Andy Fletcher, co-founder of UK synth-pop masters, Depeche Mode, has died. He was 60 years old. The band, which now consists of just Martin Gore and Dave Gahan, announced the news on social media.
“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 wrote.
Fletcher co-founded Depeche Mode in 1980 with the band’s original chief songwriter and keyboardist, Vince Clarke. Clarke left after the band’s debut album, 1981’s Speak & Spell, whereupon Gore became the primary songwriter. Fletcher remained in Depeche Mode up until his death.
Depeche Mode were one of the biggest and most influential bands of the 1980s and 90s. Their fourth album, Some Great Reward, included the hit singles ‘People Are People’ and ‘Master And Servant’, and initiated a period of chart dominance for the Essex band.
Subsequent albums, Black Celebration (1986), Music For the Masses (1987), Violator (1990), and Songs Of Faith and Devotion (1993), gave rise to such hit songs as ‘Never Let Me Down Again’, ‘Personal Jesus’, ‘Policy of Truth’, and ‘Enjoy the Silence’.
Depeche Mode’s most recent album, Spirit, came out in March 2017. Gore, Gahan, and Fletcher last performed live as Depeche Mode in July 2018.
