Frank Tovey

Frank Tovey (8 September 1956 – 3 April 2002) was a British electronic musician who, performing as Fad Gadget, became the first artist signed to Mute Records in 1979, releasing the debut single Back to Nature. His studio albums Fireside Favourites (1980), Incontinent (1981), Under the Flag (1982), and Gag (1984) combined synth-pop with post-punk and industrial influences, treating subjects of alienation and social decay with dark wit. His live performances were known for physical provocation and theatrical intensity. He is widely cited as a foundational figure in industrial pop and electronic body music, with Depeche Mode among the acts who acknowledged his direct influence.