What’s next for Depeche Mode?

“We are shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher” — with these words Depeche Mode announced the surprising passing of their band member Andy Fletcher, who died unexpectedly at the age of 60.

“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,” the band continues. But what’s next for the band, whose history was also inextricably linked to that of their keyboardist?

Andy Fletcher’s role in the band

While Fletcher was instrumental in founding Depeche Mode, he made the smallest contribution creatively and musically of any member. He doesn’t have a single songwriting credit — for which he’s often been criticized. Fletcher himself saw his role as realistic — and once told documentary filmmaker DA Pennebaker with a wink: “Martin is the songwriter, Alan is the good musician, Dave is the singer and I’m dawdling around.” belittle a band member. Fletcher’s death is a blow to the band. From a purely creative point of view, nothing should stand in the way of the band continuing to exist as long as Dave Gahan and Martin Gore are willing to do so.

Information about the new album

The band’s last album, “Spirit”, was released in 2017. Since then, fans have been waiting for a new long player. In June 2020, Slovak fansite Depechemode.sk reported that the band was already working on material for a new album. They called upon radio DJ and band connoisseur Richard Blade and producer and songwriter Peter Gordeno, who is not only a close friend of the group but also their live keyboardist. It was reported at the time that the work was being done in two teams — Gore alone in his home studio, Gahan in New York City, and in collaboration with drummer Christian Eigner and Gordeno. Whether Fletcher was involved is not known. Since then, however, not much has happened — at least not officially: we are still a long way off from making any news.

Dave Gahan on the end of the band

In November 2021, Dave Gahan had commented on the possible end of the band. “I’ve definitely thought about it. I thought about it a lot during the last tour with Depeche Mode. Not because I didn’t enjoy it. I had a great time on stage. But I want to look at the band at some point and just leave it at that – we’ve had these great performances, recorded these great albums. It all stands for itself,” the page “Retropop” quoted the singer at the time. However, he himself does not know when this will happen.

Conclusion

As tragic as Andy Fletcher’s unexpected death is, Depeche Mode is unlikely to throw in the towel. Let’s hope we get to enjoy the Spirit’s sequel soon — after all, that would be the best way to commemorate Andy Fletcher.