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Depeche Mode took to social media today to announce the death of keyboardist Andy “Fletch” Fletcher. He was 60.

The band wrote, “We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher. Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint.”

The cause of death is not yet known.

Fletcher was a member of the founding incarnation of Depeche Mode featuring David Gahan, Martin Gore and Vince Clarke. Fletcher departed in late 1981 after the release of the group’s debut album, Speak & Spell, which featured the now-classic single “Just Can’t Get Enough.”

Fletcher also remixed tracks for Depeche Mode and worked as a DJ.

In 2020, Fletcher was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Depeche Mode.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

pic.twitter.com/RlB7QM6ckW

— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022

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According to New York City health officials, 16 ravers who attended the three-day Electric Zoo festival held over Labor Day weekend on Randalls Island have tested positive for COVID-19.

Eight people have been identified so far as “potentially contagious and could have exposed others.”

As a result, attendees, who were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the festival’s first day to enter the festival, are being urged by the city to get tested right away.

“The Health Department is leading this investigation, but New Yorkers have a vital role to play,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi in a statement.

“Anyone who attended this festival should get tested immediately, regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated. This is especially urgent if attendees are experiencing symptoms.”

Electric Zoo has yet to issue a public statement about the cluster.

Anyone looking to get tested, should visit nyc.gov/covidtest.

image via Facebook

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Since his days pioneering progressive house and breakbeat in the ’90s, British DJ/producer John ‘Quivver’ Graham has elevated his sound with every release.

Like all of us, Graham found himself at home last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to travel, he channeled his creativity into producing a selection of tracks that comprise his upcoming third full-length album, Revelate.

Due for release on October 15, 2021, on John Digweed’s Bedrock Records, it’s his first long-player for Diggers’ esteemed label.

Big Shot got an advance listen to the 10-track full-length. While we can’t share any tracks, we can report that Graham used his time in lockdown wisely.

Revelate opens with the cinematic “Moonlight Pools” and finds Graham investigating deep electronica with heavy nods to breakbeat and electro. No stranger to handing vocals — Graham sang “Choke” and “Until Tomorrow” on Hybrid’s third LP, I Choose Noise — he lends his voice to the dreamy cut “Nothin’ New To Feel.”

Put this album on your radar. In the meantime, here’s the tracklisting for Revelate:

1. Moonlight Pools
2. Horizons
3. Nothin’ New To Feel
4. Atomised
5. Funkily
6. Altered
7. Shine
8. Hold
9. 5 AM
10. Crystals

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Formed in 2005 after the death of musical instrument pioneer Dr. Bob Moog, The Bob Moog Foundation is marking its 15th anniversary by raffling off a fully restored vintage Minimoog Model D synthesizer signed by Moog himself.

The highly coveted analog synthesizer was built at Moog Music’s Williamsville, NY factory in the mid-’70s and is said to be worth almost $10,000.

The raffle ends on August 30, 2021, at 11:59 pm EDT, or when all 5,000 tickets sell out, whichever comes first. Tickets are $20 each, six for $100, 14 for $200, or 40 for $500, and can be purchased here.

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool in Asheville, NC.

Obligatory press release gush from Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa: “The Bob Moog Foundation is excited to offer this extraordinarily special Minimoog synthesizer with Bob’s distinct signature in concert with our upcoming 15th anniversary later this month. The Foundation formally launched on August 21, 2006, exactly one year after Bob’s passing. Since that time, his legacy and spirit have been the inspiration that fuels our work in education, archive preservation, and the creation of our beloved Moogseum. We hope that the winner of this Minimoog will also be deeply inspired by Bob’s spirit.”

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