In Memoriam: Bob Birch

Bob BirchWe’re sad to report the passing of Bob Birch, longtime bassist for Elton John and session musician. Birch, who was 56, reportedly took his own life near his home in Los Angeles.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Birch started out as an alto saxophonist before the sounds of Motown made him switch to bass in middle school. He worked the Detroit area with local bands and eventually made the decision to move to Los Angeles for bigger musical opportunities. There he took every gig he could get, and after paying his dues, got the opportunity to join the Elton John Band in 1992. A message was posted on Birch’s death on John’s website.

“We are very sad to report the sudden death today of Bob Birch, Elton’s bass player and backing vocalist, in Los Angeles,” the post read. “Bob had been a member of the Elton John band since 1992, the longest-serving bassist in Elton’s touring band. We send love and condolences to Michelle Birch, and to their son, Jonathan.”

Other accomplishments on Birch’s resume including recording and performing with Billy Joel, Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, Lionel Ritchie, B.B. King, Cher, Mary J. Blige and many more.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Bob Birch.

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Leave a Reply to Terence Gray Cancel reply

  1. Sadly another great musician leaves us.

  2. I had the honor of meeting Bob back in the mid 90’s. I was the bassist for Billy Ray Cyrus and had gotten an endorsement with Krossroads bass amps..Bob was also an endorser and we met for a photo shoot. He was a funny guy with a great attitude towards his craft…RIP Bob.

  3. this is such sad news. I first heard of Bob Birch when he interviewed Chris Squire for his instructional video. Didn’t know then that he was Elton John’s bassist.