[Smithy]

Bob Welch has died, aged 65.

The former Fleetwood Mac member is believed to have committed suicide at his home in Nashville, according to The AP.


© Rex Features / Lynne McAfee


Nashville police have stated that Welch was discovered by his wife with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest earlier today (June 7).

Welch was a member of Fleetwood Mac from 1971-74, while also forming the group Paris in 1976.

He went on to have a successful solo career, with hits including 'Ebony Eyes' and 'Sentimental Lady'.

'Sentimental Lady' featured backing vocals from Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham.

Police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that Welch had been suffering from health issues of late, and had left a suicide note.

Bob Welch had in the past described his years with Fleetwood Mac as the "bridge era" between their classic rock 1960s period to their worldwide supergroup status in the mid-to-late 1970s.

so sad

RIP

[Ninastar]

oh no

how terrible

[LemonJam]

RIP.

[GypsyGoth]

Aww no

[Shaun]

Not really familiar with that particular era of Fleetwood Mac music (I only have the Peter Green stuff and Rumours-onwards), but that's sad news R.I.P.

[Ramsay]

horrible news R.I.P

[Maia]

Awful

[Omah]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18363214

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist and vocalist Bob Welch has been found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Nashville in the US.

Police said Welch, who was aged 66 and also had a solo career, is understood to have had health issues recently.

Welch was part of Fleetwood Mac in their early years from 1971 to 1974 before forming hard rock group Paris.

Three years later came the platinum solo album French Kiss with the hits Sentimental Lady and Ebony Eyes.

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron said: "Officers discovered Mr Welch with a single gunshot wound to the chest.

"There was a suicide note found at the residence. Mr Welch had health issues. The police are investigating it as a suicide and there was no evidence of foul play."

Welch was found dead by his wife.

He worked on early 70s Fleetwood Mac albums such as Future Games and Bare Trees.

Welch left the band before their biggest selling period, with albums such as 1977's Rumours coming after Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the group

RIP Bob - Without him in the "middle" years, there may have been no future Fleetwood Mac .....

[Mrluvaluva]

Sad news. May he rest in peace.