Nottingham-born Andy Fletcher, of Depeche Mode, has died aged 60. The keyboardist's death was announced by the band on social media on Thursday (May 26) night.
“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher," the British electronic band said in a statement. Fletcher was born in Nottingham in 1961, before moving to Basildon, Essex.
It was there where in the late 1970s he formed the band Composition Of Sound alongside Martin Gore and Vince Clarke, before changing their name to Depeche Mode after the recruitment of of singer Dave Gahan. They went on to produce a string of 1980s chart hits.
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Depeche Mode continued in the 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 heart are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”
Fletcher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two years ago. Musicians paid fulsome tribute to Fletcher on social media following the announcement.
Lol Tolhurst of The Cure tweeted: "Very sad news today. Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode has passed.
"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. RIP Fletch."
Miles Hunt from The Wonder Stuff added: "My band had the great pleasure of playing with @depechemode many years ago. And a more welcoming, kind & encouraging bunch of people I could never have wished to meet.
"Sending much love to Andy Fletcher's nearest and dearest. X"
