http://www.nme.com/news/elton-john/65541

Sad - I saw him with EJ a month or so ago and was impressed with his tone and playing. RIP Mr. Bob Birch.

it's strange that we lost several legendary bassplayers/musicians this year thus far.

I'm always keen to watch headliners' bands.  IF they keep the same guys forever, I think a lot more of them, rather than 'cattle-calling' new guys constantly for the next tour.  But then I guess that's the difference between headliners-as-musicians and 'entertainers'.
 
Birch had not been with Elton very long when he fell off a stage in Europe and broke his leg.  Elton flew him back to the States, took care of everything, and told him to not worry, his gig was there when he was ready to come back.  Not many like that !
 
I don't know where his life had taken him, but suicide is just the worst, un-fixable mistake there is, and just murders every one of his friends and loved ones.  What a damn shame.
 
J o e y