Depeche Mode are a highly influential electronic band formed in 1980 in Essex, England. They are one of the longest-lived and most successful bands to have emerged from the New Romantic era; they were part of the 'futurist' scene, alongside the likes of Soft Cell, OMD, The Human League and Gary Numan. As of 2006, it was estimated that Depeche Mode had sold over 73 million albums worldwide and have had forty-four songs in the UK Singles Chart. They have had more top 40 hits in the UK without a #1 hit than any other artist. They have influenced many of today's popular recording artists, in part due to their recording techniques and innovative use of sampling. Although very influential in the modern electronic dance scene, they generally remain classified in the alternative genre. Depeche Mode began in 1980 as David Gahan (lead vocals), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, vocals, chief songwriter after 1981), Andrew Fletcher (backing keyboards) and Vince Clarke (keyboards, chief songwriter 1980—81). Vince Clarke left the band after the release of their 1981 debut album; soon replaced by Alan Wilder (lead keyboards) who played with the band from 1982 to 1995. Following Wilder's departure, Gahan, Gore, and Fletcher have continued to perform as a trio.