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.”
The band went on to say “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 heart are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”
Known mostly during his career by his nickname “Fletch”, Fletcher was born in 1961 in Nottingham, and moved to Basildon where in the late 1970s he formed the band Composition Of Sound alongside Martin Gore and Vince Clarke. With the recruitment of singer Dave Gahan they changed their name to Depeche Mode, and the quartet went on to enjoy chart hits including New Life and Just Can’t Get Enough.
With the departure of Clarke, who went on to form Yazoo and then Erasure, Gore went on to become chief songwriter, and with the addition of Alan Wilder to the line-up the band enjoyed huge international success in the late 80s and early 90s with songs such as Personal Jesus, Enjoy The Silence and I Feel You.
The band were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2020.
More to follow …