We have the sad news of reporting that Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher has died at the age of 60. He is known for his skill on the keyboard and is the co-founder of Depeche Mode, a new waveband.
His death was announced on social media by his bandmates. It was then confirmed by Rolling Stone. Fletch died of natural causes.
Rolling Stone stated: “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. 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.”
— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022
Depeche Mode was founded in 1980 and put out their first album, Speak and Spell in 1981. They have been playing since that time, with Fletcher with them including their most recent album, Spirit, which was released in 2017.
Other longtime members of the band, Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, along with former bandmates, Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder were inducted into the rock ‘n roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Fletcher was included with them.
In a 1990 interview with Rolling Stone, Fletcher said: “The beauty of using electronics is that music can now be made in your bedroom. You don’t need to get four people together in some warehouse to practice. You don’t have to have four excellent musicians fighting among themselves. You can do it in your bedroom, and it’s all down to ideas.”
There have often been jokes about Fletcher’s position in the band. He admits that Gahan is the frontman and Gore is the songwriter, but in his words, he just bums around.
Of course, we all realize that he made many contributions to the music that we appreciated. One of the highlights of his career is the fact that he played on all 14 of their studio albums and was with them through concerts that are difficult to count.
Fletcher was also the person who cast the tie-breaking vote if Gore and Gahan could not agree on something.
In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone France, Fletcher said: “Most of the time we sort of agree with each other. ut we also have this golden rule that if Martin, Dave or myself really is against something, we would agree with that [tiebreaker]… It’s a team thing.”
The Pet Shop Boys went on Twitter to speak about Fletcher. They said: “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.”
In a 2009 interview, Fletcher spoke about how he helped to shape the sound of the band. He said: “Within the band, I contribute the element of pop. (Gore), who writes most of the songs, loves American blues and country. And Dave has discovered jazz for himself. I, however, will probably eternally feel loyal to the simple pop melodies and the lightness they stand for.”
RIP Fletch.
Source: Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone France, Electronic Beats