Andrew Fletcher, keyboardist and founding member of British electronic band Depeche Mode, has died aged 60. A statement issued by the band on social media said: “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.” (Guardian)
The band went on to say in their statement: “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.”
Fletcher leaves behind a wife, Grainne, to whom he was married for almost 30 years, and two children, Megan and Joe.
He played on all of Depeche Mode’s studio albums, including Songs Of Faith And Devotion in 1993 and Ultra in 1997, which both reached No 1 in the album chart in the UK.
After releasing debut album Speak & Spell in 1981, Depeche Mode went on to become one of the biggest and most influential groups of the Eighties and early Nineties. Their hits included “Just Can’t Get Enough”, “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy The Silence”.
The band were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2020. (Independent)
