The Ghosts Again (Remixes) collection includes remixes from Luke Slater, Matthew Herbert and Chris Liebling, amongst others.

Memento Mori is the first album Depeche Mode have released since the tragic passing of their bandmate, Andy Fletcher in 2022. Following the loss of their friend, founding member and synth player, frontman Dave Gahan and guitarist/keyboardist Martin Gore have channeled the emotions of such an event into a powerful and reflective album.

“Ghosts Again” focuses on themes of partings and loss, with the remixes offering different interpretations of the moving track.

Amongst the remixes is a strings-only version of the track, contributed by Davide Rossi. Rossi also recorded strings for the Memento Mori album, and said, “I wanted to do this [remix] as a tribute to my love for the band. I am so thrilled that they decided to keep it and release it.”

Chris Liebling, who teamed up with Luke Slater for another remix of “Ghosts Again” commented, “I have been a big fan of Depeche Mode for so many years. They have influenced the way that I think about music and DJ. I’m extremely grateful that I could not only do another remix, but that I also got to do it with one of the biggest legends in techno world [Luke Slater].”

Luke Slater shared his thoughts on collaborating with Depeche Mode too, saying, “When I was a kid I was buying Depeche Mode 7-inches, the early ones. I remember that well…What I love about Depeche Mode is that over the years they have just formed a world of themselves…They’ve kind of covered this timeless zone and I think that’s really special.”

Slater’s comment on Depeche Mode’s own world being formed became even more true following the passing of Andy Fletcher, with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore needing to re-establish their relationship to one another and their work dynamic as a duo.

Gahan shared, “Martin described it as two long-lost brothers meeting for the first time and having to have a real conversation. It was about getting to know each other in a different way. Not that we don’t know each other well, but in terms of having a close friendship? That’s never really been the deal between Martin and I.”

Gore explained, “Me and Dave never had any big issues or problems with each other, but we tended to be kind of distant. With there only being two of us left, that has led us to be closer and to talk more.”

These themes are very evident in this track, with collaborator Matthew Herbert saying, “I quite liked the idea of ‘We’ll be ghosts again’…everyone vanished from the dancefloor. The idea of the temporary community that’s being built.”

The track listing for Ghosts Again (Remixes) is below:

1. Ghosts Again Massano Remix
2. ‘Ghosts Again Chris Liebing vs Luke Slater Remix
3. ‘Ghosts Again Miss Grit Remix
4. ‘Ghosts Again Rival Consoles Remix
5. ‘Ghosts Again Matthew Herbert’s Feelings Remix
6. ‘Ghosts Again Davide Rossi Strings Remix
7. ‘Ghosts Again Bergsonist’s Shadow Mix
8. ‘Ghosts Again Nik Colk Void Remix

Both their Instagram and Twitter post depicts a countdown, followed by a caption that reads, “time is fleeting, see what it brings.” Then they released another post confirming the release of their first single of Memento Mori, “Ghosts Again.” 

Ghosts Again, the first single off Depeche Mode’s next album Memento Mori, comes out February 9th, 2023. Set your clocks for Feb 9, 6:00 PM CET/5:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT. pic.twitter.com/HqgmSeeprt

— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) February 3, 2023

This marks the first album in 6 years (Spirit-2017) as well as the first release, following the death of beloved keyboardist, Andy Fletcher (Fletch) in May last year. Depeche Mode frontman, Dave Gahan broke his silence about the new album and single. Initially, Dave was hesitant about the idea of making a 15th Depeche Mode record. He told NME, “It wasn’t something I dived into, I have got to say. At first, I put up quite a bit of resistance. I would say, I don’t know if I still want to do this; all the usual kind of stuff, but there was a bit more of that than usual.”

Gahan also confirmed during the chat with NME that Memento Mori began construction before the death of Fletcher. He explained, “He never got to hear any of it, which is really sad to me because there are songs on this record where I know he’d be like, ‘This is the best thing we’ve had in years.’ I can hear his voice. I can also hear him saying, ‘Does every song have to be about death?!'” 

The concept of Memento Mori is mostly rooted in positivity, resemblance to escapism for him and Martin Gore. He says, “The one thing I can do is make music with Martin, then we can go do our thing and hopefully that brings people together. It’s just all too much, in the world and the news right now.”

Depeche Mode announced the 15th album in October, alongside a world tour. The album’s name, Memento Mori, deliberately indicates the loss of Fletcher, who was a dear friend. a “memento mori” is an object resembling a reminder that death will always be inevitable. According to Martin Gore, the name concept was chosen prior to Fletcher’s passing. “It sounds very morbid, but I think you can look at it very positively as well. Gore says. “I think that’s how we like to interpret it too… After Fletch’s passing, we decided to continue as we’re sure this is what he would have wanted, and that has really given the project an extra level of meaning.”

Europe 2023 Tour Dates

05/16/2023- Ziggo Dome- Amsterdam, The Netherlands

05/18- Ziggo Dome- Amsterdam, The Netherlands  *EXTRA DATE*

05/20- Sportpaleis Antwerpen- Antwerp, Belgium

05/23- Friends Arena- Stockholm, Sweden

05/26- Leipziger Festwiese- Leipzig, Germany

05/28- Narodny Futbalovy Stadion- Bratislava, Slovakia

More tour dates will be available here.

The medical term for what happened to Andy Fletcher is known as Aortic Dissection. This is caused when a tear occurs in the inner lining of the body’s main artery (aorta) and the subsequent pressure causes the inner and middle layers of the aorta to split further (dissect). If blood begins to seep through the outer aortic wall, unfortunately, the effects can be fatal.

According to the Mayo Clinic; “It usually occurs in men in their 60s and 70s. Symptoms of aortic dissection may mimic those of other diseases, often leading to delays in diagnosis. However, when an aortic dissection is detected early and treated promptly, the chance of survival greatly improves.”- which may go some way to understanding how this came about as Fletcher was aged 60 at the time of his passing on the 26^th of May this year.

In a heartfelt tribute to their fallen compatriot, the members of Depeche mode stated; “A couple of weeks ago we received the result from the medical examiners, which Andy’s family asked us to share with you now. Andy suffered an aortic dissection while at home on May 26. So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed away naturally and without prolonged suffering.”

They added; “We had a celebration of Andy’s life in London last week, which was a beautiful ceremony and gathering with a few tears, but filled with the great memories of who Andy was, stories of all of our times together, and some good laughs. Andy was celebrated in a room full of many of his friends and family, our immediate DM family, and so many people who have touched Andy’s and our lives throughout the years. All being together was a very special way to remember Andy and see him off.”

“So thank you for all the love you’ve shown Andy and his family and friends over the last few weeks. It honestly means the world to all of us. Andy you’ll be missed, but certainly not forgotten.

Love, Martin & Dave”

pic.twitter.com/RlB7QM6ckW

— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022

“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.” Writes the band, “Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint. Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”

After joining the band Composition Of Sounds in the last 70s, alongside Martin Gore and Vince Clarke, the group soon recruited singer Dave Gahan. Once the group underwent a name change and became Depeche Mode, the rest is history. The new wave movement has many names associated with it; Duran Duran, Talking Heads, New Order etc. – but not many had the staying power of Depeche Mode, who were still touring up until 2018 off the back of their 14^th studio album Spirit. The album made it to no.5 in the UK charts, but throughout the group’s 4-decade career they had managed to bag not 1, but 2, no.1 albums with Ultra and Songs Of Faith And Devotion.

Synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys took to their socials once the news was released, “Fletch was a warm, friendly and funny person who loved electronic music and could also give sensible advice about the music business.”

 Lol Tolhurst, known most famously as a founding member of The Cure, was once of the first to pay their respects, “I knew Andy and considered him a friend. We crossed many of the same pathways as younger men. My heart goes out to his family, bandmates, and DM fans.”

After the band’s 2018 tour concluded, their last great moment would be that of their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fletcher, Gahan, and Gore were joined by former bandmates Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder for the ceremony.