Lhe loss is immense for the world of music. He was there, since the beginnings of the iconic alternative rock group, and participated in the 14 albums and in all the concerts for forty years. Founding member of Depeche Mode, Andy Fletch died at the age of 60, the members of the group announced on Thursday May 26. “We are shocked and filled with immense sadness at the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and band member,” said members of the British band formed in 1980 in Basildon, some 40 miles east London.
“Fletch had a real heart of gold”
Born in July 1961 in Nottingham, Andy Fletcher, nicknamed “Fletch”, was one of the keyboardists of the group, known for his hits like “Just Can’t Get Enough”. “Fletch had a real heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint,” the band members said. Depeche Mode has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Originally, the band included keyboardist and songwriter Vince Clarke, keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter Martin Gore, keyboardist Andy Fletcher, and vocalist and songwriter Dave Gahan. Vince Clarke left the band at the end of 1981 and was replaced two years later by Alan Wilder.
Depeche Mode’s latest studio album, Spirit, was released in 2017 and was followed by a tour of Europe and the Americas. Many artists, from pop to techno, now claim their influence.
Lol Tolhurst, drummer of The Cure, reacted to the announcement of the death of Andrew Fletcher by regretting this “very sad news”. “I knew Andy and considered him a friend. We crossed the same paths many times when we were younger,” he said. Carol Decker, lead singer of T’Pau, described Andrew Fletcher as “a lovely guy”, adding: “I send all my love to his friends, from family to band members. »