You’ll be touring in the midst of a global recession. What message do you hope to bring to the fans with your music?
Well, we’re not a political band. Our songs are about everyday life, and we try to touch people with emotion. We’ve been amazed that our tickets have gone extremely well. We were worried because of the recession. We thought they might suffer, but it hasn’t at all.

What do you think has attributed to the great ticket sales?
I think, in a recession, people like to — in some bizarre way — go out more. Beer sales go up, you know? People drink more. People like to go to concerts to cheer themselves up. We’ve built a very large, loyal live following. You tend to really, really love Depeche Mode — or you don’t like them. Perhaps bands that don’t have so many diehard fans will suffer more in this recession.

What role does this new album fill in the Depeche Mode canon?
I think it was what we remember about it. It was probably made in the best spirits. I’m not saying many Depeche Mode [albums] have been made in a bad spirit. This just seemed to be good fun all the way. It was real fun making the whole album, which is nice after such a long time of doing this.
 
Was this the first album where everyone was clean — no drugs or alcohol?
Well, I’m not clean. [Laughs.] I’m a modest drinker. Martin [Gore] gave up [alcohol] halfway through the last tour. He’s like a different man. And Dave [Gahan] has been clean for over 10 years. Maybe that’s why it’s fun at the moment. It’s a good time to be in Depeche Mode.

What role did you play in song selection for this album?
The songs are written [by Martin and Dave] beforehand. Then, in the studio, we have to try to make these demos into something that stands out. I’m involved in getting the music and the atmosphere right to turn these few ideas into a finished thing.

This is the first time a band has collaborated with iTunes to create a “pass,” giving fans access to a lot of content for a flat rate. Was that the band’s idea, or iTunes'?
It was a combination. I think the digital and record companies are starting to get their act together. They were very lazy in the first 10 years when downloads came in. Now they’re collaborating more and coming up with interesting ideas for fans to buy products.

It’s a lot of content for $18.99. That’s about how much we used to pay for one CD.
Like I say, we were quite lucky. We had quite a lot of songs, so that enabled us to do a lot of special things and give special tracks. I think what fans really want is content — good content.

What’s the band’s secret for staying together and, for the most part, getting along for 30 years?
Lots of reasons. We’re lucky that we came from the same town, from working-class backgrounds, so we have the same sense of humor, the same morals. We’ve improved as a band. We’ve written lots of great songs. We’ve worked hard, touring constantly, trying to prove that electronic bands can play live. And a bit of luck over the years – meeting the right people, such as Daniel Miller, the boss of our first record company.

What do your two teenage kids think of Dad’s musical legacy?
Oh, it’s just always been a part of their life. I wouldn’t say they’re massive fans or anything. [Laughs.] They like it, but with every dad, you know, whatever your dad does, it’s just, “Oh, that’s just what Dad does.” But hopefully they’ll be coming on this tour, and they might bring a few friends along — make it a trip.