Andrew John Leonard Fletcher (8 July 1961 – 26 May 2022), sometimes known as Fletch, was an English keyboard player, DJ and a founding member of the electronic band Depeche Mode. In 2020, Fletcher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Depeche Mode.
In the late 1970s, Fletcher and schoolmate Vince Clarke formed the short-lived band No Romance in China, in which Fletcher played bass guitar. In 1980, Fletcher met Martin Gore at the Van Gogh pub on Paycocke Road in Basildon. With Clarke, the trio, now all on synthesizer, formed another group called Composition of Sound. Clarke served as chief songwriter and also provided lead vocals until singer Dave Gahan was recruited into the band later that year, after which they adopted the name Depeche Mode at Gahan’s suggestion. Clarke left the group in late 1981, shortly after the release of their debut album Speak & Spell.
Their 1982 follow-up album, A Broken Frame, was recorded as a trio, with Gore taking over primary songwriting duties. Musician and producer Alan Wilder joined the band in late 1982 and the group continued as a quartet until Wilder’s departure in 1995. Since then, the core trio of Gahan, Gore and Fletcher have remained active, most recently with the release of their 2017 album Spirit and ensuing world tour.
Fletcher died on 26 May 2022, aged 60.
Thanks, Paul. This was a stinging surprise. Depeche is my favorite musical group. Fletch was the anchor that somehow kept Martin & Dave down to earth. I wish they would re-unite with Alan – the cornerstone of their best years. Some really well written words from my favorite Rolling Stone writer about Fletch, here: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/andy-fletcher-depeche-mode-tribute-1359330/
Depeche Mode was my favorite band back at the teenage years.
Their talent and unique music, influenced many artists in the 80s and still is. Fletcher was one of the main minds of their music, talented and low profiled, created great songs that sold so much, showing people’s appreciation. He’s gonna be missed! May he rest in peace!
The other day I was wondering if DM were over. Now this. Time moves on and paves over all eventually, so is this the end of DM? I hope not. Regardless, it is an end of an era, Fletch was a keystone player in the DM machine. No one makes music like DM did in the day, not even DM. Praise and thanks for the good times. Some of the best music ever made.
So very sad. I love Mode and this is a terrible loss for them.
Devastating. Thank you for posting here. I’m still without words.
I can’t breathe. I’m stunned.
“I don’t want to start any blasphemous rumors but I think that God’s got a sick sense of humor and when I die I expect to find Him laughing.”
I’m in disbelieve,it’s so shocking and tragic.It feels like the foundation of my house is permanently damaged.Thank you Fletch for all the cool music and wave on!
I’m getting to that age where musicians and other people I’ve admired are starting to be taken by age and illness, rather than “burning out before 27”. We all face it, but it is always sad.
Andy Fletcher is leading the crowd’s clapping, in that big jam in the sky.
Shocked !!!! I will miss him as hell…..thanks for the soundtrack of my life 😢😭……
”I don’t want to start any blasphemous rumors But I think that God’s Got a sick sense of humor And when I die I expect to find him laughing”
Very sad indeed.
Another gone too soon.
Way too soon and so very young.
RiP.
The music will live on forever.
🙁
I am so, so sad to hear this. Thank you for this great musical journey and being part of my 80s. Rest in peace, Andy.
hi paul,
very very sad news.
so sorry for his family and friends.
when ever someone so influential and
important passes away that had a big
impact on me, i feel it.
i will never forget his work, and his music
legacy will live on forever.
later
-1
Incredibly sad…R.I.P…..FLETCH FOREVER
I was so saddened to hear of Andy Fletcher’s death. Depeche Mode has always been a favorite of mine, and this really is devasting news. I’ve been recently listening to the band and other synth=pop favorites, so this really hurts.
Jef
OMG! So sad! What is going on? Vangelis last week, Liotta and Andy today! 🙁
I’ve found out that Alan White also passed away today :'(
Rest in Peace, Andy; so sad.
So sad! Far too young.
This is such terrible news. And he was only 60. I am just shocked. And Ray Liotta on the same day too.
Absolutely gutted.
oh my god so so sad news for me depeche mode is reallt one of my favorite band what the cause of death?
Just saw this come across my news feed…truly fills my heart with sadness. RIP Andy