Elton John Bassist Bob Birch Dead of Apparent Suicide
Bob Birch, a long-time member of Elton John‘s band, was discovered dead Wednesday (Aug. 15) of an apparent suicide. The bassist had performed with John for two decades, and also worked with many other music legends.
TMZ reports that it appears as though the musician, born Robert Wayne Birch, shot and killed himself. Law enforcement officials stated that Birch was found around the corner from his home, with a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities did not find a suicide note and there were no apparent signs of drug use.
Birch had played with Elton John since 1992, and appeared on the hit single ‘Candle in the Wind ’97′ as well as such albums as ‘Made in England,’ ‘The Big Picture,’ and ‘The Union,’ Elton’s collaborative album with Leon Russell. He had also played with such music greats as Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Keith Emerson, Stevie Wonder, and Sting.
Watch Bob Birch with Elton John and Leon Russell on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’