DEPECHE MODE songwriter MARTIN GORE was furious when frontman Dave Gahan announced he would be taking over half his job.

Gore, who has written the British group's music since they formed in 1980, believes Gahan should have been more diplomatic about the issue although he does accept the need for Depeche Mode to develop their music.

The 44-year-old guitarist and keyboardist says, "During the press for his (Gahan's) solo record , he went a bit too far saying stuff like he felt like a puppet and I was a dictator, and he felt like he had a right to contribute.

"I realised during that period that if the band were going to continue then I would have to allow that to happen up to a point. But I didn't think it was right that after 25 years he should step in and write 50 per cent of the songs."