Depeche Mode star Andy Fletcher has passed away aged 60, his bandmates have confirmed.
The late keyboard player and DJ, also known as Fletch, was a founding member of the iconic 80s electropop group, who are famed for hits like Personal Jesus and Enjoy The Silence.
Depeche Mode took to Twitter on Thursday (May 26) to announce the sad news of his untimely passing – where they said they were “filled with overwhelming sadness”.
Andy’s devastated bandmates also said he had a “heart of gold” as they led emotional tributes to the musician online, whom they described as a “dear friend” and “family member”.
They wrote: “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy “Fletch” Fletcher.
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
“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.
The band concluded by asking the public to keep Andy’s family in their thoughts and to respect their privacy in such a difficult time.
The statement finished: “Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”
Fans of the band rushed to pay heartwarming tributes of their own to the keyboard player.
One wrote: “Rest in peace Fletch. You were part of the musical magic for over 40 years and it couldn’t have happened without you.”
A second said: “So sad to hear this. My favourite band. A founding member #RIP”
A third commented: “This hurts. A band I’ve grown up with – first seen in Canterbury in 1982, last seen at the London Stadium in June 2017. Just awful – no age at all. RIP.”
(Image: BPM)
A fourth added: “I’m in shock. I feel lucky to have seen you Live, clapping and dancing. Thanks for your contribution to music. Rest in peace Fletch.”
Fletch was entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Depeche Mode in 2020 – alongside fellow members Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and former members Alan Wilder and Vince Clarke.
As well as playing keyboards in the band, the multi-talented musician also played electric and synth bass.
(Image: Getty Images)
Fletcher also took on many of the band’s business and legal duties over the years as the band hasn’t always employed a full-time manager.
In a scene from 101, a documentary flick about the band, Fletcher quipped of his role: “Martin’s the songwriter, Alan’s the good musician, Dave’s the vocalist, and I bum around.”
Fletcher had kept Depeche Mode active with Gore and Gahan during the release of the band’s 2017 album, Spirit, which came with a world tour that saw the stars perform to 3 million fans.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
