Depeche Mode
Andy “Fletch” Fletcher of Depeche Mode has passed away at the age of 60. The keyboardist was one of the three founding members of the veteran British rock band that had been a member from the start. After playing in different groups with fellow original members Vince Clarke and Martin Gore, the musicians teamed up with singer Dave Gahan to fully form Depeche Mode in 1980. Clarke left the band after their first album, but Depeche Mode went on to major success, mixing modern New Wave sounds with a dark goth sensibility and pop hooks. The band has scored numerous smash hits over the years, including “People Are People,” “Personal Jesus,” “Enoy the Silence,” “Just Can’t Get Enough” and “Never Let Me Down.”
Depeche Mode’s most recent album was 2017’s Spirit. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
The band’s statement reads, “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher. Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint. Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”
