Depeche Mode announced the death of Andy Fletcher, seen on stage in Hanover, Germany in 2017.
(CNN) --
Andy Fletcher, keyboardist and founding member of Depeche Mode, has died, the band reported on its official social media channels.
He was 60 years old.
"We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness at the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher," the band said in a statement posted on Instagram and Twitter on Thursday.
"Fletch had a true heart of gold and he was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint."
The band added: "Our hearts go out to his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy at this difficult time."
Grammy Awards 2022 winners: complete list by category
The announcement did not specify the cause of death.
The British electronic music band was officially founded in 1980 by Fletcher, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Vince Clarke.
Fletcher remained a member of the band for more than 40 years, appearing on all 14 studio albums, from their 1981 debut "Speak & Spell" to 2017's "Spirit."
advertising
Considered pioneers of synth-pop, electronica, and new wave, the band, including former members Clarke and Alan Wilder, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Their hits include "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence" from the 1990 album "Violator".
PHOTOS |
Celebrities who have died in 2022
Tributes to Fletcher began pouring in shortly after the band's announcement of his death.
The band Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark tweeted that their Thursday night concert "will be played by great sadness as we all say goodbye to Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode. A beautiful person in an amazing band."
"I knew Andy and considered him a friend. We crossed many of the same paths as younger men," Lol Tolhurst, a founding member of The Cure, tweeted.
"My heart goes out to his family, bandmates and fans of DM. RIP Fletch."