Erasure’s four-decade friendship sustains them as Clarke steps back from touring
Erasure have built a close friendship over 40 years, and that bond has helped Andy Bell and Vince Clarke through the deaths of their partners. Their support for each other is especially significant as Clarke steps away from touring following his wife’s death, while the band continues with a new album and live dates.
Clarke’s wife, Tracy Hurley Martin, died from stomach cancer in January 2024; Bell’s partner, Paul Hickey, died in 2012. Erasure’s 20th album, *Radio!! Radio!!*, will accompany a UK and European arena tour, with Clarke acting remotely as musical director and keyboard technician Howard Rider playing the synthesizers on stage. Clarke said his wife’s death was the main reason he would not tour in person.
- Erasure’s 40-year friendship helped both musicians through bereavement.
- Vince Clarke will direct the tour remotely after his wife’s death.
- Their 20th album, *Radio!! Radio!!*, accompanies UK and European arena dates.
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Erasure are a synth-pop duo composed of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke who have worked together for 40 years. Over their decades together, the pair have developed a strong personal friendship that has sustained them through significant losses.
Both men have experienced the death of their long-term partners. Bell's partner Paul Hickey died in 2012, and Clarke's wife Tracy Hurley Martin died from stomach cancer in January 2024. Their friendship has provided important support through these bereavements.
Erasure are releasing a new album and planning UK and European arena dates. Following his wife's death, Clarke will not tour in person; instead, he will work remotely as musical director whilst a keyboard technician performs the synthesiser parts.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘It’s a deep soul connection’: Erasure on how 40 years of friendship got them through grief – and why Vince Clarke has quit touring”.