Police: Musician Bob Welch kills self
By Alan Duke, CNN
updated 12:55 PM EDT, Fri June 8, 2012
Britist-American band Fleetwood Mac formed in 1967. John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Bob Welch and Christine McVie pose in front of the Hollywood sign circa 1970.
American Bob Welch plays at Sundown in 1972. Welch joined the band in 1971 before launching a solo career. On June 7, Welch died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest. He was 66.
From left, John McVie, Danny Kirwan, Mick Fleetwood, Jeremy Spencer and Peter Green pose in 1969.
Singer and songwriter Stevie Nicks performs on stage. She joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974 with her then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham.
British drummer Mick Fleetwood is the only original member left in the band.
Lindsey Buckingham plays on the 2009 "Unleashed" Fleetwood Mac tour. Buckingham was the lead singer from 1975-1987 and 1997 to present day.
Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood play at Wembley Arena in 2009.
In London, Fleetwood Mac perform together in 1998.
Buckingham performs in 1980 in the Netherlands.
Nicks sings in concert in 1978.
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
Fleetwood Mac through the years
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW: Welch's death is "devastating" and "so,so sad," Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks says
- Welch's wife found his body in their Nashville home Thursday afternoon, police say
- "All indications are that it was a suicide," a police spokesman says
- Welch played guitar with Fleetwood Mac from 1971 until late 1974
(CNN) -- Bob Welch, a guitarist who played with Fleetwood Mac before launching a solo career, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest, Nashville, Tennessee, police said Thursday. He was 66.
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Welch's wife found his body in their Nashville home about 12:15 p.m., Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron said.
Bob Welch played guitar with Fleetwood Mac starting from 1971 to 1974.
"All indications are that it was a suicide," Aaron said. A suicide note was found, he said.
Welch played guitar with Fleetwood Mac starting in 1971. He left the group in late 1974, just before Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the group.
Nicks said in a statement that Welch's death was "devastating."
"I had many great times with him after Lindsey and I joined Fleetwood Mac," singer Nicks said. "He was an amazing guitar player -- he was funny, sweet -- and he was smart.
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"I am so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac -- so,so sad," Nicks said.
Welch's biggest hits, "Sentimental Lady" and "Ebony Eyes" came from his debut solo album "French Kiss," released in November 1977.
CNN's Douglas Hyde and Michael Martinez contributed to this report.