Andrew Fletcher (musician)

Andrew John Fletcher (known as "Fletch") , was born on 8 July 1961 in Nottingham, England.

Career

Depeche Mode

A current member of Depeche Mode, Fletch had originally played bass in a band with Vince Clarke but moved on to synthesizers in the group Composition of Sound with both Clarke and Martin Gore. These three musicians then formed Depeche Mode with vocalist David Gahan. Fletch has never been a leading musician in the group, but more of a manager, where his strong points lie. He is, also, the only member that has never written a song for the band, although, it is indicated in one interview, that he had attempted it in the past.

Fletch's Role in Depeche Mode

Fletcher is the "spokesperson", often the one who announces Depeche Mode news, such as album details for Exciter in 2001 and Playing the Angel in 2004/2005, for the press.

He is also said to be the member that brings the band together. As he was one of the main factors in helping build a compromise between an overwhelming debacle about songwriting duties for Gahan and Gore for Playing the Angel.

Fletch's Popularity in Depeche Mode

Fletcher is often teased by the media and fans for not normally contributing musically to Depeche Mode songs. However, he does play bass for "A Pain That I'm Used To" on Playing the Angel according to the album's producer Ben Hillier, and is seen playing bass for "The Sinner in Me" on his own Fletchcam. He's also seen playing bass in the "bare" rendition videos of Clean and Surrender from the Playing the Angel sessions, seen on the Playing the Angel bonus disc and the Depeche Mode Receiver respectively.

Almost Solo

Interestingly, according to the official Depeche Mode biography, Fletch recorded an album called Toast Hawaii, after his favourite dish. It was recorded, during the Some Great Reward sessions in 1984. All the songs on the album are cover songs on which he sings lead vocals. The album features Alan Wilder and/or Gore on the piano and the cover photo was taken by Wilder. However, they could not convince Daniel Miller to release it, so it only exists in rare copies. Fletcher has been criticized for his voice, and is the only member of Depeche Mode that does not sing. Although he is seen singing, during a live performance, his microphone is usually turned off, and he sings for show.

Toast Hawaii

Personal Life

He has been married to Grainne for 14 years and has two children.