Sent to members of the official fan club in December 1987, “HAPPY CHRISTMAS 87 from Depeche Mode” was the first title distributed with the BONG Magazine. It features a demo cover of “Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth”, originally released by Sparks in 1974. There was no commercial release of this track by Depeche Mode. However, a version with additional instrumentation and production is featured on the Martin Gore solo debut, “Counterfeit e.p”, from 1989.
7-inch one-sided flexi-disc – UK
BONG Magazine – no catalogue number (released in December 1987, available only with the first issue of the official Depeche Mode magazine, generic sleeve)
- A1 Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth 2:54
HAPPY CHRISTMAS 87 from Depeche Mode (Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth)
- written by Ron Mael
- produced by Depeche Mode and O’Reilly Marketing & Promotions
- highest chart position N/A
- 1987 Depeche Mode was Andrew Fletcher, David Gahan, Martin Gore, and Alan Wilder