Dave Gahan is the lead singer of the venerable English rock band Depeche Mode. He released his first solo album, Paper Monsters, in 2003 and followed up with Hourglass in 2007.
Gahan was taken to the hospital on May 12, 2009, after he became ill in his dressing room at a Depeche Mode concert in Athens, Greece, resulting in the performance being canceled. It was reported that he may be suffering from gastroenteritis.Rolling Stone: Dave Gahan Rushed to Hospital (May 12, 2009)
Fast Facts:
- Born: May 9, 1962
- Birthplace: Epping, Essex, England
- Attended: Southend Art College
- Record label: Mute Records
- Sings baritone
- Debut solo album: Paper Monsters released in 2003
- Attempted suicide with a razor blade in 1995
- Visited juvenile court three times by age 14
- Spouse: Jennifer Gahan
- Previously married to Joanne Gahan and Teresa Gahan
- Recovering heroin addict
- Has two children
Youth
After his stepfather (whom he had grown up thinking of as his biological father) died when he was 10, Gahand became a troubled youth, stealing cars and committing acts of vandalism. After graduating Southend Art College and winning a local award, he worked on and designed shop displays.
Depeche Mode
In 1980, Gahan and friends Vince Clarke, Martin Gore and Andrew Fletcher formed a band, first called Composition of Sound. The band soon changed their name to Depeche Mode at Gahan's suggestion, after he saw the name on a fashion magazine. Depeche Mode has sold an estimated 72 million records worldwide, and they continue to play music and tour. They're planning to release a 12th studio record in 2009.
Solo Career
Gahan decided to launch a solo career out of frustration and not getting to contribute his songwriter to Depeche Mode. In 2005, the band compromised and allowed him to contribute three songs to their album Playing the Angel. One of these songs, "Suffer Well," was nominated for a Grammy.
Gahan launched a world tour after releasing Paper Monsters in 2003, and had some success on radio with the sequel "Dirty Sticky Floors." His latest release is 2007's Hourglass.
