Brent is fighting cancer & could use your $upport

Brent is bravely fighting cancer, and he and his family could use your $upport.

Our very own “Counterfeit Martin” AKA: the founder of Strangelove, Brent Meyer, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was deemed of sufficient urgency that a radical prostatectomy was needed, and he underwent the essential surgery last Tuesday. Thankfully, Doctors report his surgery was successful, and Brent has been released from the hospital to recuperate at home for a medically-advised full month+ of convalescence. More tests are pending to detect possible further spread of the cancer.

Much like Larry Mullen Jr, (very much still IN U2; but missing the Las Vegas Residency while recuperating from back injury/corrective surgeries); Brent still holds his place at the head of the Strangelove organization, and we ask supporters to be patient as we do our best to entertain as fully as we’re able, in his absence. Julian is stepping into the “Martin” singing and guitar duties while Brent takes his essential medical leave.

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A word directly from Brent-

It’s finally time to cash in on the overwhelming abundance of goodwill I’ve accumulated in my world travels. I often kid that I have the second-best job in the world, (not being in ACTUAL Depeche Mode). However, I get to perform an incredible catalogue of music and routinely bring joy to people; oftentimes reconnecting them with an emotional core from their all-important developmental years. From the stage, I see the smiles, and also the tears that channeling and fostering that direct connection to special memories brings. While there are many aspects of portraying someone else on stage that border on the ridiculous, I take the responsibility of that precious emotional resonance very seriously.

It should come as no surprise that being a working musician is not the most lucrative job in the world, compared to more stable/secure career paths. Despite that, I am beyond grateful to be able to do what I do. I also appreciate my family’s patience, understanding, and the great sacrifices they’ve also made so that I’ve been able to do what I most enjoy, professionally. While happy this past year to finally be back touring full-time with Strangelove, the Covid work stoppage was financially disastrous for all musicians, and my family was no exception. Shortly prior to the pandemic, I was also victim to felonious financial crimes that sent a former business associate to prison, gutted the business I owned (& my life’s savings), and brought financial ruin to our doorstep, in the process. Our family was just starting to regain our footing when Covid happened.

Despite these setbacks, we’ve attempted to stay positive and move forward. To experience these protracted periods of suffering, anguish and uncertainty has only made the fleeting moments of true beauty, community, connection and emotional resonance experienced in my professional life that much more special. Their rarity and impermanence are part of what makes those moments so magical. What I’ve endured has only increased my resolve to be a force for good and to put more kindness into the universe. I hope that the kindness of others will also shine through in this moment of personal need.

Your generous support is needed to offset medical expenses, which are considerable, despite my being insured; to offset lost income while I am recuperating from surgery, and barring complete effectiveness of the surgery, bracing for more medical expenses to come. I AM a contingency planner, despite finding myself in this precarious position. There have simply been too many “rainy days” to be properly absorbed.

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We in Strangelove appreciate bringing Depeche Mode’s music to the masses, and every concert ticket that fans have purchased in support of our project. We hope your more direct support of our ailing brother Brent will continue in one of our own's time of need. One thing we know well is the bond of community and the strength of our extended "Depeche Family".

Any donation, large or small, is appreciated. EVERYTHING counts in large amounts!

Love & light,

The Strangelove lads on behalf of Brent