Andy Fletcher, keyboardist for iconic English synthpop group Depeche Mode, has passed away age 60.
Fletcher was one of the three core members of the group along with Martin Gore and frontman Dave Gahan, and had played and all of the bands albums, including their most recent album, 2017's 'Spirit'.
In a statement posted on the bands Twitter account on Thursday night, the group announced the passing of Fletcher.
The group said they were "shocked and filed with sadness" at the passing of Fletcher, and referred to his passing as "untimely".
Dubbing him as someone with "a heart of gold," the statement read that Fletcher 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 in this difficult time."
Fletcher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame with the group in 2020, and is perhaps best known for his world-famous keyboard riff for the groups 1981 hit 'Just Can't Get Enough'.
Depeche Mode have sold over 100 million albums worldwide since releasing their first album 'Speak and Spell' in 1981, and have enjoyed massive worldwide hits with the likes of 'Enjoy The Silence', 'I Feel You', and 'Personal Jesus'.
The group became famous for their striking music videos directed by Dutchman Anton Corbijn, who later went on to work extensively with U2 in their 'Achtung Baby' era.
