NEW LIFE

In 1981 Alan responded to an advert in Melody Maker requesting: "Keyboard player needed for established band - no timewasters." After an initial meeting with Daniel Miller, head of Mute Records, he was invited to an audition at Blackwing studios. It was here that he was introduced to Depeche Mode; 3 school friends from Basildon, Essex who had tasted early success with their first album 'Speak and Spell' together with recently departed member Vince Clarke, their chief songwriter.

Alan was required to demonstrate his skills playing along to one of their recent hits 'New Life' amongst others, and although he impressed the band, Daniel remained unconvinced. After some debate and a second audition, the band eventually got their way and he was invited to join Depeche Mode, initially on a part-time basis.