Andy Fletcher, founding member of British group Depeche Mode, has died at the age of 60, the group announced on Thursday (May 26th).
"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 away. east of London.
pic.twitter.com/RlB7QM6ckW
— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022
Born in July 1961 in Nottingham, Andrew Fletcher, nicknamed "Fletch" was one of the band's keyboardists.
He leaves behind Grainne, his wife of 30 years, and two children, Megan and Joe.
"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," Depeche Mode said in a statement.
Pioneers of synthetic pop
Depeche Mode has sold over one hundred million records worldwide.
Among his greatest hits, "Just can't get enough", "Everything Counts", "Never Let Me Down Again", or "Walking in my Shoes".
Pioneers of synthetic pop in the early 1980s, they made this genre evolve until they freed themselves from it by opening up to guitars in the early 1990s. The group enjoyed immense success with the album "Violator". (1990), which notably includes the hits "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence".
Depeche Mode had debuted in the top 11 of the UK charts in June 1981 with their second single "New Life".
The band originally 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.
Depeche mode's latest studio album, "Spirit", was released in 2017, followed by a tour of Europe and the Americas.
Many artists, from pop to techno, now claim their influence.
With AFP
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