Martin Gore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Martin Gore
Gore in 2022
Background information
Birth name	Martin Lee Gore
Born	(1961-07-23) 23 July 1961 (age 64) London, England
Genres	Alternative dance synth-pop new wave alternative rock hard rock
Occupation(s)	Musician singer songwriter record producer DJ
Instruments	Guitar vocals keyboards
Labels	Mute Sire Reprise

Martin Lee Gore (born July 23, 1961) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He is a founding member of the famous electronic music band Depeche Mode. Gore is the band's main songwriter, guitarist, and keyboard player. He also sometimes sings lead vocals.

Gore has a higher-pitched tenor singing voice. This is different from the band's main singer, Dave Gahan, who has a deep baritone voice. On stage, Gore is known for his unique and expressive style. His songs often explore deep topics like relationships, beliefs, and society.

For his work, Gore has won many awards. In 1999, he received the Ivor Novello Award for "International Achievement." In 2019, he was given the Moog Innovation Award for his creative use of sound in music. In 2020, he and other members of Depeche Mode were welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Martin Lee Gore was born in London, England. He grew up in a town called Basildon. As a child, he was quiet and loved to read. He also enjoyed school and went on trips to other countries.

Gore taught himself to play the keyboard in the 1970s. He learned by listening to popular songs and figuring out how they were made. He was a big fan of electronic music bands like Kraftwerk and The Human League. He got his first synthesizer, a Yamaha CS5, and started making his own music.

The Story of Depeche Mode

Left: Gore (center-right) with the band in 1984. Right: Gore on stage in 1986.

In 1980, Gore joined his classmate Andy Fletcher and musician Vince Clarke to form a band called Composition of Sound. Soon after, they saw Dave Gahan singing and asked him to be their lead singer. They changed their name to Depeche Mode, which they saw in a French fashion magazine.

Gore wrote two songs for the band's first album, Speak & Spell. When Vince Clarke left the band in 1981, Gore became the main songwriter. His songs helped the band develop a darker and more emotional sound.

Besides playing keyboards, Gore also plays the guitar on many Depeche Mode songs, like the hit "Personal Jesus". During live shows, he often switches between keyboards and his guitar for different songs.

Solo Projects and Collaborations

Gore performing in 2009

When he is not working with Depeche Mode, Gore also makes music on his own. He has released several solo albums, including Counterfeit EP (1989), Counterfeit² (2003), MG (2015), and The Third Chimpanzee (2021).

VCMG: Teaming Up with Vince Clarke

In 2011, Gore teamed up with his old bandmate Vince Clarke. They formed a techno music duo called VCMG. They released an electronic dance album called Ssss in 2012. It was the first time they had worked together in over 30 years.

MG: An Instrumental Album

In 2015, Gore released a solo album called MG. The album is made up of electronic instrumental tracks. This means there is no singing, only music created with synthesizers and other electronic instruments.

Personal Life

Gore lives in Santa Barbara, California. He was married to Suzanne Boisvert from 1994 to 2006, and they have three children. In 2014, he married Kerrilee Kaski, and they have two daughters.

Since 1983, Gore has been a vegetarian. He is also a fan of the Arsenal Football Club.

Discography

Studio Albums

Extended Plays

See also

In Spanish: Martin Gore para niños