Electronic music pioneer, and foundational member of legendary new wave band Depeche Mode, Andy Fletcher reportedly passed away yesterday at the age of 60. As of yet, no details have been released on the cause of death, but the band have released a statement announcing the events. Tributes from many other artists including Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and Alison Moyet have been pouring in since the announcement was made last night. You can see the band’s statement below.
— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022
“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.” Writes the band, “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.”
After joining the band Composition Of Sounds in the last 70s, alongside Martin Gore and Vince Clarke, the group soon recruited singer Dave Gahan. Once the group underwent a name change and became Depeche Mode, the rest is history. The new wave movement has many names associated with it; Duran Duran, Talking Heads, New Order etc. – but not many had the staying power of Depeche Mode, who were still touring up until 2018 off the back of their 14th studio album Spirit. The album made it to no.5 in the UK charts, but throughout the group’s 4-decade career they had managed to bag not 1, but 2, no.1 albums with Ultra and Songs Of Faith And Devotion.
Synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys took to their socials once the news was released, “Fletch was a warm, friendly and funny person who loved electronic music and could also give sensible advice about the music business.”
Lol Tolhurst, known most famously as a founding member of The Cure, was once of the first to pay their respects, “I knew Andy and considered him a friend. We crossed many of the same pathways as younger men. My heart goes out to his family, bandmates, and DM fans.”
After the band’s 2018 tour concluded, their last great moment would be that of their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fletcher, Gahan, and Gore were joined by former bandmates Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder for the ceremony.
