Editing Dave Gahan

{{Short description|English singer (born 1962)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Dave Gahan
| image             = Dave Gahan Oct 4 2022 (1) (cropped).jpg
| landscape         =
| caption           = Dave Gahan with Depeche Mode in 2022
| birth_name        = David Callcott
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1962|5|9|df=yes}}
| birth_place       = [[Epping, Essex]], England
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Synth-pop]]|[[electronic music|electronic]]|[[New wave music|new wave]]|[[alternative rock]]|[[alternative dance]]}}
| occupation        = Singer<!-- not a songwriter; has exclusively co-writing credits -->
| discography       = {{hlist|[[Dave Gahan discography|Solo]]|[[Depeche Mode discography|Depeche Mode]]}}
| years_active      = 1980–present
| current_member_of = [[Depeche Mode]]
| website           = {{URL|davegahan.com}}
}}

'''David Gahan''' ({{IPAc-en|ɡ|ɑː|n}} {{respell|GAHN}}; né ''' Callcott'''; 9 May 1962) is an English singer<!-- not a songwriter; has exclusively co-writing credits --> best known as the lead singer of [[electronic music]] band [[Depeche Mode]] since their formation in 1980. Noted for his commanding stage presence<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2017/10/13/depeche-mode-delights-the-masses-during-its-first-of-four-record-setting-evenings-at-the-hollywood-bowl/|title=Depeche Mode delights the masses during its first of four record-setting evenings at the Hollywood Bowl|date=13 October 2017|website=Dailynews.com|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref> and unique [[baritone]] voice,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2017/06/depeche-mode-s-dave-gahan-why-i-don-t-understand-my-own-band|title=Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan: why I don't understand my own band|website=New Statesman|date=June 2017|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref> Gahan was ranked at No. 73 on [[Q (magazine)|''Q'' magazine's]] list of the "100 Greatest Singers"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage3.htm#100%20Greatest%20Singers|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120529202643/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage3.htm#100%20Greatest%20Singers|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 May 2012|title=Rocklist.net...Q Magazine Lists|website=Rocklistmusic.co.uk|access-date=14 May 2012}}</ref> and No. 27 on its list of the "100 Greatest Frontmen".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.qthemusic.com/2010/03/q286_preview.html |title=Q286 Exclusive preview |website=Q |access-date=14 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505021802/http://news.qthemusic.com/2010/03/q286_preview.html |archive-date=5 May 2012}}</ref> As part of Depeche Mode, he was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 2020.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://edm.com/industry/depeche-mode-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-acceptance-speech | title=Watch Depeche Mode's Wholesome Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech | newspaper=Edm.com – the Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists | date=11 November 2020 }}</ref>

Gahan's solo albums include ''[[Paper Monsters]]'' (2003) and ''[[Hourglass (Dave Gahan album)|Hourglass]]'' (2007). He also contributed lyrics and sang lead vocals on the [[Soulsavers]] albums ''[[The Light the Dead See]]'' (2012), ''[[Angels & Ghosts]]'' (2015) and ''[[Imposter (album)|Imposter]]'' (2021).

==Early life==
Gahan was born David Callcott on 9 May 1962 in [[Epping, Essex]],<ref>{{cite book |title=Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll |date=2001 |isbn=9780743201209 |page=254 |publisher=Touchstone |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uU9AAQA6kAMC}}</ref> the son of [[Social class in the United Kingdom#Working class|working-class]] parents. His mother, Sylvia, was a conductor on [[London buses]], while his father, Len, was a bus driver of [[Malaysians|Malaysian]] descent<!-- Do not specify Malaysian Indian unless a reliable source confirming this can be found. -->.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2017/06/depeche-mode-s-dave-gahan-why-i-don-t-understand-my-own-band|title=Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan: why I don't understand my own band|website=New Statesman|date=June 2017|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702161927/https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2017/06/depeche-mode-s-dave-gahan-why-i-don-t-understand-my-own-band |archive-date=2 July 2021}}</ref> When he was six months old, his father left the family, and his parents divorced two years later. His mother moved him and his older sister Sue (born 1960) to [[Basildon, Essex]], after marrying her second husband, [[Shell Oil]] administrator Jack Gahan; Jack adopted Susan and David. Through this marriage, he has two younger half-brothers named Peter (born 1966) and Phil (born 1968). While growing up, he and his sister were under the impression that their adoptive father was their biological father.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://depechemodebiographie.de/ebio05david.php|title=Depeche Mode Biography David Gahan|access-date=18 November 2016}}</ref>

When Gahan was nine years old, Jack died, and Len returned and was introduced as "Uncle" Len. In a 1987 interview, Gahan recalled his experience: "I'll never forget that day. When I came home from school, there was this stranger in my mum's house. My mother introduced him to me as my real dad. I remember I said that was impossible because my father was dead. How was I supposed to know who that man was? From that day on, Len often visited the house, until one year later he disappeared again, forever this time."<ref name="jaakko">[http://www.tuug.utu.fi/~jaakko/dm/dad.txt "The Big Uncertainty Of Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan" (1987)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050213125208/http://www.tuug.utu.fi/~jaakko/dm/dad.txt |date=13 February 2005 }}, tuug.utu.fi. Retrieved 21 June 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.bebo.com/davegahanfans Fansite] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914130708/https://bebo.com/davegahanfans |date=14 September 2016 }}. Retrieved 22 March 2015.</ref>

While attending [[Barstable School]] in Basildon, Gahan started skipping school, getting into trouble with the police, and was suspended from school before ending up in [[juvenile court]] three times for offences ranging from [[joyriding]] and [[graffiti]] to criminal damage and theft.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2003-05-30|title=Dave Gahan: Madness à la mode|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/dave-gahan-madness-la-mode-106798.html|access-date=2020-10-23|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> He enjoyed the thrill of stealing cars, driving them, and then setting them on fire.<ref name="spence1">{{cite book|title=Just Can't Get Enough: The Making of Depeche Mode|last=Spence|first=Simon|year=2011|publisher=Jawbone Press|isbn=978-1-906002-56-5|page=89}}</ref> He said of this time in his life, "I was pretty wild. I loved the excitement of nicking a motor, screeching off and being chased by the police. Hiding behind the wall with your heart beating gives you a real kick – 'will they get you?'"<ref>{{cite book|title=Stripped: The True Story of Depeche Mode|page=31|last=Miller|first=Jonathan|year=2004|publisher=Omnibus Press|isbn=1-84449-415-2}}</ref>

During his final year of school, Gahan applied for a job as an apprentice [[Machinist|fitter]] with [[North Thames Gas Board|North Thames Gas]]. His probation officer told him to be honest during the interview, leading him to tell the interviewer that he had a criminal record but claim he was a "reformed character," which resulted in him being refused the job. He then trashed his probation officer's office in retaliation, for which he was ordered to spend every Saturday for several weeks at an attendance centre in [[Romford]] for one year.<ref name="spence1" /> He recalled, "You had to work. I remember doing boxing, stuff like that. You had to have your hair cut. It was every weekend, so you were deprived of your weekend and it seemed like forever. I was told very clearly that my next thing was [[Prison|detention centre]]. To be honest, music saved me."<ref>{{cite journal|journal=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]] | title=Just Can't Get Enough|issue=May 2001|first=Stephen|last=Dalton|page=45}}</ref>

==Career==
===Depeche Mode (1980–present)===
[[File:Depeche Mode 1985.jpg|thumb|Gahan (centre-right) as member of Depeche Mode, 1985]]
In March 1980, [[Martin Gore]], [[Andy Fletcher (musician)|Andy Fletcher]], and [[Vince Clarke]] formed the band Composition of Sound, with Clarke on vocals and guitar, Gore on keyboards and Fletcher on bass. Clarke and Fletcher soon switched to synthesizers. The same year, Gahan joined the band after Clarke heard him perform [[David Bowie]]'s "[["Heroes" (David Bowie song)|{{-'}}Heroes{{'-}}]]".<ref name=D93>{{Citation|last=Shaw|first=William|title=In The Mode|journal=[[Details magazine]] | date=April 1993|pages=90–95, 168}}</ref> The band was soon renamed ''Depeche Mode'', a name suggested by Gahan after he had come across a [[fashion magazine]] called ''Dépêche-mode''.<ref name="sacreddm.net">{{cite journal|journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] | url=http://www.sacreddm.net/2000s/q010603/q010603main.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724052008/http://www.sacreddm.net/2000s/q010603/q010603main.htm|archive-date=24 July 2011|title=Cash For Questions: Dave Gahan|issue=June 2003|first=Paul|last=Stokes|access-date=30 October 2011}}</ref> A [[New wave music|new wave]]/[[synth-pop]] pioneer of the early 1980s, Depeche Mode have released 15 studio albums, four greatest hits compilations and two remix albums. The band has achieved global sales in excess of 100 million records.<ref>"[http://www.emimusic.com/news/2009/new-depeche-mode-album-number-one-in-20-countries "New Depeche Mode album number one in 20 countries"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606013346/http://www.emimusic.com/news/2009/new-depeche-mode-album-number-one-in-20-countries/ |date=6 June 2011 }}, EmiMusic.com, 1 May 2009.</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7728522/depeche-mode-spirit-new-album|title=Depeche Mode Strut Revolutionary 'Spirit' on New Album: Listen|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Four of the band's singles have reached number one on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''<nowiki />'s Alternative Songs chart: "[[Enjoy the Silence]]" (1990), "[[Policy of Truth]]" (1990), "[[I Feel You]]" (1993), and "[[Walking in My Shoes]]" (1993).<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/depeche-mode|title=Depeche Mode Chart History|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

In a 2003 interview, Gahan shared that "During the making of ''Exciter,'' sometimes I felt a bit frustrated that there was a lack of experimentation."<ref>Zonkel, Phillip. [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/GAHAN+NO+LONGER+IN+SUCH+A+HURRY.(U)-a0110319515 "Gahan no longer in such a hurry"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014023052/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/GAHAN+NO+LONGER+IN+SUCH+A+HURRY.(U)-a0110319515 |date=14 October 2012 }}, ''Daily News'' (Los Angeles), 24 August 2003.</ref> This led him, in 2004, to tell his bandmates that he wanted to write half of the songs on their next album, and there was "no way" he could be involved in the band without contributing as a songwriter.<ref>Quan, Denise. [http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/12/depeche.mode/index.html?eref=rss_latest "A Sobering Interview with Depeche Mode"]. CNN. 13 May 2009.</ref> Eventually, there was a compromise, and three of Gahan's songs appeared on 2005's ''[[Playing the Angel]]'': "[[Suffer Well]]" (nominated for a Grammy award), "I Want It All" and "Nothing's Impossible".<ref>{{Citation|title=Playing the Angel – Depeche Mode {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/playing-the-angel-mw0000176163|language=en|access-date=2021-02-10}}</ref> "Suffer Well" was released as a single in 2006, reaching No.&nbsp;12 in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Depeche Mode {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/20192/depeche-mode/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=www.officialcharts.com}}</ref> Gahan also wrote the lyrics to the B-side "Oh Well", although the music was written by Martin Gore. It was their first writing collaboration.<ref>"[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=37551_0_2_0_C Depeche Mode present birth first song in 4 video postings]" ''Side-Line.com.'' 24 November 2008.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.depeche-mode.com/home/2008/12/21/details-of-the-universe/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227044039/http://www.depeche-mode.com/home/2008/12/21/details-of-the-universe/|url-status=dead|title=Details of the Universe|archive-date=27 December 2008}}</ref>

Gahan's persona onstage is influenced by [[Dave Vanian]], frontman of [[The Damned (band)|the Damned]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kutv.com/news/entertainment/the-damned-dont-you-wish-we-were-dead |title='The Damned: Don't You Wish We Were Dead' |date=28 May 2016 |publisher=KUTV |access-date=29 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://depeche-mode.com/2016/05/21/dave-gahan-featured-in-a-new-the-damned-documentary/ |title=Dave Gahan featured in a new 'The Damned' documentary |work=depeche-mode.com |access-date=29 July 2019}}</ref> He has also credited Bowie, [[James Brown]], [[Elvis Presley]] and [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] as influences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/oct/21/dave-gahan-regret-is-a-weird-word-i-dont-look-back-on-my-life-like-that|title=Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode: 'Regret is a weird word. I don't look back on my life like that'|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|date=21 October 2021}}</ref>

===Solo albums and collaborations (2003–present)===
In 2003, Gahan released his first solo album, ''[[Paper Monsters]]'' (which he co-wrote with guitarist and friend [[Knox Chandler]]), followed by the Paper Monsters Tour (including a performance at 2003's [[Glastonbury Festival]]), singing both his new solo tracks and Depeche Mode fan favourites. The album was a moderate success. The first single "[[Dirty Sticky Floors]]" hit the Top 20 in the [[UK singles chart]]. The album became a Top 10 hit on the European album chart and a Top 40 hit in the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book|first=David|last=Roberts|year=2006|title=British Hit Singles & Albums|edition=19th|publisher=Guinness World Records Limited|location=London, UK|isbn=1-904994-10-5|page= 220}}</ref>
[[File:Dave Gahan Bilbao BBK Live 2009 II.jpg|thumb|left|190px|Gahan with Depeche Mode in 2009]]
In 2007, Gahan announced he was working on a new album via a video greeting for Depeche Mode's official website recorded at the 2007 MusiCares Charity event on 11 May. The album, entitled ''[[Hourglass (Dave Gahan album)|Hourglass]]'', was accompanied working by Andrew Phillpott and Christian Eigner.<ref>"[http://www.artisannews.com/ans101/templates/?a=3795&z=98 David Gahan of Depeche Mode Working on New Solo Album] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526041549/http://www.artisannews.com/ans101/templates/?a=3795&z=98 |date=26 May 2007 }}" ''ArtisanNews.com.'' 24 May 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://www.davegahan.com/news/press_release_20070626.html Dave Gahan Set to Release 'Hourglass,' His Second Solo Album in Late October] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627094339/http://www.davegahan.com/news/press_release_20070626.html |date=27 June 2007 }}" ''DaveGahan.com.'' 26 June 2007.</ref> The material was recorded at Gahan's 11th Floor Studios in New York City. According to Gahan, ''Hourglass'' is more electronic-sounding than ''Paper Monsters''.<ref>"[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=24085_0_2_0_C Dave Gahan to release second solo album 'Hourglass']" ''Side-Line.com.'' 28 June 2007.</ref> The album made the UK Top 50, the French Top 20 and narrowly missed going to No.&nbsp;1 in Germany. The first single to be pulled from ''Hourglass'' was "[[Kingdom (Dave Gahan song)|Kingdom]]".<ref>"[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=25047_0_2_0_C Depeche Mode frontman announces first new solo single]" ''Side-Line.com.'' 7 August 2007.</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">"[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=25236_0_2_0_C More info on upcoming Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) single]" ''Side-line.com.'' 16 August 2007.</ref>

In July 2007, ''Side-Line'' magazine revealed that Gahan had been working with [[Thomas Anselmi]] on a project called [[Mirror (multimedia project)|Mirror]], which was produced by [[Vincent Jones (musician)|Vincent Jones]]. Along with Jones, who played with Gahan's touring band and mixed the live DVD ''[[Live Monsters (video)|Live Monsters]]'',<ref>[https://exclaim.ca/music/article/dave_gahan-live_monsters "Dave Gahan Live Monsters"]. ''Exclaim!'', By Prasad Bidaye, 1 May 2004</ref> Mirror featured another Gahan collaborator, Knox Chandler ([[Siouxsie & the Banshees]], [[the Psychedelic Furs]]), as well as piano by Bowie favourite Mike Garson, and a monologue by Warhol superstar Joe Dallesandro. Gahan sang vocals on the track "Nostalgia".<ref>[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=24515_0_2_0_C "Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan contributes vocals to new Mirror project"], Side-Line.com, 17 July 2007.</ref> The song was released in October 2008,<ref>[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=36205_0_2_0_C "Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan contribution to Mirror album 'Mirror' out now"], Side-Line.com, 3 October 2008.</ref> and the album released via download at the start of 2009. He also appeared in the accompanying video for the song.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/Thomas+Anselmi%3A+Mirror|title=Thomas Anselmi: Mirror|website=SuicideGirls.com|date=9 March 2009|access-date=10 March 2009}}</ref>

Gahan also contributed vocals to a track called "Visitors", after walking in while producer and ex-[[Clor]] guitarist Luke Smith was working on the song in his New York studio. The song was released under the artist name of [[Fryars|frYars]].<ref>[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=37094_0_2_0_C "Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan invites himself as singer on 'Visitors' from fryars debut 'Dark Young Hearts'"], Side-Line.com, 10 November 2008.</ref>

Gahan is the lead singer and lyricist on [[Soulsavers]]' fourth studio album ''[[The Light the Dead See]]''. The album was released on 21 May 2012.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=[[The Quietus]] | title=Dave Gahan Discusses Soulsavers & New DM|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/08094-dave-gahan-interview-depeche-mode-soulsavers|date=1 March 2012|first=Sam|last=Spokony|access-date=2 March 2012}}</ref>

Gahan sings and plays harmonica on "Low Guns", the first single from the 2014 album ''The Morning After'' by English band SixToes. The single was released on 18 November 2013. The SixToes remix of "Jezebel" was released on the special edition of ''[[Sounds of the Universe]]'' in 2009. Members of SixToes also collaborated with Soulsavers, on the album ''The Light the Dead See''.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=AltSounds |title=SixToes collaborate with Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode |url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/162020-sixtoes-collaborate-dave-gahan-depeche-mode.html |first=Jack |last=Stovin |date=3 October 2013 |access-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004232628/http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/162020-sixtoes-collaborate-dave-gahan-depeche-mode.html |archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> 

In 2015, Gahan collaborated again with Soulsavers as the main singer on the album ''[[Angels & Ghosts]]''. The lead single from the album titled "All of This and Nothing" was released digitally 11 September 2015. 

In 2017, Gahan featured on Null + Void's song "Where I Wait"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUSJ4XK2UXg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/xUSJ4XK2UXg| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Null + Void: Where I Wait feat. Dave Gahan|via=YouTube|date=13 October 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> from the album ''Cryosleep'' where the song features three times in different remixes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dubiks.com/2017/07/20/null-void-to-release-debut-album-cryosleep/|title=Null + Void to release debut album 'Cryosleep'|website=dubiks.com|date=20 July 2017|access-date=15 August 2019|archive-date=15 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815194004/https://dubiks.com/2017/07/20/null-void-to-release-debut-album-cryosleep/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2018, a remix of the [[Goldfrapp]] single "[[Ocean (Goldfrapp song)|Ocean]]" featuring guest vocals from Gahan was released as a digital download on 21 May 2018. Regarding the collaboration, the Goldfrapp issued a statement: "Working with Dave Gahan on the new version of 'Ocean' had been a real honor for us as a band."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yoo|first1=Noah|title=Goldfrapp Share New Song With Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan: Listen|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/goldfrapp-share-new-song-with-depeche-modes-dave-gahan-listen/|website=Pitchfork|access-date=15 June 2018|date=21 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527070436/https://pitchfork.com/news/goldfrapp-share-new-song-with-depeche-modes-dave-gahan-listen/|archive-date=27 May 2018}}</ref>

In 2021, Gahan contributed a cover of the [[Metallica]] song "[[Nothing Else Matters]]" to the charity tribute album ''[[The Metallica Blacklist]]'' and did guest vocals on a single from [[Jenny Lee Lindberg]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=He|first=Richard S.|date=2021-09-10|title=Every Metallica Blacklist cover ranked from worst to best|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-metallica-blacklist-cover-ranked-from-worst-to-best|access-date=2021-10-24|website=loudersound|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-17|title=Listen to Warpaint's Jennylee's new Depeche Mode-featuring single, 'Stop Speaking'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-warpaints-jennylees-new-depeche-mode-featuring-single-stop-speaking-3121075|access-date=2021-12-20|website=NME|language=en-GB}}</ref> On November 12, 2021, Gahan released an album of [[Cover version|covers]] called ''[[Imposter (album)|Imposter]]'' with Soulsavers.<ref>{{cite web | last=Barker | first=Andrew |  title=Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan Talks About His First Covers Album, the Aptly-Named 'Imposter' | website=Variety | date=November 12, 2021 | url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/dave-gahan-covers-album-imposter-interview-1235110420/ | access-date=November 13, 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Depeche Mode Oct 4 2022 (1).jpg|thumb|Gahan (right) with bandmate [[Martin Gore]] (left) at a press conference for their album ''[[Memento Mori (Depeche Mode album)|Memento Mori]]'' in 2022]]
In 2023, Gahan contributed a cover of "Mother of Earth" by [[the Gun Club]] to the fourth installment in the ''[[Jeffrey Lee Pierce]] Sessions Project'' series of tribute albums, titled ''The Task Has Overwhelmed Us''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rettig |first1=James |title=Dave Gahan – "Mother Of Earth" (The Gun Club Cover) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2231030/dave-gahan-mother-of-earth-the-gun-club-cover/music/ |website=[[Stereogum]] |access-date=27 July 2023 |date=24 July 2023}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Gahan has lived in [[New York City]] since 1997.{{cn|date=November 2023}} He is married to his third wife, Greek-American actress and filmmaker Jennifer Sklias,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jenniferskliasgahan.com/about | title=Jennifer Sklias- Gahan }}</ref> with whom he has a daughter, Stella Rose (born in 1999),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Depeche Mode Biography David Gahan |url=https://depechemodebiographie.de/ebio05david.php |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=depechemodebiographie.de}}</ref> who is also a singer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pearis |first=Bill|title=Stella Rose (daughter of Dave Gahan) releases debut single produced by Yves Rothman |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/stella-rose-daughter-of-dave-gahan-releases-debut-single-produced-by-yves-rothman/ |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=BrooklynVegan |date=26 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He also adopted her son from a previous relationship,<ref>[http://archives.depechemode.com/old_news/2010.html Old News – The Archives], Depechemodedotcom, 27 March 2010. Retrieved 4 December 2013.</ref> and has a son named Jack from his first marriage to Joanne Fox. His second marriage, to former Depeche Mode publicist Teresa Conroy, lasted for four years.

Gahan converted to the [[Greek Orthodox Church]] before marrying Sklias.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2011/06/dave-gahan-of-depeche-mode-convert-to.html|title=Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode A Convert to Orthodoxy|first=John|last=Sanidopoulos|website=Johnsanidopoulos.com|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref><ref>William John Lyons, Emma England. (2015) ''Reception History and Biblical Studies: Theory and Practice'' Bloomsbury Publishing, pg. 223</ref> In a 2008 interview, he said, "When it comes to religion, it's very confusing and always has been for thousands of years and probably will be for thousands of years more. I don't know what it is I believe in, but I know that I feel a sense of some kind of higher power, for lack of better words."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/features/interview-dave-gahan/17658/|title=Dave Gahan Interview|website=prefixmag.com/|access-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>

In a 1997 interview, Gahan referred to himself as "classically [[ADD]]".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tyaransen |first1=Olaf |authorlink=Olaf Tyaransen |title=The Needle And The Damage Undone |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/olafs-greatest-hits-dave-gahan-1997-20925420 |website=[[Hot Press]] |access-date=14 August 2023 |date=1997}}</ref> In a 2017 interview, he described himself and bandmate [[Martin Gore]] as [[autistic]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vandromme |first1=Frederick |title=Blijven Gahan: Depeche Mode |url=https://www.humo.be/nieuws/blijven-gahan-depeche-mode~b7bcfd20/ |website=[[HUMO]] |access-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729121649/https://www.humo.be/nieuws/blijven-gahan-depeche-mode~b7bcfd20/ |archive-date=29 July 2021 |language=Dutch |date=20 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Health issues===
Gahan is a recovering [[heroin addict]] and has had multiple health concerns throughout his career. During his roughest years in [[Los Angeles]], he survived four brushes with death and earned the nickname "The Cat" from local paramedics.<ref name="nmedeadman">{{cite journal|journal=NME|url=http://www.sacreddm.net/1990s/nme180197/text2.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724053356/http://www.sacreddm.net/1990s/nme180197/text2.htm|archive-date=24 July 2011|title=Dead man talking|date=18 January 1997|first=Keith|last=Cameron|access-date=30 October 2011}}</ref>

In October 1993, Gahan suffered a minor drug-induced heart attack during a performance in [[New Orleans]], leaving the rest of Depeche Mode to improvise an encore without him.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]] | url=http://www.sacreddm.net/2000s/unc010501/unc010501main.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724052422/http://sacreddm.net/2000s/unc010501/unc010501main.htm|archive-date=24 July 2011|title=Just Can't Get Enough|issue=May 2001|first=Stephen|last=Dalton|access-date=30 October 2011}}</ref>

In August 1995, Gahan attempted suicide by cutting his wrists, later explaining it as a "cry for help" and stating that he had "made sure there were people who might find [him]".<ref>{{cite web |date=1995-08-23 |title=Depeche Mode's Lead Singer Back Home After Suicide Try : Pop music: Concerned fans are sending cards and letters to Dave Gahan, who is recuperating in West Hollywood. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-23-ca-38148-story.html |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Los Angeles Times }}</ref>

In May 1996, Gahan overdosed on a [[Speedball (drug)|speedball]] at the [[Sunset Marquis Hotel]] in Los Angeles, which resulted in his heart stopping for two minutes until he was revived by paramedics.<ref name="nmedeadman" /> He said he had an [[out-of-body experience]]: "All I saw and all I felt at first was complete darkness. I've never been in a space that was blacker, and I remember feeling that whatever it was I was doing, it was really wrong. Then the next thing I remember was seeing myself on the floor, on the steps outside my hotel bathroom, and there was a lot of activity going on around me. In some ways it was very liberating. Then I came to and a cop was handcuffing me. It certainly wasn't a place I'd like to visit again."<ref name="sacreddm.net" /> Several months later, after facing drug charges, he checked himself into [[rehabilitation center|rehab]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/dave-gahan-madness-la-mode-106798.html|title=Dave Gahan: Madness à la mode|date=30 May 2003|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref>

In May 2009, shortly before Depeche Mode were due onstage in [[Athens]] during their [[Tour of the Universe (tour)|Tour of the Universe]], Gahan became ill in his dressing room. He was rushed to hospital, where it was suspected he was suffering from a bout of [[gastroenteritis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.depechemode.com/news.html |title=depeche mode dot com |website=Depechemode.com |access-date=19 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326063048/http://www.depechemode.com/news.html |archive-date=26 March 2011}}</ref> A scan revealed a [[malignant]] [[bladder cancer|tumour in his bladder]], which was removed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/depeche-mode-6-1265698|title=Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan opens up about his battle with cancer – NME|date=1 May 2013|work=NME|access-date=25 February 2017|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.eonline.com/ca/news/126289/depeche-mode-singer-has-cancer-scare|title=Depeche Mode Singer Has Cancer Scare|newspaper=E! News|access-date=25 February 2017|language=en-CA}}</ref> Several shows were postponed and he underwent cancer treatments during the remaining three months of the tour.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/05/16/depeche-modes-dave-gahan-on-rock-ringtones-and-remission/|title=Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan on Rock, Ringtones, and Remission|last=Jurgensen|first=John|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=25 February 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>

In July 2009, Gahan suffered a [[Triceps surae muscle#Calf strain (torn calf muscle)|torn calf muscle]] while performing in [[Bilbao]], resulting in two further show cancellations.<ref>"[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=43224_0_2_0_C Dave Gahan injured – Depeche Mode Cancel Final 2 Shows in Europe]" ''Side-Line.com.'' 13 July 2009.</ref> After a two-week break, he and Depeche Mode returned to the tour for their North American leg. While performing in [[Seattle]] the following month, Gahan strained his vocal cords and doctors ordered him to undertake complete vocal rest, resulting in two more cancelled shows.<ref>[http://www.spinner.com/2009/08/12/depeche-mode-cancel-gig-due-to-another-dave-gahan-illness "Depeche Mode Cancel Gig Due to Another Dave Gahan Illness"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729143901/http://www.spinner.com/2009/08/12/depeche-mode-cancel-gig-due-to-another-dave-gahan-illness |date=29 July 2012 }}, Spinner.com, 12 August 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=43425_0_2_0_C Yet "Another Depeche Mode Concert Canceled"], Side-Line.com, 17 August 2009.</ref>

In May 2011, Gahan was honoured at the seventh annual [[MusiCares]] MAP Fund Benefit Concert for more than a decade of sobriety.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-drugs-idUSTRE7460QH20110507|title=Depeche Mode singer honored at L.A. sobriety event|date=7 May 2011|access-date=3 April 2019|work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/anglophenia/blog/2011/05/musicares-salutes-depeche-modes-dave-gahan-for-staying-sober|title=MusiCares Salutes Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan for Staying Sober|first=MacKenzie|last=Wilson|website=BBC America|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main article|Dave Gahan discography}}

===Studio albums===
* ''[[Paper Monsters]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Hourglass (Dave Gahan album)|Hourglass]]'' (2007)

===with Soulsavers===
* ''[[The Light the Dead See]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Angels & Ghosts]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Imposter (album)|Imposter]]'' (2021)

===with Depeche Mode===
* ''[[Speak & Spell (album)|Speak & Spell]]'' (1981)
* ''[[A Broken Frame]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Construction Time Again]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Some Great Reward]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Black Celebration]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Music for the Masses]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Violator (album)|Violator]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Songs of Faith and Devotion]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Ultra (Depeche Mode album)|Ultra]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Exciter (Depeche Mode album)|Exciter]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Playing the Angel]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Sounds of the Universe]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Delta Machine]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Spirit (Depeche Mode album)|Spirit]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Memento Mori (Depeche Mode album)|Memento Mori]]'' (2023)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Dave Gahan}}
* [http://www.davegahan.com/ Official website]
* {{discogs artist}}

{{Dave Gahan}}
{{Depeche Mode}}
{{2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gahan, David}}
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[[Category:20th-century English male singers]]
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[[Category:Columbia Records artists]]
[[Category:Converts to Eastern Orthodoxy]]
[[Category:Depeche Mode members]]
[[Category:English electronic musicians]]
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