Hi everyone, my name is Francesco. From a young age, music has been my greatest passion, particularly the vibrant and unforgettable sounds of the 80's. That era, with its explosive mix of New Wave, Synthpop, and New Romantic music, shaped who I am today. I grew up listening to bands like Tears For Fears, Pet Shop Boys, Alphaville, The Cure and....of course Depeche Mode. I'm not only a dedicated fan of Depeche Mode but also an avid collector of vinyl, especially 80's records. The 12inch & 7inch singles, which were a huge part of the music culture during that time, hold a special place in my collection. These singles were often the gateway to discovering some of the most iconic songs of the decade, and I've made it my mission to collect those records that truly made history. I'm proud to say that my collection of 80's singles now includes hundreds of these unforgettable gems. The 80's were a golden era for music, and I've spent countless hours immersing myself in the sounds of that decade. In 1991, I started my DJ career, playing at discos and party clubs, which deepened my connection to music even further. I also had the incredible experience of recording a disc myself!

My journey with Depeche Mode began in the autumn of 1984 when I first heard "People Are People" on the radio. The moment I heard that song, I immediately thought, 'WOW, I like this!!' and I felt an instant connection. A friend of mine, whose sister was a passionate Depeche Mode fan, made me a cassette of their best songs, and that's how my love for the band began. Over 40 years later, my admiration for them is stronger than ever. Their sound evolved with each album, and they became a defining force in the 80's music scene. Tracks like "Just Can't Get Enough", "Everything Counts", "Master And Servant", "Stripped" and "Never Let Me Down Again" weren't just songs they were anthems that defined an entire generation. I had the opportunity to collaborate with Record Collector magazine for a special issue dedicated to the band, published by Diamond Publishing Ltd. (Record Collector Presents Depeche Mode, released on November 11, 2021). In this edition, I was responsible for curating the sections related to the band's rare albums and singles, as well as compiling the entire section of their official UK discography. Additionally, the magazine featured a Fan Profile section, which includes an interview with me and some photos of my personal collection.

About my collection, I focus primarily on CD albums and vinyl, especially those precious 7inch singles that tell the story of the 80's music scene. I collect first editions, represses, reissues, any official release from around the world. My collection includes over 2,000 Depeche Mode items, from CDs and vinyls to cassettes, promos, and rare editions. I keep my collection updated on Discogs and on my personal website, making sure that every addition is carefully cataloged and shared with fellow collectors. Though my collection is impressive, the global community of fellow collectors has shown me just how much more there is to discover. I'm constantly learning, connecting, and expanding my collection. Through my collection, I hope to preserve the history of 80's music and Depeche Mode, while also connecting with others who share the same passion. Every record tells a story, and that's what makes this journey so special to me. My passion for music has also led me to social media, where I've met so many like-minded individuals. Instagram, in particular, has given me the opportunity to connect with fans and collectors from around the world, sharing the same love for Depeche Mode and 80's music. It's amazing how music can bring people together, no matter the distance.

If I had to choose a favorite dM album, "Violator" would be my top pick. Though released in 1990, it remains a defining album in the Depeche Mode discography, with each track considered a masterpiece. "Enjoy The Silence" is my favorite single from the album, it's a song that perfectly captures the emotional depth and musical brilliance of the band.