A statement released by the band on social media states: “We are shocked and filled with great sadness at the premature departure of our dear friend, family member and teammate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.”
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“Fletch had a real heart of gold and was there whenever you needed support, lively conversation, good fun or a cold beer – please think of his family and respect their privacy at this difficult time.” The cause of death was not announced.
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Fletcher was nicknamed Fletch throughout his career. Born in Nottingham in 1961, he moved to Basildon, where he co-founded Composition Of Sound with Martin Gor and Vince Clark in the late 1970s. After the reception of the singer Dave Gahan, they changed their name to Depeche Mode and the quartet became famous for hits such as New Life or Just Can’t Get Enough.
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Fletcher himself never participated in the creation of Depeche Mode songs. He was also the only member of the band who did not sing.
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After the departure of Clarke, who founded Yazoo and subsequently Erasure, Gore became the main composer. Only after the addition of Alan Wilder was the band a huge international success with the songs Personal Jesus, Enjoy The Silence and I Feel You. It took place at the turn of the 80’s and 90’s.
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In 2020, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to Depeche Mode, Fletcher devoted himself to music in a more “behind the scenes role”, he founded Toast Hawaii. He also occasionally performed as a DJ.
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In the practical sense of the word, Fletcher also held the role of band manager and was often the member of the band who spoke most to journalists and made statements. During Fletcher’s work in the band Depeche Mode, they sold more than 100 million records worldwide. 54 of their songs placed on the UK Singles Chart.
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