoming a fan, if you’re not already?!! Thanks again mate!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hey Shane my friend awesome to hear from you!! Keep those subject coming and yes, I look forward to launching , " THE FLETCH - FILES" !! catch you soon on the next video !! V :-)

[@M00sehair]

Great video again, though as some has pointed out, Peter Gordeno and Christian Eigner are not members of Depeche Mode. They are hired for tours. In studio, when making album, they are not afaik included in the process. Though without Peter or Christian there wouldnt be touring. Martin needs Peter and Dave definitately need Christian. Soulmates, but not members of DM.

[@PostPandemicMadonna]

Peter somehow scares me each time i see his face

[@aleksandarpetrovic4864]

You're 200% right when you say that Depeche Mode now or sicne 2001 sound like a tribute Depeche Mode band... But, its their band and their music and they obviously can do with it anything they want or feel like - milions of people still go and see them on their tours.... Well, its very sad!!!

[@tafur101]

I believe that Alan Wilder should have been replaced by a musician with the same scenic characteristics, that is, he would play the drums and the keyboard, at least visually they would not have lost that scenic characteristic that made them see live ...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Good point!! V :-)

[@sebastiannoir5712]

alan wilder should not have been replaced. he should have been recognised (credited) valued and componsated for what he delivered ::: :

[@rubaidaallen2764]

You can't replace Alan that's the thing. You can't replace Adam Jones from Tool, you can't replace the Edge from U2 etc. Some musicians are irreplaceable. The great Alan Wilder is one of those musicians.

[@frankcavallo]

don't be so rude in the comments guys, Peter is a professional musician and has been selected by DM members as a session player. You can't compare him to Alan Wilder: different arrangements of the same songs. I do prefer Alan, of course, but it's not a matter of being guilty or bad willingness.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Agree with you Frank!! Alan's "shoes" are big ones to fill and I also feel that people are often too brutally critical of Peter. VG :-)

[@GuiR3X]

Gordon isn't bad, he's just not good. Alan Wilder had artistic touch, you hear it when they play somebody or that kind of acoustic versions, Alan had "classic music" musicianship, gordeno sounds like a guy in the bar. Alan was there to finish albums, prepare new versions for the live performances, Gordeno is just a pair of hands so it doesn't seem like everything is on the tape, since fletch is just part of the stage set decoration.

[@rikimarudonchelie1229]

True, Alan is more like the creator & originator of the sound, while Peter is just a session musician adhering to Alan existing creations with some slight interpretation or adding some elements of his own...which i frankly duno if it sometimes work or not.

[@VaughnGeorge]

hahahahaha brilliantly stated !! Cheers!! V:-)

[@george_slipstream_atlantis]

Fletch isn't just part of the scenery! Sometimes they plug him in and let him play. I know this for a fact due to the bum notes he was unleashing on us the last time I saw them live.

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@george_slipstream_atlantis his is true!! He hit some major bum notes when I saw him in the o2 arena in London a few years back!! V:-)

[@martinstanesby]

Very professionally and politely discussed. I agree with you. It's like Depeche Mode have lost their identity by moving away from their iconic sound (s). I know musicians/songwriters want to create and try new things, but I also think that it's important to grasp what people really loved about the music you produced to know if it works or not. Because not everything works. No criticism of Peter Gordeno, but it's like he's jamming with someone elses band.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Marin hi and I am glad you gained value from this video!! V:-)

[@PlanetoftheDeaf]

Another excellent video. I suppose the counter argument would be that the live versions don't have to be the same as the recorded versions, maybe somebody out there prefers the different sounds, though I must admit to liking live performances to sound like the record in most cases! It'll be interesting WHY Peter plays the songs in this way, whether it's his choice or someone in the band telling him. Worth noting that when Alan was playing these songs live it was only a few years after they had been recorded, if he was still playing them live 20-30 years later, maybe he would have changed them too?

[@jaygraves2399]

Love your analytical oppinions of each member/Depeche Mode.

[@craighart783]

Alan I believe owns the DAT copies of the original samples and in a live format as Kerry hopwood once said you lose the original quality and have to reproduce those sounds to as near as possible on netter quality keyboards.

[@neillerm3234]

Epic channel, keep it up - The "but not tonight" piece was really good!

[@wheelerone]

Great job! Enjoying these posts! Wonder what you think of Wilders’ sound today with Recoil would look like today if he was in DM? Perhaps an episode with that?

[@VaughnGeorge]

wheelerone hi I’m glad you are enjoying and yes we will look at Recoil !!👍😎V

[@strychnyne3530]

Spot on with the sounds. Listen to Everything Counts. Sounds different. It's also played badly by Gordeno.

[@VaughnGeorge]

I will check it out!! Thank you for your comment!! V:-)

[@louisj2256]

Can't wait for your 1000th, hope ur planning something special for us

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for subscribing my friend and I hope you are enjoying the content !! V :-)

[@louisj2256]

@@VaughnGeorge When you do the 'V' on top of your smiley face is that meant to be your hair

[@davidkerr4137]

I loved DM back in the day but I lost touch with their work after SOFAD. I've recently revisited playing Somebody on piano and tried to look on KZbin for any material on how Alan actually played ut and in doing so found Peters version. I didnt think it could be any better but I really like Peters version. Still looking for good info on the actual notes played by either 🙂

[@IncApu2025]

The best channel about DM, Past and Present.

[@swasle]

Liking your videos a lot, going to be a. very interesting channel. Depeche Mode are a phenomenon in music and discussing them has probably been the reason why you have had so much attention early on (meaning no disrespect) They have become huge all over the world but remain as you said loved/hated and not so popular here in the UK. Looking forward to your other subjects very much (Erasure, OMD etc). Please keeping playing on the channel, love watching people play piano/keyboard,

[@VaughnGeorge]

swasle thank you for your kind words and I am so happy to have you on board . Many more videos to come !! V😎

[@RyRoc]

Hmmmm speaking of the iconic samples vs standard synth sounds, I'd love to see some gear talk centered around different DM albums and/or touring rigs!!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Ryan my friend, your wish is my command!! V;-)

[@arashislami5710]

Thank you for your analysis. I think you said exactly how it is with Peter Gordano. As you said the sounds and details from Alan's era are so iconic that it is hard for us to accept the "new guy''s work on live setting. I am a depeche mode fan since the 80's and some live performances have been great and some just ok but still fun and beautiful in its own way. One example is maybe the bass synth solo Peter does in Enjoy the silence is a really cool one.

[@Rolanoid]

At this rate KZbin should be sending you a 100 000 subscriber plaque in no time.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Rolanoid!! Hello to you agin my good friend and thank you so much for your support!! V:-)

[@stanleybrown5656]

I agree that Peter perfectly matches Martin in the vocal parts as a second voice, it's perfect to listen to on the example of Damaged People (Live in Milan), I also appreciate the bass guitar in Useless which I always missed in the live version. I will add that it took two excellent musicians to "replace" Alan and they still don't match his heels.