Elton John Bass Player Bob Birch Dead: Gunshot Suicide

Bass player Robert Wayne Birch, a long-time member of Elton John's band, died Wednesday of an apparent suicide at his L.A. home at the age of 56. 

According to Billboard.com, Birch was found in his San Fernando Valley home at approximately 1 a.m. Wednesday with a single gunshot wound to the head. He was announced dead by the Los Angeles Coroner's office shortly after.

Birch was a session musician and a sideman who recorded and performed live with a number of notable artists, including Billy Joel, Sting, Stevie Wonder, and Eric Clapton among a slew of others. Some of his most notable work was with Elton John, playing bass on the hit album "Made in England" (1995).

In a statement released on his website following the news of Birch's passing away, John writes:

"I am devastated and shocked at the loss of my friend and fellow musician, Bob Birch. My heart goes out to Bob's wife Michele, his son Jonathan and his family. To me Bob was family. He had been a member of my band for 20 years; we played over 1400 concerts together. He was one of the greatest musicians I have ever worked with, and in all our years on the road he never played or sang a bad note."

John continues with, "I cannot find the words to describe this tragic death, and how much I loved him. May he rest in peace."

Birch is survived by his wife, Michelle, and son, Jonathan.