FILE IMAGE: Martin Gore, left, and Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode pose for a photo to promote their new album 'Spirit' Photo: John Carucci/Reuters
DEPECHE Mode's Andy Fletcher has died aged 60.
The keyboardist and founding member - who was born in Nottingham and moved to Basildon in the 70s - of the 80s band has passed away
In a joint statement posted to Twitter, his bandmates Dave Gahan and Martin Gore said: “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.
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The “Just Can’t Get Enough” hitmakers said Andy - who was known as Fletch -“had a true heart of gold” and was “always” a great friend.
The statement continued: “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.
The “Enjoy the Silence” musicians offered their “hearts” to the touring DJ’s family - which includes his wife Grainne Mullan and their two children, Meghan and Joe - and asked fans to “keep them in their thoughts” while giving them space to grieve.
They said: “Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”
In a 2017 interview with The Skinny, Fletch mused it was the “electricity” between him and the rest of the band that made their work great.
He said: “Martin and Dave live in the US and I live here, but it doesn’t really affect our relationships. Me and Martin are very close. Dave is more like a brother to me – if that makes sense.
“But what makes bands better than solo artists is the electricity that’s generated. Sometimes a band can’t stand each other but that electricity makes for great music.
“It’s the same with Depeche Mode; we have moments where we don’t like each other, and moments when we love each other. It’s the electricity that’s generated between us all that produces the good music.”