SOUTHEND band the Horrors admit they are huge fans of Depeche Mode and are “proud” to be playing with Basildon’s biggest music exports.

The Horrors - who shot to fame with their debut album Strange House - have been supporting Depeche Mode on their Global Spirit tour and are thrilled to be supporting them at the London Stadium in Stratford on Saturday.

Bassist Rhys Webb said: “I think Saturday’s show may well be the biggest crowd we’ve ever played to. We’re looking forward to it. I am proud to be an Essex boy! I really felt that when I watched them performing Enjoy the Silence last night - what an amazing achievement for them as a band and a proud moment for us to have the pleasure to play with them. It brought a big smile to my face.”

He added: “We’re big fans of course. Their evolution is inspiring. From the early days at Mute right up to now, a perfect balance of pop, darkness and experimentation.

“We’re big fans of electronic music and they are true innovators. I love hearing the influence of our favourites like Kraftwerk and Bowie in their music, too. It feels like we have a musical connection as well as a geographical one. I’ve grown up with stories of their shows at Crocs and would have loved to have seen them there.”