Depeche Mode's Andy Fletcher Dead at 60

Founding member and keyboardist of Depeche Mode Andy Fletcher died today at the age of 60. The cause of death was not disclosed.

On Twitter, the band wrote:

We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher. 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. Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.

Andy Fletcher was born on the 8th of July 1961 in Nottingham, England. In 1977, he and his schoolmate Vince Clarke formed a band called No Romance in China, the embryo that would later become Depeche Mode.

Clarke left Depeche Mode in late 1981, shortly after the release of their debut album, Speak & Spell. Andy Fletcher remained in the band, alongside Martin Gore and Dave Gahan, until his death.