The joke was always that Fletch did nothing but clap during the live shows. But he had a friendship with Martin Gore that no one but the two of them will never know and I think that relationship was really the glue holding the band together. Fletch for years was the business manager for DM and he probably was the one who kept them going during the years when Alan Wilder left the band and Dave had his addiction problems. God bless him. Andrew Fletcher, Rest in Peace and know you are loved.
You are so right. I just saw a quick vid on the Richard Blade channel. Richard knows Martin and they have been texting. Martin stated he has been a “zombie” over this. I am going to pray that DM does a farewell album/tour in Fletches honor. How great would it be if Alan contributed? Rest In Peace Fletch. You were taken too soon. We will nvr forget. 🕊🖤🎹
Let’s be honest though…Wilder was the real, schooled composer. Gore certainly had his niche as well with lyric writing. From what I’ve read and deduced, Fletcher’s lack of musical contribution (while reaping the hefty monetary rewards) was I think a significant reason behind Wilder’s departure. Bands can be like that…each having a strong musical contribution while someone else is there maybe as personality glue or for savvy business sense over musicality. Fletch didn’t write, sing or compose.
@@steveparker5406 I agree that Fletch being compensated 1/4 while really not doing 1/4 of the work had a huge impact on Wilder's leaving. His official announcement in 1995 alluded to that without naming names. I'd like to think Gahan, Gore and Wilder could maybe record or do a few shows and then just knock it on the head.
People have undermined Andy's contributions on the musical aspects of the band, but people tend to forget that in the early gigs, Andy was visibly playing bass lines with his synthesizer. There's a 1982 live performance somewhere in Germany where he is seen playing his keyboards and even was highlighted when they performed "Just can't get enough." RIP Andy Fletcher, happy to have seen them live with Wilder during their Devotional Tour.
I love Fletch, always loved his sense of humor. I don't care about the haters, he was always there for Martin. If it wasn't for Fletch's support, perhaps Mart would have never written some of his greatest songs, and some other songs could have been much weaker. He was definitely there for a reason. God bless Mr Fletcher
@@olevet75 Thank you. My Gosh, I wrote that comment on 21st of May, less than a week before his passing...He was still with us when I was typing it... Can you imagine? :(((
RIP Andy. Just recently learned that he was literally the biggest fan of DM. He was a member of the band, but he listened to them like we do. He was always so excited to hear the new material and to give his opinions on it. Martin once knew a bartender for months and never shared what his job was. When Andy met the bartender he told him that he was a member of the band Depeche Mode within the first few minutes! He was always so eager to share that because he was so proud of it. I can relate to Andy because I am a huge fan as well, and it must’ve been so cool to be an actual member and to be there giving his critique to the development of their songs. He was also best friends with Martin and because Martin is shy and does not like conflict, Andy would speak for him. Truly the glue that held them together in the tough years.
I met Andy in Belfast and his lovely wife Graínne and the rest of the band after a gig.....They say you should never meet your idols...Nonsense, he was a lovely guy and so was the rest of the band. !!! always my favourites. DM Forever. RIP Andrew.
Andy Fletcher's contribution to Depeche Mode cannot be understated. He was a vital founding member. Yes, the creative forces make songs and put on great shows. Dave, Martin and Alan were the engines that produced music. However, being in a band is much more than that and to make it big requires managerial, marketing and business skills besides being that glue that holds the band together. Andy was more or less that kind of person. Were it not for Andy, I doubt whether Depeche Mode could have lasted this long. Think about it. Thank you Andy and thank you Depeche Mode. What your band achieved is nothing short of extraordinary unlike any other independent music real life story.
No one would guess that this man will pass away in 7 years time... ( Thank you Fletcher for everything and your intellect behind all DM's work. You were the BRAIN....
Can not believe you have left us Andy. Lovely guy. Saw DM many, many times in 1981, with your Moog Prodigy on milk bottle crates. What a wonderful, electronic pop sound. A very sad day indeed. Rest in Peace Fletch.
We have lost a soldier but what a legacy he has left. Being part of the only electronic group that have not once traded upon their past, but only kept moving forward, and raising the bar with every decade! Bless you 'The ginger one' 🇬🇧🎹🏆
What the hell? I could have listened to hours of this. I'd have listened to all 40 years of their history. This was an amazing conversation that was cut short for no apparent reason.
Нет , так хочется думать , что ещё рано , подождите ка ! Ещё много песен не спето…🖤ещё много людей на земле кое -что не поняли, потому что не слушали dm.
You made our favourite band possible and real. Thanks, Andy. Please rest in peace. You gave us something incomprehensible and we will never forget your input and effort.
Depeche mode was my first ever live band to watch in my early 20s,they have been my favoband ever since I like millions around the world are in total shock god bless ya fletch rest in peace brother.
Rest in peace Andy Fletcher... what a sad news today... happy to have meet in Jakarta... atrue good sensible man who kept the band together ❤ very sad today
R.I.P. Andy. Two amazingly honest and down to earth chaps, who respected & loved each other. Daniel is an absolute legend as well. Most excellent the way they both refer to Vince being the main songwriter at the start. This is why Depeche Mode are one of the most important influential bands in UK history. As important & pioneering as the Shadows are to guitar based music.
Not sure what Fletch does musically in DM....but boooy...he was there at the right moment...in the right place...with the right people.... that's his luck and nobody can take that away from him....love you Fletch....
good night Fletch. i never need a reason to listen to DM, but now ill be remembering him along with all you other fans. Hope the rest of band can hang on - suffer well boys
I know it has been said before, but I willl say it again. It is totally true that DM would absolutely not have gone on as long as they did without Fletch - that is fact. It doesn't matter whether he never played a note (he did play some bass synth parts) he was not only their manager, but it has gone down on record that when Gahan was in the depths of addiction, Fletch was the link between DG and Gore so that Gahan could continue to sing Gore's melodies that he had written. A true one-off, and clearly such a lovely geezer. 60 - way too young to leave us, very sad. I do wonder what DM will go on to do now? Bearing in mind that Fletch was their full-time manager - will they continue as a duo, with a new manager? I don't think from a musical standpoint, he needs to be replaced? Or maybe they might call it a day, and just release their solo music. Obviously financially they are under no pressure to continue to release music, they are all multi-millionaires - and quite right too. DM are one of the most influential bands ever. And that is not me being a fanboy - that is a simple fact of life. Although I can't lie - most of their music from Violator onwards, I haven't istened to. I am making it my mission, now that we have the wonderful Spotify, to work my way through their albums post-Violator. The good thing about DM, is they have SHITLOADS of music posted on Spotify, and I really mean shitloads. So many remix albums. Cheers all, and RIP Fletch, up there in the big Heaven of Moog 👍👍🙂❤❤❤🎵🎵🎵🎵
Daniel is one of the good ones as well, the thing I love the boys that turned to men in Depeche is they always stayed loyal to each other and went on to prove they were one of the best bands ever.
Out of all the other guys in the band I always found "Fletch" one of the most intriguing. He just seemed so unassuming and although the other members are down to earth Basildon boys Fletch just seemed even more so. Glad to have been around on earth when he was and his music, he is sincerely missed.
Strange to think I saw Daniel Miller LIVE (with Robert Rental ) at West Runton Pavillion , Norfolk and still have the "one sided LP" recorded there !! Right age / right time ............ LUCKY !!!!!!
I didn't get DM until I heard and bought ' Blasphemous Rumours' ...Probably John Peel plated it way before TOTP!! Been watching them on RUclips... Especially all the remixes of 'Stripped'!! What a great BAND... Such darkness and power.... I play guitar but just wish I could sing like Dave Gahan! Fletch... You will be sorely missed.. Not just as a hand - clapper!!
RIP Andy. Thank you for being a part of making the best music ever!
Strangely I watched this video a couple of days ago, just pulled it up out of the blue... now this. :(
The joke was always that Fletch did nothing but clap during the live shows. But he had a friendship with Martin Gore that no one but the two of them will never know and I think that relationship was really the glue holding the band together. Fletch for years was the business manager for DM and he probably was the one who kept them going during the years when Alan Wilder left the band and Dave had his addiction problems. God bless him. Andrew Fletcher, Rest in Peace and know you are loved.
His life should be celebrated, travelled the world, made music for a living and very successful...
You are so right. I just saw a quick vid on the Richard Blade channel. Richard knows Martin and they have been texting. Martin stated he has been a “zombie” over this. I am going to pray that DM does a farewell album/tour in Fletches honor. How great would it be if Alan contributed? Rest In Peace Fletch. You were taken too soon. We will nvr forget. 🕊🖤🎹
Let’s be honest though…Wilder was the real, schooled composer. Gore certainly had his niche as well with lyric writing. From what I’ve read and deduced, Fletcher’s lack of musical contribution (while reaping the hefty monetary rewards) was I think a significant reason behind Wilder’s departure. Bands can be like that…each having a strong musical contribution while someone else is there maybe as personality glue or for savvy business sense over musicality. Fletch didn’t write, sing or compose.
@@steveparker5406 I agree that Fletch being compensated 1/4 while really not doing 1/4 of the work had a huge impact on Wilder's leaving. His official announcement in 1995 alluded to that without naming names. I'd like to think Gahan, Gore and Wilder could maybe record or do a few shows and then just knock it on the head.
SHUT UP man, tell us something that we didn't know already!
People have undermined Andy's contributions on the musical aspects of the band, but people tend to forget that in the early gigs, Andy was visibly playing bass lines with his synthesizer. There's a 1982 live performance somewhere in Germany where he is seen playing his keyboards and even was highlighted when they performed "Just can't get enough." RIP Andy Fletcher, happy to have seen them live with Wilder during their Devotional Tour.
I love Fletch, always loved his sense of humor. I don't care about the haters, he was always there for Martin. If it wasn't for Fletch's support, perhaps Mart would have never written some of his greatest songs, and some other songs could have been much weaker. He was definitely there for a reason. God bless Mr Fletcher
nicely put Sir, totally agree!
@@olevet75 Thank you. My Gosh, I wrote that comment on 21st of May, less than a week before his passing...He was still with us when I was typing it... Can you imagine? :(((
Agree with you and I think that without Fletch we wouldn't have DM at all ......
randy felcher
😢I loved Andy…to Me he was equal to other members..I grew up with the band…and he was just one of Depeche modes…
RIP Andy. Just recently learned that he was literally the biggest fan of DM. He was a member of the band, but he listened to them like we do. He was always so excited to hear the new material and to give his opinions on it. Martin once knew a bartender for months and never shared what his job was. When Andy met the bartender he told him that he was a member of the band Depeche Mode within the first few minutes! He was always so eager to share that because he was so proud of it. I can relate to Andy because I am a huge fan as well, and it must’ve been so cool to be an actual member and to be there giving his critique to the development of their songs. He was also best friends with Martin and because Martin is shy and does not like conflict, Andy would speak for him. Truly the glue that held them together in the tough years.
I met Andy in Belfast and his lovely wife Graínne and the rest of the band after a gig.....They say you should never meet your idols...Nonsense, he was a lovely guy and so was the rest of the band. !!! always my favourites. DM Forever. RIP Andrew.
Andy Fletcher's contribution to Depeche Mode cannot be understated. He was a vital founding member. Yes, the creative forces make songs and put on great shows. Dave, Martin and Alan were the engines that produced music. However, being in a band is much more than that and to make it big requires managerial, marketing and business skills besides being that glue that holds the band together. Andy was more or less that kind of person. Were it not for Andy, I doubt whether Depeche Mode could have lasted this long. Think about it. Thank you Andy and thank you Depeche Mode. What your band achieved is nothing short of extraordinary unlike any other independent music real life story.
Interesting, how come you got info about his role in the band
* cannot be overstated (right?)
Most people do indeed understate his contribution
its well known in the inner circle of his importance
No one would guess that this man will pass away in 7 years time... ( Thank you Fletcher for everything and your intellect behind all DM's work. You were the BRAIN....
Andy was the glue that held the band together throughout the lineup changes. So important and will be missed.
People who were around in the 80s were so spoilt for such amazing music that was around not like today the 80s was unforgettable.
Can not believe you have left us Andy. Lovely guy.
Saw DM many, many times in 1981, with your Moog Prodigy on milk bottle crates. What a wonderful, electronic pop sound. A very sad day indeed. Rest in Peace Fletch.
Hermoso recuerdo.🌹
Gonna miss that guy. Rest in peace Andrew Fletcher. Things will never be the same again..
Starting a band of that caliber at 17 and 18 is extraordinary. Nice to hear this interview, love the Columbo reference.
We have lost a soldier but what a legacy he has left.
Being part of the only electronic group that have not once traded upon their past, but only kept moving forward, and raising the bar with every decade!
Bless you 'The ginger one' 🇬🇧🎹🏆
What the hell? I could have listened to hours of this. I'd have listened to all 40 years of their history. This was an amazing conversation that was cut short for no apparent reason.
Let the man talk
I always loved Fletch for his humor and common sense. He will be missed by the fans too!
thank you Andy for the beautifull music you gave us !!! Never ever will you be forgotten !!!!
So sad he gone now, great band and great sounds. Took synths to another level.
R.I.P. The Michael Caine of the music world!!
Miss you already Fletch!!😢
That was just settling into a really interesting interview. Ended too soon.
God is an audiophile. He has better and better musicians in his team. Thank you Andy...
Нет , так хочется думать , что ещё рано , подождите ка ! Ещё много песен не спето…🖤ещё много людей на земле кое -что не поняли, потому что не слушали dm.
r.i.p Andy .A legend .We love you Fletch xxxx Reg Plasma.
Andy was a very interesting man to watch and it was a pleasure seeing him in all the Depeche mode videos to. He will sadly be missed.R.I.P Fletch 🌹
thank you for posting this. We love you Fletch! See you on the other side.
You made our favourite band possible and real. Thanks, Andy. Please rest in peace. You gave us something incomprehensible and we will never forget your input and effort.
Depeche mode was my first ever live band to watch in my early 20s,they have been my favoband ever since I like millions around the world are in total shock god bless ya fletch rest in peace brother.
Rest in peace Andy Fletcher... what a sad news today... happy to have meet in Jakarta... atrue good sensible man who kept the band together ❤ very sad today
Rest In Peace Fletch we've just lost one of the good guys
A Star is gone to the Stars....
R.I.P.
Thank you so much!
RIP Fletch.. I’ve been with you guys from the early 80’s. I can’t name another band of brothers, like yours. True pioneers 👏🏻
R.I.P. Andy, you will always live on in our hearts ❤
RIP big brother... i hope we will share same place in next life.
Daniel Miller must be the nicest record boss ever! R.I.P Fletch!
Pure class....love you Fletch,thank you Daniel
Depeche Mode led to many other musicians.
RIP Andy Fletcher. 2022.
R.I.P. Andy. Two amazingly honest and down to earth chaps, who respected & loved each other. Daniel is an absolute legend as well. Most excellent the way they both refer to Vince being the main songwriter at the start. This is why Depeche Mode are one of the most important influential bands in UK history. As important & pioneering as the Shadows are to guitar based music.
I can't process the fact that he's gone. It hurts so very much. 💔
RIP Andy. Pain in my heart as I am such a fan.
Not sure what Fletch does musically in DM....but boooy...he was there at the right moment...in the right place...with the right people.... that's his luck and nobody can take that away from him....love you Fletch....
Can't believe Fletch is no longer with us 😥
thank you for the memories Andy
Rest in Peace Andy 😭😭😭😭
Love the way they both can project their vocals to the other side of the room
Bless both of these lovely humans, and RIP to you, Andy Fletcher. Depeche Mode forever!
Rest in peace "the one and only Mr. Andrew 'fletch' Fletcher!" 😢
Thank you for everything ✊🏻
R.I.P dM 💜🥺
Great conversation. Thanks
good night Fletch. i never need a reason to listen to DM, but now ill be remembering him along with all you other fans. Hope the rest of band can hang on - suffer well boys
Depeche Mode are just fantastic.R.I.P Fletch
I just can't believe in this what happens
We - fans-knew that one day it will happen but not so fast...
ANDY- YOU WILL ALWAYS STAY IN OUR HEARTS
Adorable interview. RIP Andy.
Rest well, Andy. You will be missed. 🙏🏾
May you enjoy the eternity! Thank you for the great music!
I can’t believe you stopped them. I loved hearing about their story
I've always liked and respected Andy x
Great interview
Daniel just believed in the guys who no one was behind!Low bow to him for this!✌🙏
I know it has been said before, but I willl say it again. It is totally true that DM would absolutely not have gone on as long as they did without Fletch - that is fact. It doesn't matter whether he never played a note (he did play some bass synth parts) he was not only their manager, but it has gone down on record that when Gahan was in the depths of addiction, Fletch was the link between DG and Gore so that Gahan could continue to sing Gore's melodies that he had written.
A true one-off, and clearly such a lovely geezer. 60 - way too young to leave us, very sad. I do wonder what DM will go on to do now? Bearing in mind that Fletch was their full-time manager - will they continue as a duo, with a new manager? I don't think from a musical standpoint, he needs to be replaced? Or maybe they might call it a day, and just release their solo music. Obviously financially they are under no pressure to continue to release music, they are all multi-millionaires - and quite right too. DM are one of the most influential bands ever. And that is not me being a fanboy - that is a simple fact of life. Although I can't lie - most of their music from Violator onwards, I haven't istened to. I am making it my mission, now that we have the wonderful Spotify, to work my way through their albums post-Violator. The good thing about DM, is they have SHITLOADS of music posted on Spotify, and I really mean shitloads. So many remix albums.
Cheers all, and RIP Fletch, up there in the big Heaven of Moog 👍👍🙂❤❤❤🎵🎵🎵🎵
Fletch...my youth just died with you tonight...enjoy the silence...
He might not contribute much in the song creation but he apparently managed the band to great heights in other ways.
Sorry for the loss, Daniel. We dearly missed Andy. He was the Music for the Masses to People are People had Everything Counts.
You are deeply missed, Fletch! 💔😥
So funny and personable, the two. Totally relaxed and unaffected.
RIP genius.
Photographic as a first track is very strong beginning!
RIP Andy 😢❤️
Nice to hear from Daniel. DM has chosen wisely, retaining long term relationships with many.
Daniel is one of the good ones as well, the thing I love the boys that turned to men in Depeche is they always stayed loyal to each other and went on to prove they were one of the best bands ever.
Out of all the other guys in the band I always found "Fletch" one of the most intriguing. He just seemed so unassuming and although the other members are down to earth Basildon boys Fletch just seemed even more so. Glad to have been around on earth when he was and his music, he is sincerely missed.
If you listen on headphones...they are switched on the audio...
I hear Fletch on the right and Daniel on the left. Kind of strange
@@JamesCraigWhoop you on the goofballs ?
Rest in peace, Fletch.
that's how the legends are being born
VIELEN LIEBEN DANK.WIR SEHEN UNS.ANDY...FRIEDEN und FREIHEIT...
R.I.P Fletch
So sad … ty for all… RIP Fletch 🥲
great conversation but they forget the best change... Vince by Alan... the forgotten member
Fletch would never give Alan any credit ...Fletch is best paid “impressionist “ in the music industry !
Alan was the soul of this band. Andy is a great cheerleader...that’s all.
Rest in peace, dear Andy.
R.I.P Andy Fletcher !!!
Sounds really good with headphones, Turn them around so Fletch is on the left and Daniel on the right
Andy 🖤🌹
That was then. This is now. Long live the 'Mode.
Legends. Rest in peace Andy
Fletch😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭👼🏻👼🏻👼🏻👼🏻rest in peace
Strange to think I saw Daniel Miller LIVE (with Robert Rental ) at West Runton Pavillion , Norfolk and still have the "one sided LP" recorded there !!
Right age / right time ............ LUCKY !!!!!!
so heartbreaking, RIP Fletch
Lovely man...RIP Andy. A very sad time.
❤ Legends Never Dies 💫
RIP Fletch, we'll miss ya.
I didn't get DM until I heard and bought ' Blasphemous Rumours' ...Probably John Peel plated it way before TOTP!! Been watching them on RUclips... Especially all the remixes of 'Stripped'!! What a great BAND... Such darkness and power.... I play guitar but just wish I could sing like Dave Gahan! Fletch... You will be sorely missed.. Not just as a hand - clapper!!
It's amazing DM supported fad gadget and in 2001 fad gadget supported DM on the exciter tour
Fletch kept DM alive. He really did.
💔🖤... Andy you won't be forget. Sleep well.
As I always say: Martin is the heart of Depeche Mode, Dave is the frontman, Alan is the good musician, and Fletch was the brain.
Rest in Peace Fletch. Awful news today.
Rest in eternal peace Andy
With all their success, the boys remained grounded and normal. No big heads.
Rest in peace Fletch am still shocked he has gone really am 😭
I love you "Fletch" R.I.P.
I'm a mess! Heartbreak indeed.
🙏 Ciao Andy
R.I.P. Andy 'Fletch' Fletcher (1961-2022)
Fletch 🌹🖤