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
