Andy Fletcher, founding member and keyboardist of Depeche Mode has died aged, 60. No cause of death has been shared at this time.
“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher,” Depeche Mode said today (May 26) in a 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 hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.” No cause of death has been made public at this time.”
— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022
Fletcher was a member of the beloved synth-pop group for more than four decades since the release of their debut album ‘Speak & Spell’ in 1981. The album included chart-topping hits, such as ‘Dreaming Of Me’ ‘New Life’ and ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’. The band had their first international hit in 1984 with ‘People Are People’.
In 2020, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with longtime bandmates, Dave Gahan and Martin Gore and former members Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder.
Many are sharing tributes online to the late keyboardist, with Roger O’Donnell of The Cure writing, “This is turning out to be a very bad day for Rock and Roll…. very very sad news.”
This is turning out to be a very bad day for Rock and Roll…. very very sad news
— Roger O'Donnell (@RogerODonnellX) May 26, 2022
“Gosh sad news for the mighty Depeche Mode,” Sister Bliss of Faithless said. “RIP Andy Fletcher keyboard warrior, gon way too soon.”
Gosh sad news for the mighty @depechemode RIP Andy Fletcher Keyboard warrior 🎹 gone way too soon. #DepecheMode
— sister bliss (@thesisterbliss) May 26, 2022
“Very sad news today,” Lol Tolhurst wrote. “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.” View more tributes below.
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.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) May 26, 2022
We’re saddened and shocked that Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode has died. Fletch was a warm, friendly and funny person who loved electronic music and could also give sensible advice about the music business. pic.twitter.com/tOMQaeaFoc
— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) May 26, 2022
I have just heard the news. Since we were 10. Same estate. Class mates to label mates. He who kept faith with all the old gang and they with him. It doesn’t compute. Fletch. I have no words. #andyfletcher
— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) May 26, 2022
— Erasure (Official) (@erasureinfo) May 26, 2022
ANDREW FLETCHER 1961-2022
A real bolt from the blue to hear about former Depeche Mode colleague Andy Fletcher yesterday. My thoughts and condolences are with his wife Grainne and all the family at this distressing time. RIP 'Fletch'. Alan Wilder #AndrewFletcher pic.twitter.com/issA6kbDy5
— Recoil / Alan Wilder (@recoilofficial) May 27, 2022
We had an amazing show tonight in Amsterdam. Huge thanks to all of you that came out to see us. But, shocked and saddened to hear about Fletch when we can off stage. Lots of love to the DM family 😪😪
— Gary Numan (@numanofficial) May 26, 2022
The unsung hero of one of our best ever acts… the times I met him he was a true music fan and so interested in what you were up to too… RIP Fletch @depechemode 💔 https://t.co/IYkhToUide
— Rob da Bank (@RobdaBank) May 27, 2022
Awful news. My heart goes out to his poor family. First saw Depeche in 1980 at Crocs in Basildon and they were so impressive I was immediately envious. Andy was such a nice man on the occasions that I met him. Love and sympathy to all who knew him. @depechemode #AndyFletcherRIP pic.twitter.com/ilRcvuf1mK
— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) May 27, 2022
Tonight we are celebrating selling out The Greek Theatre in LA but it will be touched by a great sadness as all of us say farewell to Andy Fletcher from Depeche Mode. A beautiful person in an amazing band. We send alll our love to his family.
— Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (@OfficialOMD) May 26, 2022
R.I.P. Andy "Fletch" Fletcher 💔
The sound of Depeche Mode lives on forever xhttps://t.co/KRDVet0lTO— The Anchoress (@The_Anchoress) May 27, 2022