OBITUARY by Ian Woolley
Andrew ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, founder of 80’s band Depeche Mode has died…
Andrew Fletcher (left) with Depeche Mode pose for a portrait in New York in 2009
It was in 1980 when Andrew formed the synthesizer-based pop group in Basildon Essex along with Vince Clarke. The latter went on to form Erasure with Andy Bell.
Other members in Depeche Mode were Dave Gahan and Martin L. Gore and the band went on to have major chart success during the decade.
On Thursday evening the band announced: “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing 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 pint”.
“Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”
In all, Fletcher performed on all of their 14 studio albums, including the top 10 singles Just Can’t Get Enough, Enjoy The Silence and See You. In all, the quartet had 13 top ten hits (including remixes) to become one of the world’s best-selling groups.
When Vince Clarke left in 1982 early on in the band’s career to be replaced by Alan Wilder, the change didn’t affect their output.
In between performing and touring, Fletcher enjoyed a successful career as an international DJ and even launched his own label, Toast Hawaii, in 2002. In 2020, he and the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Fletcher is survived by his wife Grainne and their two children. No cause of death has been confirmed for the 60-year-old musician.