“We are shocked and filled with immense sadness at the untimely passing of our dear friend, family and band member Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher,” the band wrote on Twitter. There was no further information about his death. Fletcher, who was considered to be particularly affable and warm-hearted, is survived by his wife and two children. The news of death caused grief among fans and colleagues.
Depeche Mode rose to fame as part of the New Wave scene in the 1980s with their debut album Speak And Spell and hit single Just Can’t Get Enough. With their unmistakable synthesizer sound and hits like “Everything Counts”, “Enjoy The Silence” or “Personal Jesus”, the group became one of the world’s most successful bands. They sold more than 100 million records, two years ago the band was inducted into the “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame”.
Never at the top of the chart
Fletcher, who was born in Nottingham, founded Depeche Mode with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore in the tranquil town of Basildon, Essex, east of London. Despite their success, the group never made it to the top of the singles chart. In her homeland she was always denied recognition as one of the biggest British bands. “Abroad they were perceived as very impressive and mysterious. At home, people often couldn’t hide the fact that they were these Essex synthesizer boys,” said British music journalist Dorian Lynskey.
Source: Nachrichten
