Depeche Mode’s frontman Dave Gahan has opened up about his relationship with late bandmate Andy Fletcher, expressing regret over moments he feels he could have been kinder. Fletcher, the band’s keyboardist and founding member, passed away in May 2022 at the age of 60 due to an aortic dissection. Gahan, deeply affected by the loss, shared his reflections on their bond during a recent interview with NME, revealing that the death of his longtime friend and colleague was something they never anticipated.
“I will forever wish I’d been a little bit kinder to Fletch as I go forward,” Gahan confessed, acknowledging the complicated but genuine nature of their friendship. He candidly admitted that, while they both could be tough on each other at times, Fletcher always showed care and support when it mattered. “I was always a bit of a d*** with him, and he was always a bit of a d*** with me too,” Gahan recalled with a hint of humor. “That was the relationship we had,” he added, noting that despite their occasional friction, Fletcher was someone who would always check in on him, especially during tough times.
The two had a unique bond, one built on a deep understanding of each other’s personalities and struggles. Gahan reflected on how Fletcher would often reach out, especially when he knew Gahan was going through a rough patch. “He was that guy too,” said Gahan, acknowledging Fletcher’s unwavering support, which made their relationship all the more meaningful.
The last time Gahan saw Fletcher in person was at a London concert in 2020. Fletcher had been involved in the early stages of Depeche Mode’s forthcoming album, but tragically, he passed before he could hear the finished product. Gahan shared that it saddens him deeply to know that Fletcher never got to hear the album, especially since he knew Fletcher would have loved the new tracks. “There are songs on this record where I know he’d be like, ‘This is the best thing we’ve had in years,'” Gahan said wistfully.
Both Gahan and guitarist Martin Gore have expressed that Fletcher’s legacy continues to inspire the band. During an announcement in Berlin regarding their upcoming album, Gahan reflected on how Fletcher would have been thrilled with the new work. “Fletch would have loved this album,” he said. Gore, too, shared similar sentiments, noting that after Fletcher’s passing, the decision to continue making music was one they felt would honor his memory. “We’re sure this is what he would have wanted,” Gore added, underscoring the deep emotional connection that continues to drive Depeche Mode forward.
As Depeche Mode prepares to embark on their world tour, which begins in March 2023, the band is carrying Fletcher’s memory with them, creating music that honors the friend and bandmate they lost far too soon.
