Posted by Andrew Unterberger on 11/27/2012 at 2:02 PM News

The Popdust Files: depeche mode, feuds, simon cowell, x-factor

It doesn’t quite have the fireworks or the star power of Nicki Minaj calling Steven Tyler racist for his criticism of her projected judging technique, but it’s arguably funnier. Bombs were recently lobbed at reality show magnate and  X Factor judge Simon Cowell, courtesy of Martin Gore, principal songwriter and occasional singer of legendary UK synth-pop outfit Depeche Mode. ”I’m not advocating violence, but I think somebody should shoot Simon Cowell,” Gore said in a Music Week interview. “His influence in the music industry over the last God knows how many years it’s been now…. It’s just been like, so many people think that’s what music is. What happened to bands getting together?”

Calling for gunplay retribution against one of the most powerful men in show business will undoubtedly catch somebody’s attention, and eventually, the news caught up to Simon. The judge tweeted in response today:

I read Martin gore wants to shootme. He was is in depeche mode. Do you realise how weird and stupid that makes you. Go and watch the news.

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) November 26, 2012

Why I am angry about weirdo gore is a ton of people have got shot this year and people.like weirdo gore encourage this.

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) November 26, 2012

The points about gun violence are well-heeded—though if anyone is actively encouraged towards violent activity by offhand Martin Gore comments, our society really is in serious trouble—but c’mon, Simon. Did you write “Enjoy the Silence?” “Personal Jesus?” “Everything Counts?” No? Well, then, show some respect to your would-be assailant. There’s nothing weird and stupid about being the artistic director of one of the most important goth-y alternative rock/pop bands of the last 30 years. (OK, maybe a couple things weird, but nix on the stupid.) Maybe it’s you that needs to go and watch the news, eh?

[E!]