Depeche Mode’s Andy Fletcher Dies at 60

Depeche Mode founding member Andy “Fletch” Fletcher has died, the band announced. “Fletch had a real coronary heart of gold and was all the time there once you wanted assist, a full of life dialog, an excellent snicker, or a chilly pint,” the members of Depeche Mode wrote in an announcement. “Our hearts are along with his household, and we ask that you simply preserve them in your ideas and respect their privateness on this troublesome time.” A supply near the band tells Pitchfork that Fletcher died of pure causes. The musician was 60 years previous.

Fletcher was born in 1961 in Nottingham, England. His household moved to Basildon, the place he befriended Vince Clarke. The pair fashioned a band referred to as No Romance in China. Fletcher and Clarke began a brand new mission, Composition of Sound, after assembly Martin Gore. They modified their identify to Depeche Mode in 1980 after the addition of Dave Gahan. Depeche Mode launched their debut album, Converse & Spell, in 1981. It featured the singles “Dreaming of Me,” “New Life,” and “Simply Can’t Get Sufficient.” Later that yr, Clarke departed the band. The band posted an commercial for a substitute, which led to the addition of Alan Wilder.

Depeche Mode had their first worldwide hit with 1984’s “Individuals Are Individuals.” For the 1986 single “A Query in Time,” the band would collaborate on a music video with director Anton Corbijn, which might start an extended working relationship. Later, the ultimate leg of the band’s Music for the Lots tour could be became a 1989 album and live performance movie directed by D.A. Pennebaker.

In 2002, Fletcher launched his personal label, Toast Hawaii. The Mute Information imprint launched albums by the band Consumer. Fletcher additionally had a profession as a DJ. Depeche Mode had been inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame in 2020.