Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher has died at the age of 60

Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher has died aged 60.

The musician’s death was confirmed by the band in a statement, with the group saying they were “shocked” by his death.

Fletcher has been a member of Depeche Mode since its inception in the 1980s and has since been lauded for his influence on the music industry.

Here’s everything you need to know about his life and career.

In a statement released by Dpeeche Mode, the band confirmed the keyboardist’s death.

It said: “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness at the untimely death 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 think of them and respect their privacy at this difficult time.”

The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

The musician’s death has hit the music industry hard, and members of the Sphere come out to pay tribute to Fletcher.

Lol Tolhurst, drummer for rock bank The Cure, said: “Very sad news today. Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode has died.

“I knew Andy and considered him a friend. We’ve crossed many of the same paths as younger men.

“My heart goes out to his family, bandmates and DM fans. RIP Fletch.”

Carole Decker, lead singer of the band T’Pau, called Fletcher “a lovely guy” and added that Depeche Mode is “one of my absolute favorite bands”.

Andy “Fletch” Fletcher was born in Nottingham in July 1961.

In 1977, Fletcher teamed up with schoolmate Vince Clarke to form a band called No Romance in China. He played bass guitar in the band, which was inspired by the rock band The Cure.

Several band incarnations featuring Clarke followed before the pair joined forces with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore to form Composition of Sound. In 1980, the trio renamed the band Depeche Mode after being inspired by a French fashion magazine.

The band soon found success and in December 1980 released their first single “Dreaming of Me” to critical acclaim and an encouraging position on the charts.

Shortly thereafter, the group produced one of the band’s most celebrated singles, “Just Can’t Get Enough,” which became Depeche Mode’s first Top 10 hit.

The band has remained active since its inception, with line-up changes over the past 40 years.

One of the most successful British bands, Depeche Mode have charted 54 singles in the country since their inception, including “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus”.

The group’s most recent line-up included founding members Gahan, Fletcher and Gore.