Vince Clarke to Miss Erasure Tour After Wife's 2024 Death, Directing Remotely
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 2
Vince Clarke to Miss Erasure Tour After Wife's 2024 Death, Directing Remotely
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 2
Summary
Erasure's upcoming UK and Europe arena tour will be the first in the duo's 40-year history without Vince Clarke onstage, with the songwriter stepping back after the January 2024 death of his wife Tracy Hurley Martin.
Clarke said her death from stomach cancer is the main reason for his absence and that he will instead serve as remote musical director while keyboard technician Howard Rider handles the synths live.
The change comes as Erasure prepare to release Radio!! Radio!!, their 20th album, which both members say was shaped by grief, mutual support and a push toward calmer, more reflective themes.
Andy Bell, whose own partner died in 2012, said the pair's bond has deepened into something "more a family thing," underscoring how the band's 40-year partnership is carrying into this next phase.