Elton John Bassist Dies In Apparent Suicide

Robert Wayne Birch, bass player for Elton John, Billy Joel and others, was found dead from a gunshot wound to his head around the corner from his home Aug. 15, according to TMZ.

Law enforcement said all signs pointed to a self-inflicted wound, although no suicide note was found.

There were no signs of drug use, authorities told TMZ. Birch began playing with John in 1992 and can be heard on “Candle in the Wind 1997.”

Other artists he has played with include Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Cher, Sting, The Backstreet Boys and the Spice Girls. His last performance was on “Late Night with David Letterman” last year, performing with John and Leon Russell.