Depeche Mode have confirmed their first full length and tour since the passing of bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.
By completing their forthcoming album ‘Memento Mori’, due out spring 2023, front man Dave Gahan and band mate Martin Gore have vowed to honor the memory of the band’s co-founding member who passed away in June at the age of 60. –
In support of their new album, the iconic duo will embark on their North America tour – including shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Chicago’s United Center, Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena in March 2023 – and will play London’s Twickenham Stadium on June 17, as part of the European leg of the trek.
Addressing their new album, Martin, now 61, commented: “We started work on this project early in the pandemic, and its themes were directly inspired by that time. After Fletch’s passing, we decided to continue as we’re sure this is what he would have wanted, and that has really given the project an extra level of meaning,” adding “Fletch would have loved this album. We’re really looking forward to sharing it with you soon, and we can’t wait to present it to you live at the shows next year.”
Dave and Martin thanked their die-hard fans for the “outpouring of love” for their deceased partner amid this “strange, sad, disorienting” time, writing:
“We wanted to take a moment and acknowledge the outpouring of love for Andy that we’ve seen from all of you over the last few weeks.” “It’s incredible to see all of your photos, to read your words, and to see how much Andy meant to all of you.” “As you can imagine, it’s been a strange, sad, disorienting few weeks for us here, to say the least.” “But we’ve seen and felt all of your love and support, and we know that Andy’s family has too.”
Confirming his official cause of death, the pair revealed that Fletch suffered an aortic dissection, a tear in the large blood vessel of the heart, and “passed naturally” and peacefully, adding:
“A couple weeks ago we received the result from the medical examiners, which Andy’s family asked us to share with you now. Andy suffered an aortic dissection while at home on May 26. So, even though it was far, far too soon, he passed naturally and without prolonged suffering.”
Tickets for the ‘Memento Mori Tour’ went on general sale October 7th at 10am via Live Nation, where the full dates can be found.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Tilli antoine