Pet Shop Boys, Alison Moyet and Lol Tolhurst of The Cure have led tributes to Depeche Mode keyboard player Andy Fletcher following his death at the age of 60.
In a statement released on Thursday night on Twitter, the band 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,"
A founding member of the band, who have hits including Enjoy The Silence, Just Can't Get Enough and Personal Jesus, Fletcher had been making music since the 1970s.
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.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) May 26, 2022
We're saddened and shocked that Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode has died. Fletch was a warm, friendly and funny person who loved electronic music and could also give sensible advice about the music business. pic.twitter.com/tOMQaeaFoc
— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) May 26, 2022
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. #andyfletcher
— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) May 26, 2022
— Erasure (Official) (@erasureinfo) May 26, 2022
We had an amazing show tonight in Amsterdam. Huge thanks to all of you that came out to see us. But, shocked and saddened to hear about Fletch when we can off stage. Lots of love to the DM family 😪😪
— Gary Numan (@numanofficial) May 26, 2022
Awful news. My heart goes out to his poor family. First saw Depeche in 1980 at Crocs in Basildon and they were so impressive I was immediately envious. Andy was such a nice man on the occasions that I met him. Love and sympathy to all who knew him. @depechemode #AndyFletcherRIP pic.twitter.com/ilRcvuf1mK
— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) May 27, 2022
Tonight we are celebrating selling out The Greek Theatre in LA but it will be touched by a great sadness as all of us say farewell to Andy Fletcher from Depeche Mode. A beautiful person in an amazing band. We send alll our love to his family.
— Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (@OfficialOMD) May 26, 2022
