5 things about the pianist and founder of Depeche Mode who died at the age of 60

5 things about the pianist Andy “Fletch” Fletcher the co-founder of electronic rock icon Depeche Mode, has died. Here’s what we know.

5 things about the pianist Gothic, punk, new wave, rock, and electro fans united in mourning Thursday after Depeche Mode announced that its co-founder, pianist Andy Fletcher, had died. “We are shocked also saddened by the untimely passing of our friend, family member, and colleague, Andy Fletcher Fletcher. The group said in a statement posted to their social media accounts.

“Fletch is truly a heart of gold and is always there when you need support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold cup of tea.”

“Our hearts are with his family, also we ask that you think of them and respect their privacy at this difficult time,” the statement said. No cause of death and other details were given. The sudden loss of such an influential musician sparked a wave of grief online. Here’s what you need to know about it.

Born in Nottingham in 1961, Andy moved to Basildon, joining classmates Vince Clark and Martin Gore to form Sound Composition. With the addition of vocalist Dave Gahan, the band changed its name to Depeche Mode. Clark left the band following the band’s 1981 debut album Speak & Spell and was replaced by Alan Wilder, who would leave the band in 1995.

In 2020 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Depeche Mode was inducted into the Rock also Roll Hall of Fame class for 2020. Even though COVID prevented the band from traveling to Cleveland to receive the honor in person. They still managed to express their gratitude

Fletcher is the only member of Depeche Mode without a songwriting credit. According to Consequence, and he does not sing at concerts. He joked in 1989, “Martin was a songwriter. Allen was a good musician, Dave was the singer, and I was wrong. However, Fletcher later explained that the roles were more complex.

“The big man behind the scenes without whom this international company called Depeche Mode would never function,” he told Electronic Beats. “There’s a huge misconception that in guitar bands, real men work on real instruments night after night. While in synthesizer bands like Depeche Mode, nothing works because it’s all machines. But that’s bullshit.”