Vince Clarke (formerly Martin) was born on July 3rd, 1960 in Basildon, Essex. While still at school he met Martin Gore and Andrew Fletcher and formed "Composition Of Sound". Upon hearing Dave Gahan singing a rendition of David Bowie's "Heroes", Vince invited him to join the group and the band later became Depeche Mode.

After the release of their first studio album, 1981's "Speak & Spell", Vince announced his departure from the group and Martin took over as chief songwriter.

From 1982 - 1983 he teamed up with fellow Basildon resident Alison 'Alf' Moyet to form Yazoo ('Yaz' in the US) and from 1985 to the present day, he has been a member of Erasure, alongside Andy Bell.

He currently resides in the US with his wife Tracy and their son, Oscar.