Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher died unexpectedly - music world shocked

Created: 05/27/2022Updated: 05/27/2022 08:52

Andy Fletcher (left) was only 60 years old.

The photo from 2016 shows him with frontman Dave Gahan (centre) and guitarist Martin Gore.

© Lena Klimkeit/dpa

"Fletch had a real heart of gold": This is how the pop band Depeche Mode pays tribute to its founding member Andy Fletcher.

The keyboard player died on Thursday.

He was only 60 years old.

LONDON - Keyboardist for British synth-pop band Depeche Mode, Andy Fletcher, has died at the age of 60.

"We are shocked and filled with immense sadness at the untimely death of our dear friend, family and band member Andy "Fletch" Fletcher," the band wrote on Twitter Thursday night.

There were no further details about his death.

Fletcher leaves behind his wife and two children.

Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher dead - 'He had a true heart of gold'

"Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a laugh or a cold beer," the band continued.

Hearts are with his family and we ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.

Death of Andy Fletcher plunges music world into mourning

The news of death caused great sadness among fans and colleagues.

Former The Cure drummer Lol Tolhurst wrote on Twitter that he thought Fletcher was a friend.

"We crossed many of the same paths as young men." And the Pet Shop Boys wrote on Facebook that they were sad and shocked.

"Fletch was a warm, friendly and funny person who loved electronic music and could also offer sound advice about the music business."

Fletcher, who was born in Nottingham, founded Depeche Mode in Basildon in 1980 with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore.

Depeche Mode rose to fame as part of the new wave scene with debut album Speak And Spell and hit single Just Can't Get Enough.

With pop classics like "Everything Counts", "Enjoy The Silence" or "Personal Jesus", which went far beyond the synth sound of other artists of their time, Depeche Mode became one of the world's most successful bands - with more than 100 million worldwide sound carrier sold.

Most recently, the album "Spirit" was released in 2017.

The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame two years ago.

Frontman Dave Gahan recently turned 60.