PULSE - music and more, with Simon Donohue

DEPECHE Mode's recently departed "musical director" has revealed how he attempted to save lead singer Dave Gahan from drug addiction.

Alan Wilder, who releases his new album under the alias Recoil this month, said the star was basically a nice man who would not listen.

Gahan's fall from favour and recent return after a near-fatal drug overdose has been well documented.

Wilder, 38, said: "I enjoy nothing but kind thoughts for Dave. Underneath all his problems there's a very nice bloke there.

"Everyone at some stage tried very hard with Dave to help him with his problems.

"There wasn't an awful lot we could do if he didn't want to listen."

Recoil has been Alan's solo project throughout his Depeche Mode career but his decision to quit the hit group means he can now devote all of his time to it.

The latest album by the Recoil collaboration - which features a number of new artistes who wrote and performed lyrics to themes set by Wilder - is called Unsound Methods. He added: "Generally my memories of Depeche Mode are very fond. My time in Depeche was very good to me and has left me in a position where I don't have to worry about financial burdens.

"I am very grateful for the years and experience. There wasn't one thing that made me decide to leave. I came to a point where I really didn't want to be involved in a group and the time was right to make some changes, a natural break."

The split coincided with some other personal changes for Alan, who he went through a divorce became a father.

But he admits that some of the themes examined in his solo work, like the new single Drifting and album Luscious Apparatus, are based on experiences with Depeche.

He added: "I don't think I have been through any particularly bad personal trauma.

"But the only way to survive on tour is to let your hair down or you go mad.

"I never suffered any problem with addiction.

"I liked to drink and I still like a drink. I have never been the kind of person who has an addictive personality."

Demo's a winner for Element

NELSON band Element are celebrating this month after Britain's largest music magazine Making Music declared their latest recording Demo Of The Month, beating off competition from countless other bands nationwide for recognition in the Demology page. The tape, which features original songs by the band, was compared favourably by Making Music's Andrea Thorn to bands like Nirvana and The Pixies. It has won the band a top-of-the-range Audio Tecnica microphone and also a chance to compete for the magazine's annual Best Of Demology prize.

The band consists of singer Jay Stansfield, 17, guitarist Carl Eden 17, drummer Mark Tattersall, 17, and bassist Warren Smith, 21. They are managed by Jay's mother Linda, who was responsible for sending the band's tape to Making Music.

Element, who last Friday stepped in at the last moment for another high-profile band, The Cornerstones, who could not make their gig at the Kestrel suite in Burnley, will be putting in a headline performance at the Burnley Mechanics next March.

Of their current activities, Linda said: "On November 11 they'll be playing an event organised by Holstein Pills at the Witchwood, Ashton-Under-Lyne, and the best bands there will be given some free studio time."

Rock with a heart

A CELEBRATION of youth in rock music is set to take place soon -with proceeds going to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph SuperScan appeal.

Some of East Lancashire's brightest hopes will take the stage for the event at Blakey's Cafe Bar, Blackburn, on Thursday, October 30.

Headliners are Shakermaker, probably the youngest Oasis tribute band in Great Britain.

They will be joined on the bill by Twisted Valley, Scapegoat, Astoria and Danger of Infection. Danger Of Infection are tipped for the top by Magic Village, who are promoting the night.

The Accrington thrash metal merchants are all aged between 15 and 17.

They are Kieron Kent (lead guitar and vocals), his brother Kyle (bass and vocals) and Lee Holden (drums and vocals).

Magic Village's Brian Wood said their main influences were Korn and Metallica.

He added: "Their music can be as arresting as their visual image and it is not for nothing they are called Danger Of Infection."

Tickets are available from the KGH Box Office on 01254 582582.

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