Those English electronic pop stars Erasure are at it again with their 16th album, titled The Violet Flame. Made up of singer Andy Bell and keyboardist Vince Clarke, Erasure took over the '80s and continues on today, having started almost 30 years ago. Known for US hits like "A Little Respect," "Chains of Love" and "Always," this duo has not stopped pumping out music over the years. Nightspots Magazine contacted Bell before his triumphant return to the Windy City.
Nightspots: Hey, Andy. So excited about new music and the tour! Was the cover inspired by Mexico and Day of the Dead? Maybe tied to the first song "Dead of Night?"
Andy Bell: Perhaps it was the other way round. Vince and I had seen a golden skull in a white box in Miami just before we started writing, when I first heard the music to "Dead of Night"; it kinda reminded me of "Thriller" and zombies, so we kinda took it from there.
N: The video for "Elevation" is about the nightlife culture. Was it inspired by both of your DJ gigs over the years?
AB: Not really. We'd never really had a nightclub-scene video before so thought it would work well with the track.
N: Who is the love song "Reason" written about?
AB: My partner David Stephen Moss.
N: That's so sweet. Is this going to be a very EDM-type of show this time out?
AB: It's very club-oriented. Kinda takes me back to those early '90s gay heydays and nights.
N: Two nights in Chicago for the concert. Do you get to have fun while in town? I know you like Sidetrack. Maybe pop in there?
AB: Maybe.
N: It was great hanging with you when you were DJing at a gay bar last time in Chicago. Are those fun back-up singers with you on this tour again?
AB: Yes, the family is reunited.
N: Excellent. Fans can buy a limited two- or three-CD version of The Violet Flame and also meet the band on this tour? How do they do this?
AB: Our label Mute offered expanded versions of the album and a limited edition box set through Pledge Music, which has gone over well!
N: What's your favorite and least favorite song to perform live?
AB: "Blue Savannah" is my favorite, with "Sunday Girl" being the least favorite.
N: What new song off of The Violet Flame are you most looking forward to playing live?
AB: "Sacred," because it's my favorite track on the new Violet Flame album.
N: How do you pick a setlist with a catalogue this big?
AB: It is very tricky!
N: You are doing a 12" inch remix of past hits?
AB: Yes, it just made sense to keep it interesting for ourselves and for the fans to do freshened-up versions of the hits this time.
N: See you in Chicago! Thanks for the interview, Andy.
AB: See you!
Erasure hits Chicago for two nights, October 3 and 4 at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street. Visit www.thechicagotheatre.com to purchase tickets for the concert.
For more on the duo visit www.erasureinfo.com .