Bob Birch Dead; Elton John Band Member Dies After Apparent Self-Inflicted Gun Shot Wound

Robert Wayne Birch, a bass guitarist who played with Elton John and Billy Joel among many other major acts, is dead after sustaining an apparent self-inflicted gun wound to the head.

According to TMZ, Birch was found around the corner from his home, dead with a gunshot wound from the head. Thirty Mile Zone goes on to report that all signs at the scene point to suicide. No suicide note or indication of drug use was found at the scene, however.

Birch had been playing primarily with Elton John since 1992, and played a substantial part in John's biggest single ever, "Candle in the Wind."

Birch also performed with Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Cher, Sting, The Backstreet Boys, The Spice Girls, Clint Black and many others.

Bob Birch leaves behind his wife Michele as well as his son Jonathan, who attends medical school at Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz.