Depeche Mode’s Andy Fletcher dies, aged 60

Andy Fletcher, keyboardist and founding member of pioneering British electronic music group Depeche Mode, has died aged 60.

The news was shared via Depeche Mode’s social media channels yesterday (26th), with the band writing that they were filled with “overwhelming sadness” at the untimely passing of their “dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher”. No cause of death was shared. 

The statement continued: “Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed a support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint.

“Our thoughts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy at this difficult time.”

Depeche Mode was formed by Fletcher, lead vocalist Dave Grahan, Martin Gore and Vince Clarke in 1980, and released their debut album, ‘Speak & Spell’, in 1981, before Clarke’s departure the same year.

To date, the group have had over 50 songs in the UK Singles Chart, including hits like ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’, ‘Personal Jesus’, ‘Enjoy The Silence’ and ‘Precious’, and 17 Top 10 albums in the UK chart. In 2020, the five-time Grammy nominated band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside The Notorious B.I.G., Nine Inch Nails and Whitney Houston. You can watch the group’s acceptance speech here. 

You can read the statement from Depeche Mode, and some of the other tributes left on social media to Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, below.