Andy “Fletch” Fletcher, the co-founder and keyboardist for the British band, Depeche Mode, has died at age 60. The May 26, 2022, news was shared by the electronic group on their social media accounts. His death was attributed to natural causes. On June 27, the band shared that suffered an aortic dissection while at home. [Even] though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering.”
“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher,” read the initial statement on May 26.
“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.”
One of the most influential and best-selling musical acts of all time, Depeche Mode have sold over 100 million records and played live to more than 30 million fans worldwide. Formed in 1980 by Martin Gore, Dave Gahan, Vince Clarke, and Fletcher, Depeche Mode have continued to win critical and commercial acclaim around the world both in the studio and on the road, with many artists citing them as inspirations and innovators. The band’s 14 studio albums have reached the Top Ten in over 20 countries. They completed their most recent outing, the hugely successful “Global Spirit” tour in 2018 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
In the June 27, 2022, update, Gore and Gahan wrote, “We wanted to take a moment and acknowledge the outpouring of love for Andy that we’ve seen from all of you over the last few weeks.
“We had a celebration of Andy’s life in London last week, which was a beautiful ceremony and gathering with a few tears, but filled with the great memories of who Andy was, stories of all of our times together, and some good laughs. Andy was celebrated in a room full of many of his friends and family, our immediate DM family, and so many people who have touched Andy’s and our lives throughout the years. All being together was a very special way to remember Andy and see him off.”
Fletcher was born July 8, 1961, in Nottingham, U.K. He originally teamed with schoolmate Clarke in the late ’70s to form a short-lived group. In 1980, the pair were joined by Gore to create an all-synth band, Composition of Sound. Clarke was also the lead vocalist until they recruited Gahan and changed their name to Depeche Mode.
Clarke left the group not long after the release of their debut album, Speak & Spell. The LP was a solid success in the U.K., yielding three singles including one that reached the Top 10 there, “Just Can’t Get Enough.”
Related: The song is included in our feature, 13 Timeless Early ’80s British Earworms
[Clarke formed a duo, Yazoo, with singer Alison Moyet, before ultimately forming the synth-pop band, Erasure.]
Depeche Mode has earned a total of 16 Top 20 hits in their native U.K. Their biggest U.S. single was 1983’s “People Are People.” By 1990, America finally caught up with the rest of the world as the group scored a series of Top 10 albums stateside.
Related: Musicians and other celebrities we’ve lost in 2022
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