Depeche Mode will move to continue releasing music despite Andy Fletcher's death as announced by the band. Dave Gahan recently spoke out and explained why they decided to push through their project.
Speaking to Billboard during their press conference in Berlin, Germany, the band revealed that the album would be titled "Memento Mori," Latin for "remember, you will die."
The frontman noted that it's the perfect title for their project. He also teased what the songs would sound like, saying it would lean into the idea of "life is fleeting and life is cruel."
However, despite the dark undertone of the title, he clarified that life could also be "joyous and celebratory" even though it would end.
Gahan and the other remaining member, Martin Gore, came up with the title and finished some of the songs way before Fletcher passed away.
His death became more associated with the project as the vocalist said it seems "even more relevant in some ways."
Most songs were written during the pandemic. Explaining how the process of creating the songs came to fruition despite the lockdown, Gahan said Gore has a studio in Santa Barbara and they would exchange ideas through e-mail.
"I would send him ideas - usually just me singing a melody and some lyrics and he would fiddle with it and send it back to me," he shared.
Upon planning to start recording the album along with producers James Ford and Marta Salogni, the singer received devastating news via a phone call, telling him that Fletcher had passed away.
Depeche Mode Decided to Move Forward Following Andy Fletcher's Death
Regarding their decision to move forward, he consulted Gore, saying they have to go on and continue recording "without missing a beat."
After that, they also asked each other a question if whether they will continue or end their legacy, but they ultimately decided to at least create the album.
Gore also noted that they're sure releasing an album is what Fletcher would have wanted because the project has an "extra level of meaning."
As of this writing, the pair has not revealed the official release date but Vulture reported that it will be out on Spring 2023.
The group will also have a tour that will begin on March 23, 2023, including a show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, on April 14, 2023.
Andy Fletcher passed away on May 26, 2022, at the age of 60 due to aortic dissection.
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