“I’ve grown to be the ‘boss’ of the band over the years”, tells Martin Gore. “For the choice of songs as well as for the visual aspects I have the last word. Still I’m not a born leader, on the contrary”. The eye-catcher tells how it did come this far.

Q: Did you ever think you’d be this famous, Martin ? 

A: Not at all! As a child I used to be the shy type. I always had none or only a few friends and I spent most of the time alone in my room reading fairy-tales. I lost myself in fairy-tale books and lived in another world. In school as well I had a big shortage of self-confidence. The teachers only seldom heard my voice. 

Q: So you’ve changed completely nowadays ?

A: That’s right, but don’t think it happened from one day to another. I think my job as a bank clerk has a lot to do with it. Because I was so young, my colleagues treated me a little in a stepmotherly fashion. After a while I came up for myself better and better. 

Q: Are you really such a party-animal ? 

A: I love parties. In my time off I can therefore mostly be found in a London club or one of Basildon’s pubs. 

Q: Do you still live in Basildon ? 

A: Yes. I still like living home with my mother and my two sisters. My German girlfriend lives in Berlin, but I don’t even think of moving to Germany. Berlin is a lovely, mysterious city, but I’m dreadfully attached to Basildon. 

Q: Is Andrew Fletcher your best friend ?

A: Without any doubt. I like to pull caprices and Andy is always the victim. He hasn’t actually anything in common with me, I’m very exuberant while he prefers calmness and peace. Still he is my permanent “going-out-partner”. 

Q: You seem to like striking clothes ? 

A: Yes, as far as that goes I’m very busy. I design together with a few co-operators DM’s stage-outfits and I organize the photo-sessions. Nothing is too crazy for me. I don’t even shrink from wearing from time to time something from Christine’s wardrobe.

Q: What’s you favourite food ? 

A: For two years now, I’m a convinced vegetarian. Just like Alan, I decided it was time to live healthier. Therefore I go jogging every day with my dog Ben.