Bob Welch 1945-2012

Bob Welch, a former member of Fleetwood Mac of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. He was 66.

Welch was found with a chest wound in his south Nashville home on Thursday, June 7, 2012. Welch apparently had experienced health issues recently. Police said a suicide note was left by Welch.
Bob Welch was a guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974. He went on to form the group Paris in 1976, and had hits including “Sentimental Lady” in 1977 and “Ebony Eyes” in 1978 The song was originally written by Welch (the original 1972 version by Fleetwood Mac and in 1977 as a solo hit for Welch when he recorded it on his first solo album, French Kiss. His other singles included “Precious Love” in 1979 and “Hot Love, Cold World” in 1978.

When Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Welch was not included in the group. “It basically comes down to the fact that they don't like me any more,” he told The Plain Dealer of Cleveland at the time. “I guess they can do what they want. I could understand it if I had been a sideman for a year. But I was an integral part of that band ... I put more of myself into that band than anything else I've ever done.”

Stevie Nicks, singer in Fleetwood Mac told The Associated Press that Mr. Welch's death hit her hard. “The death of Bob Welch is devastating ... I had many great times with him after Lindsey and I joined Fleetwood Mac. He was an amazing guitar player — he was funny, sweet — and he was smart. I am so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac — so, so sad.”

R.I P.  Bob Welch