Andy Fletcher (Depeche Mode) RIP

This is indeed sad news as demonstrated by the comments posted on here beyond the usual RIP..

Only ever seen DM live once but have been a fan since the 80s.

I've also been to the Depeche Mode bar in Tallinn with the Violator carpet. Hopefully they're having a few beers for Fletch in there tonight. 

bazjonster said:

RedRedRoosta said:

bazjonster said:

MrOneLung said:

No way. What a shit day for RIP’s

loved their stuff up to around Black Celebration. 

Probably need to give their later stuff a listen. 

RIP 

You do mate. You stopped listening just before (subjectively) their best 3 studio albums: 'Music for the Masses', 'Violator', and 'Songs of Faith and Devotion'. ('Ultra' came next, another great album).

Give them a go and then venture onto their more recent stuff. 'Wrong' is a great track from 'Sounds of the Universe'.

100% this. Music for the Masses, Violator and Ultra are superb. Even Spirit which is their latest album is a slight return to previous heights, in my humble opinion. Always found Songs of faith a little disjointed as an entire album but 'I feel you', 'walking in my shoes', 'higher love', 'judas' and 'condemnation' are quality. R.I.P Fletch.

You've made my evening, mate.

It's so invigorating to hear from music fans who get it, who are able to look beyond the stereotypical 'teenybop' era of Depeche, and who recognise and appreciate just how talented and impactful Depeche are.

I have literally 'dragged' folk along to a Depeche gig, who expect some sort of early 80s commemoration 'gig', but who then leave absolutely transformed and astounded at what they've just experienced. 

'Condemnation' is incredible, still proclaimed by Gahan as his best ever vocal. This theatrical adaptation of 'In Your Room' with Polunin is masterful.

https://youtu.be/zrMwdQesnn4

That video is incredible. Love that Zephyr mix version of 'In Your Room', too. Spot on about the 'teenybop' era of The Mode, too. Does my head in that so many people just think of 'Just can't get enough' when you mention your a massive fan of them. Still cannot believe Fletch won't be up there onstage clapping and fist-pumping behind his keyboard IF they ever tour again.

RedRedRoosta said:

bazjonster said:

RedRedRoosta said:

bazjonster said:

MrOneLung said:

No way. What a shit day for RIP’s

loved their stuff up to around Black Celebration. 

Probably need to give their later stuff a listen. 

RIP 

You do mate. You stopped listening just before (subjectively) their best 3 studio albums: 'Music for the Masses', 'Violator', and 'Songs of Faith and Devotion'. ('Ultra' came next, another great album).

Give them a go and then venture onto their more recent stuff. 'Wrong' is a great track from 'Sounds of the Universe'.

100% this. Music for the Masses, Violator and Ultra are superb. Even Spirit which is their latest album is a slight return to previous heights, in my humble opinion. Always found Songs of faith a little disjointed as an entire album but 'I feel you', 'walking in my shoes', 'higher love', 'judas' and 'condemnation' are quality. R.I.P Fletch.

You've made my evening, mate.

It's so invigorating to hear from music fans who get it, who are able to look beyond the stereotypical 'teenybop' era of Depeche, and who recognise and appreciate just how talented and impactful Depeche are.

I have literally 'dragged' folk along to a Depeche gig, who expect some sort of early 80s commemoration 'gig', but who then leave absolutely transformed and astounded at what they've just experienced. 

'Condemnation' is incredible, still proclaimed by Gahan as his best ever vocal. This theatrical adaptation of 'In Your Room' with Polunin is masterful.

https://youtu.be/zrMwdQesnn4

That video is incredible. Love that Zephyr mix version of 'In Your Room', too. Spot on about the 'teenybop' era of The Mode, too. Does my head in that so many people just think of 'Just can't get enough' when you mention your a massive fan of them. Still cannot believe Fletch won't be up there onstage clapping and fist-pumping behind his keyboard IF they ever tour again.

Ha, I so know that feeling mate. I've long since given up 'trying' to explain. I have had some who give Depeche's other material a go though (especially Black Celebration through to Ultra) and they genuinely are amazed at what they've been missing.

I am, of course, really biased though. And as you know, unless you're 'in it' you'll never truly 'get it'. There is something that is genuinely unique about being part of the Depeche 'fan base' (if you like). I've never experienced anything like it.

I'm so looking forward to new material and a tour celebrating Fletch's memory; I'm convinced it will happen. He was the gel that held them together (according to Gore, Depeche would not still exist if it wasn't for Fletch, they'd have not got through the 90s), and there is no way he'd want to be the reason for them to now split.

RIP Fletch 

Death's Door is another one of their lesser known songs, this is a great version from the Devotional tour (1993) and sadly fitting for this week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLE3nrtf1Ag&lc=z232uj1qgxqxxxow004t1aokg2utesakbf1umvixlwsibk0h00410