Andy “Fletch” Fletcher, a founding member of the English electronic band Depeche Mode, is dead at 60.
The band took to their official Twitter account to announce the heartbreaking news Thursday.
“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher,” the statement read. “Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint.”
They said their “hearts are with his family” and asked to give the family privacy during their time of grieving.
Formed in 1980, five-time Grammy-nominated Depeche Mode was created by bandmates Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Fletcher in Basildon in the UK. The band, according to a 2009 Billboard feature, had sold more than 100 million records at the time, while reaching millions of people on tour and releasing 17 albums.
In 2020, the trio was inducted as a band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fans quickly expressed reacted to the loss on Twitter.
“Depeche Mode means so much to me and has helped me through a lot this year, thank you Andy Fletcher for making the music you did,” one user wrote.
“My mum got me into Depeche Mode’s music when I was about 3/4 years old and even through tough times and after her passing the music has been that connection for me and that link we have in common,” another shared.
“I’m so gutted. I’m heartbroken,” another said.
“I am numb,” one stated.
