first live concert

With the advent of affordable synthesisers and the increasing popularity of electronic music, the group began pursuing a synth-pop direction. The first live concert of Composition of Sound as a four-piece was on 14 June 1980 at Nicholas School, Basildon , Essex, England. There is a plaque commemorating the gig at the James Hornsby School in Basildon, where Gore and Fletcher were pupils. Gahan’s and Gore’s favourite artists included Siouxsie and the Banshees , Sparks , Cabaret Voltaire , Talking Heads and Iggy Pop . Gahan’s onstage persona was influenced by Dave Vanian , frontman of the Damned . Gahan has also later credited David Bowie, James Brown , Elvis Presley and Prince as influences on his performance style.