Mick Fleetwood, a member of Fleetwood Mac, has addressed the passing of Bob Welch, a former bandmate, who tragically died on Thursday (June 7th) from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
Describing the presumed suicide as “unbelievably shocking” and “incredibly out of character,” Fleetwood remarked, “He was a very, very profoundly intelligent human being and always in good humor, which is why this is so unbelievably shocking.”
Furthermore, he mentioned, “He was a significant part of our history that sometimes gets overlooked… his songwriting talent for Fleetwood Mac will endure beyond all of us…If you delve into our musical journey, you’ll find a substantial period thoroughly immersed in Bob’s contributions.”
Stevie Nicks, who took Welch’s place in the band during the mid-seventies alongside her partner Lindsey Buckingham, also shared her thoughts regarding his death, stating: “He was an incredible guitarist – funny, sweet – and intelligent – I feel so deeply for his family and for the Fleetwood Mac family – it’s just so sad.”
Welch, the former Fleetwood Mac guitarist, was discovered deceased at his home in Nashville at the age of 65. According to local news outlet WKRN, his wife found him.
Welch was born in Los Angeles in 1946 and played with Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974, contributing to five albums during his time with the band.
In 1975, he formed the band Paris and released two albums with them, subsequently releasing his debut solo album, ‘French Kiss’, in 1977. This album included a rendition of ‘Sentimental Lady’, originally recorded for Fleetwood Mac’s 1972 release, ‘Bare Trees’.
He continued to release several solo albums, with his last being 1999’s ‘Bob Welch Looks At Bop’.
by Wallace McTavish
