Andy Fletcher, founding member of British alternative rock band Depeche Mode, has died aged 60, the band announced on Thursday.
"
We are shocked and filled with immense sadness at the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and band member
," said the band, which formed in 1980 in Basildon, some 40 miles east. from London.
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Born July 1961 in Nottingham, Andy Fletcher, nicknamed '
Fletch
' was one of the band's keyboardists, known for hits like
Just Can't Get Enough
.
"
Fletch had a real heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint
," the band said.
Depeche Mode has sold over one hundred million records worldwide.
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Originally, the band included keyboardist and songwriter Vince Clarke, keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter Martin Gore, keyboardist Andy Fletcher, and vocalist and songwriter Dave Gahan.
Vince Clarke left the band at the end of 1981 and was replaced two years later by Alan Wilder.