DEPECHE IN THE MODE FOR CHANGE

Multi-platinum new wave pioneers Depeche Mode are the latest group to leave WMG, following the likes of Madonna, The Eagles and Nickelback, signing an exclusive worldwide deal with EMI, whose Mute label has been the best-selling British trio’s international home since 1981 when they released the group’s debut single, "Dreaming of Me," in the U.K.

The new agreement marks the first time EMI Music will release Depeche Mode’s music in the U.S. as well as in the rest of the world.

The band's Andy Fletcher 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."

EMI President A&R Labels, North America, U.K. and Ireland Nick Gatfield, added: "We are delighted to be extending our relationship with Depeche Mode, and to be supporting them in the U.S. 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."

Mute Chairman Daniel Miller commented: "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."

The first release under Depeche Mode’s worldwide agreement with EMI Music is a new studio album, the band’s 12th, due outside the U.S. April 20, 2009, and in the U.S. on April 21. Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Fletcher are currently in New York working on the album, which will be the follow-up to Depeche Mode’s 2005 release Playing the Angel, which topped the charts 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 10, 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.

Formed in Basildon, England, in 1980, Depeche are considered the founding fathers of the ’80s synthpop movement and have become one of the most influential pop groups of the last 25 years, scoring multiple hit singles, including "Just Can’t Get Enough," "Everything Counts," "Enjoy the Silence," "People Are People," "Master and Servant," "Personal Jesus," "Policy of Truth" and "Precious."

Their 11 studio albums—1981’s Speak & Spell, 1982’s A Broken Frame, 1983’s Construction Time Again, 1984’s Some Great Reward, 1986’s Black Celebration, 1987’s Music for the Masses, 1990’s Violator, 1993’s Songs of Faith and Devotion, 1997’s Ultra, 2001’s Exciter and 2005’s Playing the Angel—have collectively sold more than 75 million copies worldwide.