LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Robert "Bob" Birch, bassist for Elton John, was found dead in Los Angeles, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Birch was 56 at the time of his death.
According to Reuters, Los Angeles County Assistant Coroner Chief Ed Winter reported that Birch's body was found shortly after 1 a.m. in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Winter said that the case is being investigated as a possible suicide.
Birch has performed as Elton's bassist since 1992 and has been featured on many of Elton's best known tracks, including 'Candle In The Wind.' Birch had also served as backup musician for numerous other artists, including Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Cher, Sting, Bill Joel and Clint Black.
A post on Elton's website read:
“We are very sad to report the sudden death today of Bob Birch, Elton’s bass player and backing vocalist, in Los Angeles. Bob had been a member of the Elton John band since 1992, the longest-serving bassist in Elton’s touring band. We send love and condolences to Michele Birch, and to their son, Jonathan.” – Celebrityccess Staff Writers
