DEPECHE Mode frontman Dave Gahan, ppiiccttuurred lefftt, has always cited David Bowie’s music as an influence.

The Thin White Duke’s seminal late Seventies albums – Heroes and Low in particular – clearly had a deep effect on the Basildon band, which transformed themselves from hit making synth poppers to stadium rock giants.

Gahan cited Bowie’s influence on his work with Depeche Mode and as a solo artist prior to the release of his album with Soulsavers in September last year. At the time, he said: “David Bowie is the one artist, I would say, who for many decades has always surprised me and also lifted me. I have complete identification with his voice and his melodies.”