Erasure
Biography
| Since their formation in 1985, Erasure, aka Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, have sold more than twenty million records around the world. They have established themselves as that most curious of creatures - an electronic band that has achieved success by using the most modern technology possible in an old fashioned way- writing great songs and then touring them relentlessly. Many found the amalgam of talents within the group unusual at first and there were continuous attempts to continually play up the boffin-meets-gay-singer angle but the awesome continual commercial success of the matter - the general public. In retrospect, the alliance should not have been a surprise at all, the pair having more in common than was first apparent. Both were from suburban towns that people come from rather than go to (Peterborough and Basildon respectively) and both share a love for classic crossover albums and singles from Abba to Paul Simon. It's the classic combination of a deep desire to get away infused with dreams of creating classic pop melodies. This was never going to be a group that would be anything other than aiming at what the Beatles called "the toppermost of the poppermost".
The roots of Erasure lie in Vince's experiences as the chief songwriter for Depeche Mode, Yazoo and The Assembly. All these bands achieved both critical and mainstream commercial success that saw Vince hailed as not only an innovative musical conceptualist but also someone who could take his vision to the top of the charts. A restless learner, in each case Vince moved on with an even greater insight into group structure and deeper understanding of how he wanted to relate to musical partners in the future. So when he felt the time was right to form Erasure he did so by auditioning for a suitable singer who would also be a strong writing partner. Famously, Andy was number 43 in the list of hopefuls drawn to the audition by an ad in the Melody Maker and it was instant positive decision time. He was in. Song writing commenced shortly afterwards with tunes being worked up at the piano before they even really knew each other that well. Everything fell into place very quickly with Andy's supple, soulful vocal dynamics beautifully setting off Vince's deep flowing melodic strengths. It was exactly what Vince had wanted. He now worked with someone on every aspect of being in a group from start to finish.
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| Suitably locked in together, with identical aims, they began their campaign to bring their music to the broadest audience possible. On October 5th 1985, Erasure's debut single, `Who Needs Love Like That', reached a respectable 55 in the UK charts; it was followed by 'Heavenly Action' (100) and `Oh L'Amour' (85) in April the following year. Having attracted a core audience, it was time for the next move. With a good old fashioned entertainment attitude, the band hit the road with a vengeance. The shows wowed the public, excited the critics and gave Erasure that extra zing. `Sometimes' hit the UK charts, peaking at No. 2 in October 1986 and Erasure's ten year domination of the charts had begun with both albums and singles regularly hitting that coveted Number One slot, not to mention their stadium level crowd pulling power. More than a decade on and Erasure still surprise, astound and entertain. With frequent return to smaller venues to give their fans the best possible value for money, their stage shows have always been exiting, excessive, thrilling and fun; a musical and visual extravaganza and of course always sell-outs. Audiences have swooned to the sensual lyrics and leapt to the instant melodies - the combination that has brought them their amazing success.
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