Ex-Fleetwood Mac Guitarist Bob Welch Dead

Guitarist and singer Bob Welch, who spent four years in Fleetwood Mac and later had success as a solo artist, was found dead at his home Thursday of a self-inflicted gun wound. He was 66. Welch was in Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974 and was a key component transitioning the group from a blues-based outfit into a more mainstream pop-rock act. Welsh later found success as a solo artist, scoring big hits with ‘Sentimental Lady’, ‘Ebony Eyes’ and several singles reaching the Top 40. Welsh continued to write and record throughout the 80s and in later years re-located to Nashville. This marks the third Fleetwood Mac-related death in less than a year. Guitarist Bob Brunning died of a heart attack last October and guitarist Bob Weston passed away this January of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.