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Nicks 'devastated' by Welch death

Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks has paid tribute to former band member Bob Welch, who has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A police spokesman said the 65-year-old's wife found him with a chest wound at their south Nashville home.

Welch was a guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974. He formed the British rock group Paris in 1976, and had hits including Sentimental Lady in 1977 and Ebony Eyes in 1978. Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham performed backing vocals on Sentimental Lady.

Police said Welch apparently had had health issues recently, and a suicide note was left.

Singer Nicks said Welch's death hit her hard.

"The death of Bob Welch is devastating," she said. "I had many great times with him after Lindsey and I joined Fleetwood Mac. He was an amazing guitar player - he was funny, sweet - and he was smart. I am so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac - so, so sad."

Welch, a native of Los Angeles, scored his biggest hit with Sentimental Lady, which reached number 8 on the Billboard chart. His other singles included Precious Love in 1979 and Hot Love, Cold World in 1978.

When Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Welch was not included in the group.

As a songwriter, Welch had his songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Sammy Hagar, the Pointer Sisters and others.

In an interview with The Tennessean in 2003, Welch said he never dreamed he'd be remembered for much. "I just wanted to play guitar in a good band," he said. "I wanted to make the music I love. I wanted to travel the world and have adventures."

Source: music.uk.msn.com
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