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Fleetwood Mac founding member Bob Welch has committed suicide at his home in Nashville.

Welch served as guitarist and vocalist with the band between 1971 and 1974. He died from a self inflicted chest wound at his Nashville home. His body was discovered yesterday by his wife Wendy, police have revealed.

The musician, who also enjoyed several hits during a solo career left a suicide note and is said to have blamed health issues for the decision to take his life. Welch had had spinal surgery three months ago, but doctors had told him he would not walk again and it is claimed he did not want his wife to care for an invalid.

R.I.P Bob Welch xx

Sad news, but he was hardly a founding member of Fleetwood Mac. They were formed in 1967, and by 1971, when he joined, had had several hits.
Black magic woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross (reached No. 1) Man Of The World(No.2), Oh Well (No.2) The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown) (No.10).
Between 1971 and 1974 their only hit single was a re-issue of Albatross, which reached No.2.

Whoever wrote Bob's Wikipedia entry obviously believes him to have been a very positive influence on the band during the time he was with them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Welch_(musician)

Whatever the circumstances and whether or not the guy contributed a little or a lot, this is tragic news and another loss to the music industry. RIP Bob.