Bob Birch, a bass player and prolific session sideman best known as a long-time member of Elton John's band, died August 15, 2012 of an apparent suicide at his home in Los Angeles. He was 56.

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

Ed Winter of the Los Angeles Coroner's office announced that Birch was found in his San Fernando Valley home after 1 a.m. PDT with a gunshot wound to the head. Officials say the case is being investigated as a possible suicide. According to TMZ, no suicide note has been found at the scene.

Over the years, the Detroit native has amassed a prodigious amount of credits, both in the studio and live. With Elton John, he has played bass on albums including 1995's "Made in England" and "The Red Piano" in 2008. He also played bass on Luciano Pavarotti's "The Duets" in 2008, B.B. King's "80" effort in 2005 and he contributed piano to Corinne Bailey Rae's "The Sea" in 2010. Live, he performed with a wide slate of artists including Billy Joel, Sting, Eric Clapton, Melissa Etheridge and Clint Black.

Birch is survived by his wife Michele and their son, Jonathan. We would like to convey our deepest and sincere sympathy to Bob's family: We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.

This is a very sad day and everyone in the Hercules team still is in deep shock.

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