Who Was Andy Fletcher? Depeche Mode Keyboardist and Founder Dies Aged 60

Depeche Mode founder Andy Fletcher recently passed away due to natural causes. He became famous as a keyboard player and DJ but was a loving husband and father behind the scenes.

Depeche Mode recently announced the passing of Andy Fletcher, the band's founding member and keyboardist. Fletcher reportedly died from natural causes and was found in his residence.

Fletcher, who was 60 at the time of his death, found fame in the music industry with his British electronic band. Together, they released several singles that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"Fletch had a true heart of golf and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint," the members said of Fletcher. The late musician will undoubtedly be missed.

WHO WAS ANDY FLETCHER?

Born in Nottingham, England, Fletcher formed his first band, Composition of Sound, with his schoolmates Martin Gore and Vince Clarke. They later added Dave Gahan and renamed themselves Depeche Mode. Clarke was later replaced by Alan Wilder, who left the band in 1995.

Although Fletcher was always involved with his group, he pursued a solo career as a DJ at times. He said of his stint as a DJ:

“I use about 50% vinyl, 50% CDs at the moment. I don't know what I'm going to do next, maybe a bit more computerized, I don't know, but it's been a normal setup.”

Unlike his other band members, Fletcher didn't sing or write music. He always appeared in performances, but his actual role was to manage the business side of things.

Many public figures and fans paid tribute to Fletcher after his death and revealed that his passing saddened them.

Fletcher was at home with his wife and kids when he was not on stage and managing his band. In 1993, the musician married Grainne Mullan after five years of dating. Together they had two kids, Joe and Megan, who survived Fletcher.

HOW THE WORLD OF MUSIC REACTED TO ANDY FLETCHER'S DEATH

Many public figures and fans paid tribute to Fletcher after his death and revealed that his passing saddened them. Alison Moyet wrote on Twitter:

“I have just heard the news. Since we were 10. Same estate. Class mates to label mates. He who kept faith with all the old gang and they with him. It doesn't compute. Fletch. I have no words.”

Meanwhile, the Pet Shop Boys described the late artist as a "warm, friendly, and funny person" who was kind enough to share his wise thoughts about the music business.

Fletcher is not the only celebrity who passed away this month. On May 5, actor Mike Hagerty died at 67. Hagerty became famous in the '80s and has since continued his film and television industry career.

Hagerty is known for his role in "Friends," "Seinfeld," "The Goldbergs," "Cheers," "Murphy Brown," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy," "Family Ties," "Overboard," and "So I Married An Axe Murderer," among others. He will be remembered for his many roles and legacy in the entertainment industry.