Former Fleetwood Mac Member Bob Welch Found DeadMy Nguyen June 8, 2012
The Associated Press reported yesterday that former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 65. Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood issued a statement in Reuters that he was shocked by the news of the death of his former band mate. He is quoted in the publication that he considered the guitarist’s suicide “incredibly out of character.”
Rolling Stone reports that Welch contributed guitar and vocals to Fleetwood Mac from 1971 until 1974, helping establish a more melodic direction for the band. Mick also comments on hits like Sentimental Lady, and Ebony Eyes, during which there was a long period during Fleetwood Mac’s musical history that their catalog was heavily ensconced in Welch’s work.
It is reported that Stevie Nicks, too, said in a statement that “[Welch] was an amazing guitar player – he was funny, sweet – and he was smart. I’m so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac – so, so sad.”
Welch was found by his wife in their Nashville home yesterday (6/7) afternoon. The musician is reported to have had been dealing with health issues recently and had left a suicide note.
Photo courtesy of nickytheblade via Flickr.
