I am still shocked and saddened by the untimely passing yesterday of Depeche Mode founding member and keyboardist Andy Fletcher. My thoughts go out to Fletch’s family, to Dave and Martin, and to all DM fans worldwide.
By all accounts, Fletch was a thoughtful, kind, and incredibly humble individual who served as the glue that held Depeche Mode together through its toughest times. Perhaps his most famous quote: “Martin’s the songwriter, Alan’s the good musician, Dave’s the vocalist… and I bum around.”
Many of the synthpop bands I follow are paying tribute to Fletch online, so I thought it would be nice to compile some of them as a testament to his legacy.
Alan Wilder/Recoil: “A real bolt from the blue to hear about former Depeche Mode colleague Andy Fletcher yesterday. My thoughts and condolences are with his wife Grainne and all the family at this distressing time. RIP ‘Fletch’.”
Pet Shop Boys: “We’re saddened and shocked that Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode has died. Fletch was a warm, friendly and funny person who loved electronic music and could also give sensible advice about the music business. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends and to Dave Gahan and Martin Gore. Neil & Chris xx”
VNV Nation: “Farewell Andy Fletcher. The first time I met him was after a show on Mode’s Broken Frame tour in Dublin in 1982. I asked him about his Moog Source and he chuckled about the problems he’d had with it. He was nice to me and good to all the fans there, even while being the quiet one. To have gone on to take the role of glue in an entity-unto-itself like Mode is no mean feat. Mode’s continuation, despite all the internal problems it faced, is a testament to him. Reading the glowing heartfelt comments from diverse musical icons is an accolade in itself. Rest well, Fletch.”
Gary Numan: “We had an amazing show tonight in Amsterdam. Huge thanks to all of you that came out to see us. But, shocked and saddened to hear about Fletch when we can off stage. Lots of love to the DM family.”
The Smashing Pumpkins: “SP is saddened to learn about the passing of the legendary and inspirational Andrew Fletcher of Depeche Mode. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this difficult time.”
Soft Cell: “We are so sad to hear about the passing of Andy Fletcher. Depeche Mode and Soft Cell will forever be part of each other’s early histories and genre-defining the early 80’s. What a band, and what a success story. We send our love to Dave, Martin, Daniel and all the Depeche Mode team. SCHQ”
Blancmange: “RIP – Andy Fletcher. Very sad news. I have great memories of times we shared all those decades ago. On tour I never won a single game of chess against him. Before either of us signed record deals we both worked at London Bridge. me under that railway arch as a graphic designer and he in a suit, at a solicitors I think, or may be an accountants. I’d quite often bump into him, each of us doing a double take to process the sight of each other not standing on some tiny stage next to synths and tape machines. A lovely man. A gentleman.”
BlakLight: “RIP Fletch… We are deeply saddened by the passing of Andy Fletcher… We wouldn’t be the people we are today without Depeche Mode. Thank you Andy.”
Cold Connection: “We are completely heartbroken and devastated over the tragic news that Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode has passed away 😢 Our thoughts go out to Andys family, Martin and Dave in this difficult time. 🖤”
Piston Damp: “A truly great man has left us. We are totally shocked and in disbelief. Thanks dear Andy. See you on the other side.”
Daniel Myer: “the reason I looked like I did back in 86-88 was this poster and the video for shake the disease. whatever he meant for the band in the last 30 years, I don’t really care, because the band meant not much for me musically in this time, but it was and probably is the most important band in my life. it shaped me and my understanding of music. rest in peace, mr. fletcher!”
Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark: “Thank you to all who came to The Greek Theatre tonight. What a beautiful way to end our tour and celebrate music in remembrance of Fletch. We danced like it was The Rose Bowl in 1988!”