According to Nashville police Bob Welch, former Fleetwood Mac guitarist has died from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. He was 66.
Welch was found by his wife Wendy with a single wound to his chest yesterday afternoon. There was also a suicide note found at the scene. Both Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac have made statements . Nicks says "He 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," . Founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood has commented, " He was a very, very profoundly intelligent human being and always in good humor, which is why this is so unbelievably shocking,". Welch played guiter in Fleetwood Mac until 1975 just two years prior to the release of the album "Rumours". Sadly, Welch was excluded from the Fleetwood Mac induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 after falling aout with his ex- band mates over unpaid royalties.
Welch joined Fleetwood Mac after founding members Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer departured the band. He was a vocalist and guitarist with the band from 1971 to 1974 and worked on five early albums including 1971's "Future Games," 1972's "Bare Trees" and 1973's "Mystery to Me."
Welch also had a successful solo career post Fleetwood Mac with his 1977 album release "French Kiss". The album went platinum and produced hits with songs like " Ebony Eyes" and "Sentimental Lady".
Here is a Bob Welch performing "Ebony Eyes" live in 1978 with Stevie Nicks.
