Bob Welch, a former member of Fleetwood Mac who later scored several hits as a solo performer, died June 7 at his home in Nashville. He was 65.
According to police, he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He left a suicide note.
Welch was a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974, replacing founding guitarist Peter Green in 1971.
Welch left the band in 1974, and briefly led another band in England before becoming a solo artist.
He scored his biggest hit in 1977 with “Sentimental Lady,” a catchy pop song that he first recorded with Fleetwood Mac. Christine McVie and Buckingham sang backup vocals on the tune, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard pop chart.
Welch’s song “Ebony Eyes” reached No. 14 on the Billboard pop chart in 1978, and other singles included “Hot Love, Cold World” (1978) and “Precious Love” (1979).
Ironically, a couple of Bob's later solo albums make their CD debut this Tuesday.
Welch reportedly had spinal surgery several months ago and had told friends that he did not want his wife to bear the responsibility of caring for him if he became an invalid.
“I never wanted to be a guitar gunslinger and a star,” Mr. Welch said in 2003. “I just wanted to make that great music.”
Rest in peace, Bob!
SENTIMENTAL LADY
HOT LOVE COLD WORLD
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TODDFAN DISCMAN ~
ReplyDeleteI learned about this right here, from your post. It's a sad thing, but I can certainly understand Bob's motive.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
*sigh* I really hate to hear this kind of news. I couldn't go a day without music, so when someone has given me hours, years or lifetimes of enjoyment and then takes themselves out, it seems that much worse to me.
ReplyDeleteI did know that big hit of his, but would not have been able to tell you his name before you just did. I'm off to iTunes to see what else of his I knew.
-Jimmy
Dogg-
ReplyDeleteI do understand his motive, but I still think it's a harsh thing to do to your wife (unless they actually talked it out).
I did love that French Kiss album....
Jimmy-
ReplyDeleteI guess I can understand the not wanting to be a burden...a lot of the artists I grew up on are starting to pass on...makes me wonder how much time I've got on this ball of mud (and why I spend so much time working)...
Larry
This was sad news. Future Games and Bare Trees were my favorite Mac albums and mostly from Welch's contributions. I also liked his solo work.
ReplyDeleteLee
A Faraway View
Lee-
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed-most people can only name one Mac album prior to "Rumours," and it's the self-titled album that preceded it.
Larry