EMI Signs Depeche Mode Worldwide

Perhaps the post-Guy Hands exodus from EMI has ended. The label announced today that it has extended its worldwide deal with multi-platinum sellers Depeche Mode. EMI’s Mute label has been the best-selling British trio’s international home since 1981 and this new deal adds the U.S. for the first time. The band had previously been with WMG’s Sire/Reprise for the U.S.

The first release under the new deal will be a studio album, the band’s twelfth, due outside the U.S. on April 20th, 2009, and in the U.S. on April 21st. It is the follow-up to Depeche Mode’s 2005 release "Playing the Angel", which reached No. 1 in 18 countries. In addition, Depeche Mode has announced dates for the European leg…

of its "Tour of the Universe 2009" — the group’s first-ever stadium tour in which they will perform in 28 cities across 21 countries. The tour, which kicks off in Israel on May 10th, is the band’s first since 2005’s "Touring the Angel" trek, which smashed European sales records with 1.8 million tickets sold across 87 shows.

From the press release:

Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode said: "We are so pleased to be continuing our relationship with Mute, and we feel very positive about the new team and set-up at EMI. This is going to be an exciting new chapter."

Nick Gatfield, EMI Music’s president – A&R Labels, North America, the UK and Ireland, said: "We are delighted to be extending our relationship with Depeche Mode, and to be supporting them in the US for the first time. They are one of the world’s most innovative and successful bands who continuously push boundaries and excite fans with their recording and live work." 

Daniel Miller, chairman, Mute, said: "I am really happy to be continuing to work with the band. They have been reaching new creative heights in the studio and they have one of the most devoted fanbases of any band in the world today. I believe that the Mute and EMI teams are extremely well positioned to help Depeche Mode build on their success."