From BZ editors
The keyboardist of the British cult band “Depeche Mode”, Andy Fletcher (60), is dead! The group announced this on Twitter and Instagram.
The band’s sympathy statement read: “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness at the untimely death 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 beer,” said his bandmates.
Depeche Mode in the early 80s: Andrew Fletcher (left to right), Martin L. Gore, Dave Gahan and Alan Wilder Photo: picture alliance / Avalon/Retna
Andy Fletcher formed the synth-pop band Depeche Mode in 1980 with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore. With hits like “Enjoy The Silence”, “Personal Jesus” and “Just Can’t Get Enough” the Brits achieved world fame.
The band named The Velvet Underground, Kraftwerk and David Bowie († 69) as influences for Depeche Mode’s characteristic style. In 2017, the last Depeche Mode album to date, the title “Spirit”, was released.
On Instagram, the fans mourn their idol. A follower writes stunned: “I can’t believe my eyes while reading this. I hope that everyone in Andy’s family and circle of friends finds the strength now to deal with this unimaginable pain.”
The musician leaves behind a wife and two children.
