How did Depeche Mode’s Andy Fletcher die?
Rock Hall of Fame musician Andy Fletcher, who was described as having a “heart of gold” has died at 60 years old.
Andrew Fletcher, keyboardist and founding member of British electronic band Depeche Mode, has died at the age of 60.
Fletcher’s bandmates took to social media on Thursday to announce his death, while Rolling Stone released that the cause of death was natural causes.
“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher,” the band said in a statement.
Fletcher had a “heart of gold”
“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.”
A member of Depeche Mode for over 40 years, Fletcher was considered a lot of different things: manager figure within the band, entrepreneur responsible for selling more than 100m records worldwide, and “the tall guy in the background, without whom this international corporation called Depeche Mode would never work,” as described by Fletcher himself in a 2003 interview.
The band was officially formed in 1980 by Fletcher, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Vince Clarke. Fletcher appeared on all 14 studio albums, from their 1981 debut “Speak & Spell” to their most recent LP, 2017′s “Spirit.”
Depeche Mode, Rock and Roll and their influence
Fletcher and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 for their original role in the synth-pop, new wave and electronic music movements. Depeche Mode also played a powerful role in heavy metal.
Fletcher leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Grainne, and two children, Megan and Joe.