Dodgers Stadium Organist Makes a Special Tribute to Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode – Opinion

There was a fitting tribute to Andrew Fletcher of Depeche Mode during Monday night’s Los Angeles Dodgers game. It likely happened then because it was the team’s first home game since “Fletch,” one of the band’s founding members and keyboardist, passed away last Thursday.

According to the AP

An acquaintance of the band claimed that Fletcher had died from natural causes in his UK home. They spoke only because they are not allowed to make public statements.

…

Fletcher is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years Gráinne Mullan, and their children Megan and Joe.

His age was only 60.

Here was the band’s announcement of Fletch’s passing, via their official Twitter account:

pic.twitter.com/RlB7QM6ckW

— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022

Depeche Mode is a British synthesizer group that was formed in 1980. It featured Fletch and Martin L. Gore as well as Dave Gahan and Vince Clarke. The latter has since been replaced by Alan Wilder. The image above shows Fletch at the right.

Today marks 42 years since Depeche Mode’s first gig at St Nicholas School in Basildon. It was the beginning of everything. #RIPFletch

(📷 Early press shot from DM fan club).#electronic #alternative @NewWaveAndPunk pic.twitter.com/bWKsGQLCur

— Stars and Cars (@Superstar_Cars) May 31, 2022

One of these fans, according to reports, is Dieter Ruehle who was the LA Kings’ organist. On Monday, he played “Never Let Me Down Again,” a worldwide hit from Depeche Mode’s “Music for the Masses” (1987). Watch:

Andy Fletcher: “Never Let Me Down Again” @depechemode #RIPFletch #FarewellFletch pic.twitter.com/5n1KFMz7Y9

— Dieter Ruehle (@DieterRuehle) May 31, 2022

The special tribute Is extra meaningful because the iconic band played two sold-out dates at Dodgers Stadium in August 1990, during their World Violation tour in support of the “Violator” LP (1990). On a personal note, that was the first and only time I saw Depeche Mode live (though it was at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Amphitheater, not LA’s storied stadium).

Your mileage may vary (pun intended), but below is my favorite song from “Music For The Masses.” Now, this is “Behind the Wheel,” but it’s a mix of the band’s song with the classic tune, “Route 66” — along with some very cool samples. Enjoy.

R.I.P., Fletch.