Sylvie Claire / May 27, 2022
The band Depeche Mode announced on social media the death of the bassist and co-founder of the group, Andy Fletcher. The musician died at the age of 60 years.
The music world is in mourning. The sad news was announced by the band Depeche Mode on its Instagram account. Andy Fletcher, known as 'Fletch', the band's co-founder and bassist, passed away this Thursday, May 26 at the age of 60. We are shocked and filled with infinite sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher, the band said on social media. Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when we needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint, it continued. Our hearts go out to his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time, they added. Married to Grainne Mullen since January 16, 1993, the musician leaves behind two children, Megan (31) and Joseph (27). According to Rolling Stones magazine, the causes of his death are natural.
Andy Fletcher was born in July 1961 in Nottingham. The British musician was a member of the band Depeche Mode for more than 40 years, from its formal formation in 1980 in Basildon, about 40 miles east of London, until the release of its most recent album in 2017, Spirit. The bassist played on all fourteen of the band's albums and was present on its tours until 2018. In 2020, Depeche Mode was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its pioneering role in the synth-pop, new wave and electronic music movements, Rolling Stones recalls.
Depeche Mode is best known for its hits Just Can't Get Enough and Enjoy the Silence. The band originally included keyboardist and songwriter Vince Clarke, keyboardist, singer and songwriter Martin Gore, singer and songwriter Dave Gahan and Andy Fletcher. Vince Clarke left the band in late 1981 and was replaced two years later by Alan Wilder. Their albums sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. The announcement of the death of the musician has plunged into sadness the many fans of the group, who expressed their distress on Twitter.