Depeche Mode’s Andy Fletcher has died

ByThe Colorado Sound

 

Andy “Fletch” Fletcher, founding member of Depeche Mode, has died at age 60. The band posted a statement on social media stating, “we are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend.” 

“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.” 

Fletcher was born in Nottingham, England in 1961.He and bandmates Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, and Vince Clarke founded Depeche Mode in 1980 and released their debut album Speak & Spell in 1981. Clarke left the band a year later (he formed Yazoo, a.k.a. Yaz, with Alison Moyet) and was replaced by Alan Wilder. Depeche Mode went on to record 14 studio albums, earn dozens of chart hits, and sell more than 100 million albums throughout their career. In 2020 the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Legendary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (Don’t Look Back, Monterey Pop) even shot a documentary on the band, 101, which followed a group of fans across the U.S. as Depeche Mode toured in support of their album Music for the Masses. 

 

The band’s statement does not mention a cause of death, but does ask for privacy in honor of Fletcher’s family. “Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”  

 

Tributes and remembrances from fans and colleagues are pouring in on social media in honor of Fletcher. 

 

 

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.