Fans mourn the death of Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher from Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode fans are in shock with the announcement late yesterday that band member Andy Fletcher had died, aged only 60. No cause of death has been released.

In a statement, the band said:

“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy “Fletch” Fletcher.

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”.

A founding member of Depeche Mode, and keyboard (and bass) player, Fletch along with Martin Gore and Dave Gahan was one of the three original members still in the group. Their last album was 2017’s Spirit.

With the early departure of Vince Clark (in 1981) and Alan Wilder quitting in 1995, that now only leaves Gore and Gahan to fly the flag for Depeche Mode. With this devastating news, questions will be asked over the band’s future, although it’s true that Gore and Gahan come up with most of the material, these days.

In a dark Thursday, Yes drummer Alan White also passed away at the age of 72. In a six-decade career he had played with some greats, including two Beatles (John Lennon and George Harrison). White joined Yes in July 1972 and so was the longest continuously serving band member.

Rest in Peace Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher and Alan White (and Ray Liotta who also died yesterday aged 67).