Erasure

Biography

Erasure are an English synth-pop duo that formed in London in 1985. The group consists of songwriter, producer, and keyboardist Vince Clarke and lead vocalist and songwriter Andy Bell. Clarke was a co-founder of Depeche Mode and one-half of the duo Yazoo before forming Erasure. After placing an ad in a music magazine, Clarke selected Bell as his musical partner.

Career Breakthrough

While their debut album, "Wonderland" (1986), had limited success, their fourth single, "Sometimes," became a major hit in the UK. This marked the beginning of a string of successful singles and albums. Their second album, "The Circus" (1987), reached number 6 in the UK and featured several top-20 singles. The duo's third album, "The Innocents" (1988), was a number-one hit in the UK and their breakthrough in the United States, with singles "Chains of Love" and "A Little Respect" entering the Billboard Hot 100. At the 1989 Brit Awards, Erasure won the award for Best British Group.

Continued Success

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Erasure enjoyed a period of significant commercial success. They achieved a string of number-one albums in the UK, including "Wild!" (1989), "Chorus" (1991), and the ABBA tribute EP "Abba-esque" (1992). Their 1992 compilation album, "Pop! The First 20 Hits," also topped the UK charts. The single "Always," from their 1994 album "I Say I Say I Say," became a top 20 hit in the United States.

Musical Style and Legacy

Erasure is known for its synth-pop sound, characterized by Clarke's electronic arrangements and Bell's soulful, and often theatrical, vocals. Their music often incorporates strong dance beats and catchy pop melodies. Andy Bell was one of the first openly gay performers in pop music, and the band has a strong following within the LGBTQ+ community. Their music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and acceptance. Bands such as the Pet Shop Boys and Years & Years have cited Erasure as an influence.

Later Career and Recent Activity

While their commercial peak was in the late 80s and early 90s, Erasure has continued to record and tour. Albums from the later part of their career include "Nightbird" (2005), "Tomorrow's World" (2011), "The Violet Flame" (2014), and "World Be Gone" (2017). Their eighteenth studio album, "The Neon," was released in 2020 and reached number 4 in the UK, their highest chart position in 26 years. Andy Bell has also released solo material, with a tour announced for 2025.