![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57qxtKnKrfpUe5I4QLj22gj6BtdODU-D89pBw0PlObSGBF0LwtVJ6zh4nuG0TO9WwuOvmVZNS_enwr-yngP1zvlbx2iRgINk23XzS0wom2Bh_sFJS59sUnt2yyy6uGLNZjLK0dOTx4siV/s320/vince+clarke.jpg)
After the release of their first studio album, 1981's "Speak & Spell", Vince announced his departure from the group and Martin took over as chief songwriter.
From 1982 - 1983 he teamed up with fellow Basildon resident Alison 'Alf' Moyet to form Yazoo ('Yaz' in the US) and from 1985 to the present day, he has been a member of Erasure, alongside Andy Bell.
He currently resides in the US with his wife Tracy and their son, Oscar.