Synth pop duo Erasure have reassured fans that they are still together making music and might tour again following media speculation that the band had reached the end of the road.
The speculation grew after Vince Clarke formed a new project called Doublespeak which sees him working with Blancmange’s Neil Arthur and producer Benge. Their debut album is due for release later this year and is a collection of mostly obscure cover versions.
In media interviews Clarke also spoke about how he no longer enjoyed touring and playing live as he gets older. Clarke is 65 while vocalist Andy Bell is a few years younger at 61.
The band’s representatives have quickly quelled any speculation that the band is breaking up or quitting live performances.
“Following some misleading reporting in the media today, we would like to make it very clear that Vince Clarke and Andy Bell are still working together as Erasure and have no plans for that to stop.
“Erasure are currently in the studio working on a new album, and Vince and Andy are involved in discussions about various possible touring scenarios to promote that release. At this stage it’s still too early to be able to say more about the new Erasure project than that, but we are looking forward to sharing all the news as soon as we are able.” the band’s team announced on social media.
While fans will be excited that their 20th album is on the way, those who know the band will recognise that they’ve always had multiple projects on the go.
Producer and keyboardist Vince Clarke first found success as a founding member of Depeche Mode, but left the band early in their career before going on to form Yazoo with Alison Moyet. He then was part of the short-lived project The Assembly with Fergal Sharkey as vocalist.
He’s also collaborated with Human League and Heaven 17 member Martyn Ware on a series of projects, and reunited with his Depeche Mode bandmate Martin Gore for VCMG – who put out a techno-tinged album. In 2023 he released his first solo album which followed a more classical style.
Andy Bell has released three solo albums including last year’s Ten Crowns which included a collaboration with Blondie singer Debbie Harry. He’s also created a series of five concept albums featuring a character called Torsten.
