Andy Fletcher, Depeche Mode’s keyboardist, died of a “aortic dissection” at the age of 60, the band revealed. Fletcher, known as “Fletch,” established the group in Basildon in 1980 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two years ago.
Following his death on May 26, the band said there had been an “outpouring of love” and it has been “incredible” to see how much he meant to everyone.
In an Instagram statement, Depeche Mode said: “As you may guess, it’s been a strange, sad, and disorienting few weeks for us here. But we have seen and felt all of your love and support, and we know Andy’s family has as well.
“A couple weeks ago we received the result from the medical examiners, which Andy’s family asked us to share with you now.
Andy suffered an aortic dissection while at home on May 26. So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering.”
The band said they had held a celebration of his life in London last week, describing it as a “beautiful ceremony and gathering with a few tears, but filled with the great memories of who Andy was, stories of all of our times together, and some good laughs”.
“Andy was celebrated in a room full of many of his friends and family, our immediate DM family, and so many people who have touched Andy’s and our lives throughout the years,” they said.
All being together was a very special way to remember Andy and see him off.
“So thank you for all of the love you’ve shown Andy and his family and friends over the last few weeks. It honestly means the world to all of us. Andy, you’ll be missed, but certainly not forgotten.”
Martin Gore and Dave Gahan, band members, signed off on the statement. An aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta’s inner layer. Fletcher was born in Nottingham and moved to Basildon as a young lad, where he created Depeche Mode with Gore and Vince Clarke. While Clarke left in the early 1980s, Fletcher remained with the band for its entire four-decade run, from its debut album Speak and Spell until 2017’s Spirit.
