Elton John's bassist dies aged 56

Birch died at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday August 15, his body discovered after 1am with a gunshot wound to the head.

A message on John's website read, "We are very sad to report the sudden death today of Bob Birch... Bob had been a member of the Elton John band since 1992, the longest-serving bassist in Elton's touring band."

Birch's recording credits for John include 1995's Made In England and 2008's The Red Piano, and he also worked with Luciano Pavarotti in the studio. 

Live, as well as working for John he performed with Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, Sting and more.

Birch is survived by his wife Michele and son Jonathan.

Photo: Getty Images