Bob Birch dies: Elton John and Billy Joel's guitarist commits suicide

Robert Birch, a prolific guitarist best known for his work with legends Elton John and Billy Joel, has died, reports TMZ. Birch, who has played with John since 1992, was found close to his home, dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

Sources in law enforcement confirm that the wound appears to be self-inflicted. There was no evidence of drug use and no suicide note.

Birch, who played guitar on John's iconic "Candle In The Wind 1997" single about Princess Diana, has worked with Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Cher, Sting, The Backstreet Boys, The Spice Girls, Clint Black and more.

Birch is survived by his wife, Michelle, and their son, Jonathan. He was 56.