Depeche Mode keyboard player Andy Fletcher dies aged 60: Bandmates lead tributes to musician 'who was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint'

Legendary 1980s electronic band Depeche Mode announced the death of keyboardist Andy Fletcher, 60

Fletcher co-founded the group with singer Dave Gahan and Martin Gore as schoolboys in Basildon in 1980

They quickly scored success and hits included Enjoy The Silence, Personal Jesus and Just Can't Get Enough

The band scored 54 songs on the UK Singles Charts in their 40-year career and have continued to tour

Andy Fletcher, the co-founder and keyboardist of legendary electronic band Depeche Mode, has died at the age of 60, it has been announced.

The synth-pop group were one of the biggest draws of the 80s, with a stream of smash singles including 'Just Can't Get Enough', 'Enjoy the Silence' and 'Personal Jesus'.

In recent years, the band have continued to tour internationally as one of the most recognisable groups from the era.

In a statement tonight on Twitter, Depeche Mode said: 'We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness at the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher.

'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.

'Our hearts are with his family and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy at this difficult time.'

No cause of death was revealed by the band.Fletcher last hit the headlines last month when he fractured his wrist on holiday in Barcelona.

Tributes poured in for the musician from across the entertainment world.

The Cure co-founder Lol Tolhurst wrote: 'Very sad news today. Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode has passed. I knew Andy and considered him a friend. We crossed many of the same pathways as younger men . My heart goes out to his family, bandmates, and DM fans. RIP Fletch.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10858601/Depeche-Mode-keyboard-player-Andy-Fletcher-dies-aged-60.html