A Truro hairdresser has unearthed an incredibly rare recording in his loft by one of the world's biggest bands

Robin Neale - director of Russell Robin Hair Studio in River Street - was clearing out his attic for the first time in almost 30 years when he came across old Sony reel to reel tapes featuring one of Depeche Mode's first concerts at a nightclub in Essex.

The band, who have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex.

The tapes discovered by Robin, which he has now transferred to CD and says have excellent sound quality, were recorded a few months later at Crocs nightclub in Raleigh, Essex.

(image: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276391/binaries/wRobin1.jpg)

Robin Neale with one of the long-lost Depeche Mode tapes he has discovered in his loft after 30 years.

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He said: "My brother Russell and I were, and still are, friends of Depeche Mode . Not only that but in 1980 we were apprentice hairdressers and used to do the band's hair in the toilets of Crocs. Not very glamorous compared with the dressing rooms at Madison Square Gardens and arenas where they play now.

"One evening during the band's performance the DJ at Crocs recorded the band's performance through a mixing desk and gave the reels to me."

image: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276391/binaries/wRobin2.jpg

Depeche Mode pictured in Crocs nightclub where the early gig was recorded.

As well as featuring a very basic version of later hit Just Can't Get Enough, the set includes early live songs such as Addiction, Tomorrow's Dance, Reason Man, Television Set and even a cover version of Gerry And The Pacemakers' I Like It.

Robin added: "This is a must for any true fan of the band and there is no copy of this original.

"For myself and Russell it's just a bit of history but we are prepared to duplicate for any hardcore devotees."

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Robin and his brother Russell pictured around the time when they cut Depeche Mode's hair in Essex.

The recordings are unpublished and before the band were signed to Mute Records, home of all their releases from the single New Life in 1981 to 2013's Delta Machine album.

The tapes also feature Depeche Mode's demo from the summer of 1980 featuring the songs Ice Machine, Radio News and Photographic.

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image: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276391/binaries/wDepeche2.jpg

Dave Gahan on Depeche Mode's last world tour.

Robin, who with brother Russell also knew other artists from the New Romantic era including Spandau Ballet and Visage's Rusty Egan, said: "I was invited to the after-show party at the 02 Arena concert in 2014 but declined as I was exhausted and had to get back to my hotel which was the other side of London . I somewhat regret it now ."

Depeche Mode – featuring singer Dave Gahan and songwriter Martin Gore - are now working on their 14th album which is due be released in November 2017 and is believed to feature early band member Alan Wilder who replaced original member Vince Clarke, who left in 1981 to form Yazoo and, later, Erasure.

image: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276391/binaries/wRobin4.jpg

Robin with the band's original reel to reel demo tape.