Latest news with #DepecheMode
Stuff.tv
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
The Atari ST hits 40: we remember Atari's 16-bit micro and six of its best games
Break out the birthday cake and your MIDI cables, because the Atari ST turned 40 this summer. Launched in 1985 as Atari's answer to what was next in home computing, the 16-bit micro was part games machine, part serious workhorse, and part accidental rave enabler. Wait, the Atari ST? Isn't that what people had when they couldn't afford an Amiga? Oh, that's what Amiga owners wanted you to think. But while Commodore's machine beat Atari's on specs, the ST was no slouch. The GEM interface set it up for work as well as play, there were loads of top games that blazed far beyond anything anyone had seen before on a home micro, and built-in MIDI ports made the ST a synth player's dream machine. If you spent the late '80s dancing in warehouses, a lot of those songs were made on the Atari ST. Hang on… you're telling me Atari's beige box invented techno? Well, not the machine itself – the artists did have to do some of the work themselves. But this is where Cubase and Creator (which later evolved into Logic) were born. Because of these apps and the ST's rock-solid MIDI implementation, everyone from Depeche Mode and the Pet Shop Boys to Fatboy Slim used it to smash out hits – and all without sacrificing their bank accounts to the Apple gods. Those MIDI ports took things even further too, being responsible for the rise of deathmatch gaming. Huh? Is there some oddball musical version of Quake I don't know about? Not quite. The pioneering MIDI Maze used those ports for its 16-player mode, so you could play with all your ST-owning friends. It wasn't Quake, just a simple maze game where you blasted 3D smileys that looked like Pac-Man rejects – fitting for the acid house era. Sadly, it couldn't last: the ST was soon eclipsed by PCs. But it's nice to imagine that, every now and then, Fatboy Slim gets his Atari down from the loft and murmurs into its MIDI input: 'I have to celebrate you, baby. I have to praise you like I should.' Six of the best: Atari ST games The ST arrived before the Amiga hit the mainstream. Its games initially bridged 8- and 16-bit fare, before quickly becoming far more ambitious. Although the ST lacked the Amiga's muscle, it kept pace until piracy kicked Atari's ambitions in the MIDI port. But for those initial glorious years, the ST pumped out hit after hit. Our six slots are geared towards what really gave the ST its swagger. That means exclusives and firsts rather than cloning our Amiga list. (But all those games were great on the ST too.) Play Oids (1987) mashed up Thrust, Choplifter and Asteroids, and had you juggle gravity, inertia and laser fire while rescuing hapless slave droids. This tense, twitchy arcade game was also an ST exclusive until some scallywag reversed engineered it for the Amiga decades later. Tsk. Play Starglider 2 (1988) was sold on a disk designed to work on the ST and Amiga. Sometimes it even did. Fortunately, the game itself was reliably amazing, providing hours of gobsmacking shooty space action that held up pretty well when compared to the Amiga version. Play Llamatron 2112 (1991) was an early shareware title that found seminal games creator Jeff Minter revelling in the power of a 16-bit machine, reimagining Robotron in his own inimitable style. Cue: noisy levels packed full of very silly foes and numerous furry beasties to rescue. Play Dungeon Master (1987) was a flagship title that became the ST's best-selling game, along with laying the groundwork for all manner of 3D dungeon crawlers. It lacks the Amiga port's sampled sound, but, hey, you can always make those noises yourself. Play Vroom (1991) started life on the Sinclair QL but roared on to the ST in fine form. Blisteringly fast and fun to play, it wrenched Pole Position into the modern day, leaving other ST racers in its dust. (Well, apart from Stunt Car Racer. We still love you, SCR!) Play Speedball II (1990) didn't start out on the ST, but its futuristic punchy take on handball held its own on the Atari. It even managed to smoothly scroll that massive metal pitch in a way that made ST footie games seethe with envy – until they got a metal ball to the face.
Fast Company
16-07-2025
- Fast Company
Is your data exposed?
It's fascinating to think that, despite all our advancements in technology, your data may still be exposed. Let's start with a museum analogy. Artwork is, for all intents and purposes, read-only. As we were told as kids: 'Look with your eyes, not with your hands!' Museums even place protective glass in front of masterpieces. So why is this protective layer acceptable for art, but not for your data? In the world of security, we talk about access control, authorization, and authentication—lots of permissions floating around. Once granted, it's like giving people the green light to handle the artwork—or, in this case, your data. Why the double standard? It's like asking why police stations have lockers for on-duty officers. The answer is simple: As Depeche Mode so wisely sang, 'People are people.' So why should we expect people to be more responsible with critical data—data protected by laws that, if compromised, could cost companies millions, if not billions? Subscribe to the Daily newsletter. Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters This brings us to the title of this article, 'Is Your Data Exposed?' The short and unfortunate answer is: Yes, it is. Behind all these controls, you have to ask yourself, 'Can someone 'touch' the data?' If so, I wouldn't hire you as a museum curator. Would you get the job if you allowed someone to touch the Mona Lisa? Absolutely not! Now that I've exhausted my analogies, let's talk tech. If you could prevent people from accessing your data, would you? If this solution allowed for business continuity while keeping the data untouched, wouldn't that be appealing? If you could shield your data and hide it from prying eyes, wouldn't you? But I know what you're thinking: 'This sounds impossible.' Many tech professionals might not even know such a solution exists. Well, don't worry, dear reader; I've got you covered. It does exist, and I'm here to tell you about it! There are technologies that can shield your data, creating a protective layer between users and the data. Solutions that bridge the gap between security and backup. Wondering if you need this? Ask yourself: Are breaches still happening? If the answer is yes, then the gaps are real, and the struggle continues. It's time to explore alternative solutions. Thinking that cyber insurance is a magic bullet isn't going to address the root problem. Just like having car insurance doesn't mean you can drive recklessly, data owners still have a responsibility to protect their data. If you've read my other articles, you know I love checklists. So, here's one to ponder: Is your data exposed? Is your data accessible to human touch? Can a non-database process access your database (for example, can your admin log into the server and grab the database without going through SQL Management Studio)? Are you 110% confident you can recover from an attack? Are you 120% confident you can restore your data to its pre-attack state (and in a timely manner)? Are you 130% confident you've done everything you can to protect it? I could keep going, but I'll stop here. advertisement If any of these questions are keeping you up at night, it's time to stop relying solely on insurance and start acting responsibly. Shield your data! And if you're feeling bold, show up to work dressed as a Roman gladiator, stand on your desk, and ask your coworkers, 'Are you not entertained?' If they give you strange looks, tell them this article gave you permission. All jokes aside, now is the time to embrace a solution that protects your data from threats, ransomware, and human error. You've got this. But how do you get started? Start by evaluating your current data security stack. Is your approach reactive (i.e., backup and recovery) or proactive (i.e., preventing modification or encryption in the first place)? A true data-shielding solution should function like protective glass: users can interact with applications without altering the underlying data. Here are some considerations to help get started: Know What You're Shielding: Catalog your critical data assets. This includes databases, file shares, cloud storage, endpoints—anywhere sensitive information lives. Catalog your critical data assets. This includes databases, file shares, cloud storage, endpoints—anywhere sensitive information lives. Evaluate Your Environment: Understand where you're vulnerable. Are users accessing data directly? Are backups unprotected or easily corrupted? What's your exposure from insider threats or third-party access? Understand where you're vulnerable. Are users accessing data directly? Are backups unprotected or easily corrupted? What's your exposure from insider threats or third-party access? Prioritize Business Continuity: Look for solutions that don't interrupt workflows. The best approaches allow data to be used without the ability to modify it, so operations continue smoothly, even under attack. Look for solutions that don't interrupt workflows. The best approaches allow data to be used without the ability to modify it, so operations continue smoothly, even under attack. Avoid Detection-Only Tools: Signature-based or AI-only defenses may miss zero-day or fileless malware. Choose technologies that don't rely solely on detection but can prevent changes to data, even if malware slips past your defenses. Signature-based or AI-only defenses may miss zero-day or fileless malware. Choose technologies that don't rely solely on detection but can prevent changes to data, even if malware slips past your defenses. Plan For Implementation Challenges: Expect resistance. Shielding solutions can be misunderstood as restrictive or complex. Involve stakeholders early. Pilot deployments with limited scope can help prove the concept and win support. Expect resistance. Shielding solutions can be misunderstood as restrictive or complex. Involve stakeholders early. Pilot deployments with limited scope can help prove the concept and win support. Watch For Red Flags: Beware of solutions that require constant updates to remain effective, only protect files during backup and not in real time, and rely on heavy system performance trade-offs. Beware of solutions that require constant updates to remain effective, only protect files during backup and not in real time, and rely on heavy system performance trade-offs. Budget For Success: While cost varies, shielding technologies are far more affordable than the cost of a single breach. But budget for more than software. Include training, monitoring, and change management in your planning. Finally, don't expect perfection overnight. Shielding data is about adding a resilient layer of protection to an already complex system. It's not a silver bullet—but it's an essential step toward ensuring that the next breach doesn't become your headline. Just as Beyoncé encouraged us to 'put a ring on it,' I'm here to encourage you to put a shield on it—and protect what matters most.
STV News
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Hands up who remembers the ice rink disco nights?
A vast collection of 16,000 vinyl records is going up for auction after being discovered inside one of Scotland's oldest ice rinks. For decades, the records remained locked away in an old DJ booth in Murrayfield ice rink, among them vinyl featuring artists such as The Cure, Depeche Mode, and New Order with hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. They used to be played out at popular disco nights. Now, they're being auctioned off alongside other unique items from the venues' history. Gillian Kerr, director of Murrayfield Ice Rink, said: 'We discovered a whole bunch of the original vinyl that was played during the seventies, eighties and nineties discos. 'It was well-known as a place to come if you were a teenager, and yeah, there were a lot of good times had here – and there's a huge amount of love, I think, for the building and for the music here.' The team hopes the records will now raise funds for their significant investment plans to refurbish the rink. With help from specialist auctioneers who hope to bring in between £20,000 and £30,000. David Williamson from Thomson Roddick Callan Auctioneers has catalogued the thousands of vinyl records by hand and said there have been plenty of 'gold dust' discoveries. David said: 'Nobody had gone in it for about 30 years, so it was like going back in time, walking through the door. They had 12-inch and 7-inch singles all over the place, and then they had another area where the gold stuff was. David Williamson via David Williamson The records had remained in an old DJ booth for nearly 40 years. The vinyl isn't full records; each one will only have about four tracks on it, but David believes that their origins make them extra special. Top names will be featured in the collection with the likes of The Cure, Eurythmics, Bon Jovi, Oasis, and Prince up for grabs, as well as Depeche Mode, Joy Division, New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Softcell, Eurythmics, and Glasgow band Simple Minds. There are also records by Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Queen, Tears for Fears, and Kate Bush, among hundreds of others. The ice rink has hosted events such as ice racing, hockey, curling, dance championships, Fringe shows and films, which means that a wide array of music genres will be available, such as punk, heavy metal, new wave, dance, R&B, rap, and pop from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. 'They're all quite unique because a lot of them are DJ pressings,' added David. 'Advanced copies of artists like The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, that's what people are after. 'And then you've got all the genres there, everything from Heavy Metal right through to disco.' The auction will take place online and in person at Murrayfield Ice Arena on Saturday, June 28 at 10.30am with the collection available for viewing here online. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Metro
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Nitzer Ebb frontman Douglas McCarthy dies age 58 after serious health diagnosis
Douglas McCarthy, best known as the co-founder and frontman for Nizter Ebb, has died at age 58. He had previously stepped away from performing after being diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, a serious and incurable scarring of the liver. The influential 90s dance band announced his death on Instagram with a statement asking for privacy at this time. 'It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform that Douglas McCarthy passed away this morning of June 11th, 2025,' it read. 'We ask everyone to please be respectful of Douglas, his wife, and family in this difficult time. 'We appreciate your understanding and will share more information soon.' No cause of death was given but in March 2024, McCarthy stepped down from touring after his diagnosis. In a statement at the time he said he had been sober for two years but 'following years of alcohol abuse' was suffering from liver cirrhosis. McCarthy added that 'recovery is a long process' and did not rejoin the band on tour. Nitzer Ebb formed in 1982, consisting of McCarthy and his school friends Vaughan 'Bon' Harris and David Gooday. Gooday and McCarthy met when they were just 10 years old, forming the band in their teen years and bonding over a love of sneaking into discos and nightclubs. After experimenting with post-punk sounds, the band evolved into a more industrial and electronic genre — becoming one of the biggest names in the electronic body scene. McCarthy has cited artists like Roxy Music, Slade, Talking Heads, and even Showaddywaddy as influences on their music. In 1987, the group released debut album, That Total Age, and secured a number nine spot on the Billboard Club chart with Join the Chant. More Trending They toured with Depeche Mode and continued to rise in prominence with various tracks charting such as Control I'm Here, Lightning Man and Fun to be Had. In 1995, Nitzer Ebb split with McCarthy moving to Los Angeles and Detroit before reloacting home to the UK and studying design and film at Cambridge. After a decade-long break, Nitzer Ebb reunited in 2007 and three years later released one final LP called Industrial Complex. While they continued to tour, McCarthy dropped his own solo album, Kill Your Friends, as well as Recoil with Alan Wilder of Depeche Mode. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Underrated' 90s thriller compared to Criminal Minds is finally coming to Netflix MORE: Scarface and Ghostbusters star Harris Yulin dies age 88 MORE: The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson's daughter 'at a loss for words' after his death
USA Today
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Depeche Mode's new concert film connects soul with song: 'A strange, spiritual experience'
Depeche Mode's new concert film connects soul with song: 'A strange, spiritual experience' Show Caption Hide Caption 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees announced The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees, which include hip-hop pioneers Outkast and '80s icon Cyndi Lauper. unbranded - Entertainment NEW YORK – The connection between death and music is real. At least in the vision of Fernando Frías. The director behind the new documentary "Depeche Mode: M" links the cultural significance of the Mexican holiday celebrating the Day of the Dead with the music of the electro-synth-pop band, which is indisputably a New Wave pioneer. It's an ambiguous concept, but also an intriguing one. At the June 5 world premiere of "M" at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Frías was joined by Depeche Mode's David Gahan and Martin Gore for a boisterous screening of the 95-minute film that often felt as much like a live concert as the one(s) depicted on screen. "One of the things about a Depeche Mode concert is it's a communal experience," Gahan said during a Tribeca Film Festival panel after the showing. "Watching ourselves (perform) is kind of painful, to be honest … I can't explain what happens when you perform. It's a strange, spiritual experience communicated through music." More: Billy Joel's documentary digs deep into past with poignancy – but he's 'not finished yet' Depeche Mode's music connects to Day of the Dead That experience was filmed during a three-night stand at Mexico City's Foro Sol Stadium in 2023, where a total of more than 200,000 fans pilgrimaged to watch the sleek, massive production that showcased Gahan twirling around the stage like Stevie Nicks in a three-piece suit, Gore sharing his keyboard and guitar skills as well as his angelic voice and songs from four decades of synth-drenched creativity. Frías' arty approach toggled between black and white and color video and many of his camera shots – a closeup of the heel of Gahan's boot, the quick cut to a cluster of fans waving white-gloved hands during "Never Let Me Down Again," as per tradition – confirmed how much he wanted this documentary to be different. In between songs including the moody "My Cosmos is Mine" and "Don't Say You Love Me," both from 2023's "Memento Mori" album ("remember, you will die"), voiceovers from fans and lines from poetry are presented in Spanish. The serene scene of a swamp shifts to an overhead drone shot of the concert with Gahan executing mesmerizing calisthenics during the somber ballad "Speak to Me," his resonant voice cutting through a cloud of synthesizers. A lesson about the Aztec guardian of the underworld prefaces Gore's stunning rendition of "Soul with Me," another of Frías' thoughtful connections between song and spirit. How did Depeche Mode honor Andy Fletcher? Longtime fans of Depeche Mode will relish the vibrant performances of classics including "Enjoy the Silence" – Gahan grinning at Gore as he picks out the song's identifiable opening guitar notes – and a muscular "Personal Jesus." But they will likely most appreciate the dedication to original member Andy Fletcher, who died of an aortic dissection in 2022 at age 60. Dot-matrix printouts of Fletcher's face bob throughout the crowd as Gahan bends his fingers to form eyeglasses and holds his arms overhead in a mask-like pose. As the band performs "World in My Eyes," the video screens blanketing the back of the stage illuminate with Fletcher's photo, a sweet tribute to a New Wave innovator. While the theme of mortality is threaded throughout the film, it is also balanced with hope, appreciation and more than a dab of realism. As one fan asks rhetorically, "Thinking something will last forever isn't good, right?"
