Meaning: The Celtic cross represents the religious views of the singer. The second tattoo of the cross piercing the heart, burning up in flames is a tattoo of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the symbol of, “God’s boundless and passionate love for mankind”

5. Flower Tattoo

Tattoo: The left shoulder of the singer contains a tattoo of a small flower along with leaves. The tattoo was later covered up with the Celtic cross.

6. ‘Eagle’ Tattoo

Tattoo: The upper side of his right forearm, just below his elbow contains a tattoo of an eagle. Below the eagle is a banner with the name, “DAVE” tattooed inside it.

Meaning: Dave’s real name was David Callcott. But due to his father being absent, he changed his name to Dave Gahan which was the last name of his father-figure. So he got this tattoo on his arm for his change in life.

7. ‘Snake’ Tattoo

Tattoo: The right shoulder of the singer contains a large tattoo of a snake. The snake is hissing with its mouth open and is climbing its way up a flower and a vine.

8. ‘Letters’ Tattoo

Tattoo: The lower side of his right wrist contains a tattoo of the letters, “JJSR” on it.

Meaning: The letters on his wrist stand for the names, Jack, Jimmy, Stella, and Rose.

9. Bird Tattoo

Tattoo: The latest of the singer’s tattoos is one on his right arm. The lower side of his right forearm contains a tattoo of a small swallow bird. There are also two banners tattooed below the swallow that read, “JENNIFER FOREVER”

Meaning: David got this tattoo to his love for his spouse, Jennifer Sklias-Gahan. They have been happily married since 1999.

Back Tattoos

10. ‘Back’ Tattoo

Tattoo: The back of the singer is covered by a very large tattoo design. The design is in the shape of an inverted triangle. There are two snakes that start at the bottom and make a loop on each side, before facing each other in the mid of his back. There are several patterns made out of lines, both light and dark, along with nets around both the snakes which complete his back tattoo.