On May 26, the information took everyone by surprise. Andrew Fletcher, founding member of Depeche Mode was no longer. The keyboardist died at the age of only 60, leaving fans speechless. The one who defined himself as the “useless musician” – he did not write the texts and did not sign the music of the group – was however a crucial link in the formation of Basildon. With Vince Clarck, he co-founded Composition of Sound, prefiguration of Depeche Mode which will take its final name with the arrival of Martin Gore and Dave Gahan. It was also he who, when Depeche Mode was in turmoil, with the singer’s addictions and suicidal thoughts in particular, allowed the ship to stay afloat. He is the only one of the band not to have fallen into alcohol and/or drugs.
Andrew Fletcher’s death announcement did not mention the reasons for his death. It was only this week that they were revealed, a month following his disappearance. In a press release validated by the keyboardist’s family and shared by Dave Gahan and Martin Gore on social networks, they reveal that their comrade died of so-called natural death. “A few weeks ago we received the result from the medical examiners, which Andy’s family asked us to share with you. Andy suffered an aortic dissection at his home on May 26. Although it was much too soon, he passed away naturally and without prolonged suffering.”
In their message, they specify that a ceremony took place last week in London during which he was honored. A ceremony “with a few tears, but filled with great memories of Andy, stories of our time together and some good laughs. […] Andy was celebrated by a room full of his friends and family, our close Depeche Mode family and so many people who have touched Andy over the years. Being together was a special way of remembering Andy and seeing him go. […] Andy, you will be missed but you will not be forgotten.”
Nothing on the other hand on the future of Depeche Mode. Will Dave Gahan and Martin Gore continue the adventure together?