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Key Information

Robert Wayne Birch (July 14, 1956 – August 15, 2012) was an American musician, best known as the bass player for Elton John.

Early life

[edit]

Bob Birch was born in Detroit and grew up in suburban Sterling Heights and St. Clair Shores, Michigan.[1] At an early age, he was inspired to pursue music by his father Chet, an upright bassist. Birch began playing the alto saxophone and mirroring the styles of Paul Desmond and Cannonball Adderley. Around seventh grade, he tried the electric bass because of his fascination with the Motown sound, and groups like Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. He began playing on his junior-high band director's Mosrite bass at lunch breaks. Because he also had a passion for classical music, Birch focused his school studies on the bassoon. He was recognized by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association for his wins at music festival competitions and, as a senior at Lakeview High School, he won the Louis Armstrong award.

Birch won a scholarship from the state of Michigan to enroll in Wayne State University, initially as a pre-med student.[2] In 1980, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education and performance and then spent some time as a music teacher in the Warren Consolidated Schools district. Through these years, he had been playing at night with his brother Dan in a band called Birch & Co., and in another called Lifeline.[3]

Career

[edit]

By 1984, Birch was living in Los Angeles, where he joined the band Fortune, playing bass and saxophone on their first album Fortune, an album which is considered a classic in Progressive rock circles.[4] The album was a success in Japan and Europe, and the song "Stacy" was a hit in the US, but the band broke up soon after its release.

Birch met keyboardist Guy Babylon when they worked on the Luis Cardenas's 1986 album, Animal Instinct.[5] In 1987, Babylon recommended Birch for Mark Ashton's band and the two worked on the recording of the 1988 Ashton album Modern Pilgrims.[6] At that time, Babylon was asked to join Elton John's band.

When Elton John ended his tour in 1989, Babylon produced an album for Warpipes, a side band that he had started with John's guitarist, Davey Johnstone, and John's drummer Nigel Olsson. Babylon hired Birch to play on the album, which was released in 1991.[7] Babylon, Johnstone and Olsson were then called to begin working on Elton John's The One. At that point, John had been working with different bass players, including Romeo Williams,[8] David Paton and Pino Palladino, but he had yet to settle on one musician. Birch was asked to join The One Tour, which commenced in May 1992. While he would become a busy session musician when not working with Elton John, Birch would stay with John for the rest of his life.

In 1997, Birch met Marc Bonilla and briefly played with his band Dragonchoir.[9] Through Bonilla, Birch was hired to play with Keith Emerson and Glenn Hughes. He worked with Bonilla on Bobby Gaylor's comedy album, Fuzzatonic Scream, and on the soundtracks of the films The Replacements and The Scorpion King. Bonilla included a track featuring Birch on his 2019 album Celluloid Debris.[10] With his 2022 album Deeper Than My Roots, Davey Johnstone would do the same.[11]

During the Elton John and Billy Joel's Face to Face 1994 tour, Birch met Joel's saxophone player Mark Rivera. In 1997, Rivera asked him to play at the inaugural Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp in Miami Beach, where Birch played with Rivera, Leslie West and Liberty DeVitto.[12] In 1999, Birch was part of Edgar Winter's opening band at the Montreaux Jazz Festival.[13] He also built a relationship with producer and songwriter David Harris, through which he did session work on several Contemporary Christian music albums.[14] Birch's last album was Remember, released by Micky Dolenz in 2012.[15]

Injury

[edit]

In 1995, Birch was struck by a pick-up truck while walking along the street in Montreal. He broke both of his legs and two vertebrae in his back. He was left in constant pain, and dealt with headaches, dizziness, and vertigo.[16] According to his friend and colleague Nigel Olsson, he "saw hundreds of physicians, but nothing could reverse the damage. His entire body was knackered."[17] At the beginning of his final Elton John tour, Birch had a fall which exacerbated his back pain; he had to perform while seated.[18][19]

Personal life and death

[edit]

Birch was married with one son.

During the last weeks of his life, he struggled with severe gastrointestinal issues brought on by his injury, losing over 20 pounds in a short period of time. On August 15, 2012, he died in an apparent suicide by gunshot wound near his Los Angeles home, at age 56.[20][21]

Upon learning of his death, Elton John released a statement saying that he was “devastated and shocked” by the loss of his friend. "To me Bob was family,” he said. “He had been a member of my band for 20 years; we played over 1400 concerts together. He was one of the greatest musicians I have ever worked with, and in all our years on the road he never played or sang a bad note. I cannot find the words to describe this tragic death, and how much I loved him. May he rest in peace.”[22]

Discography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Bob Birch

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Robert Wayne Birch (July 14, 1956 – August 15, 2012), professionally known as Bob Birch, was an American musician best known as the longtime and for Elton John's touring and recording band. A versatile , he joined Elton John's band in 1992 and remained its longest-serving for over two decades, performing in more than 1,400 concerts worldwide. Born in , , Birch grew up in nearby St. Clair Shores and graduated from Lakeview High School, where he developed his early interest in music. He built a prolific career as a and , collaborating with renowned artists such as , , , , , and , while also working as a , , and mentor in the industry. With , Birch contributed to key projects including the 1995 album Made in England and the globally acclaimed single "," a tribute to . Birch's dedication was tested in 1995 when he suffered a severe accident that resulted in a broken back and legs, yet despite long-term health challenges from the injuries, he resumed touring without missing performances. He was married to Michele Birch and had one son, Jonathan. On August 15, 2012, Birch died by from a self-inflicted in his apartment at age 56, prompting tributes from , who described him as an "incredible musician and a good friend," and , who called him a "great player and a great guy."

Early Life and Education

Childhood in Michigan

Robert Wayne Birch was born on July 14, 1956, in , . He grew up in the suburban Detroit areas of St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights, immersing himself in the vibrant musical culture of the region during the . Birch's early interest in music was profoundly shaped by his family, particularly his father, Chet Birch, an upright bassist and enthusiast whose passion for the instrument provided a foundational inspiration for his son's musical pursuits. He had a brother, , and the household environment fostered a deep appreciation for performance and creativity. During his childhood, Birch was exposed to the iconic sounds of , which emerged from nearby and profoundly influenced his developing musical tastes amid the city's rich scene. This local cultural backdrop, combined with familial encouragement, laid the groundwork for his lifelong dedication to music.

Initial Musical Training

Birch's musical journey commenced in junior high school in , where he received mentorship from band director Art Dries and began playing the , developing skills in and concert ensembles. Influenced by his father , an upright bassist who sparked his passion for the instrument, Birch transitioned to electric bass guitar during his teenage years, drawn to the bass lines of . In high school at Lakeview High School, Birch expanded his versatility by participating in jazz, concert, and pep bands, playing alongside peers like John Kumjian while honing his abilities on multiple instruments, including and bass. His interest in led him to study the in school band, a pursuit he continued into higher education where he majored in woodwinds. Birch initially enrolled at as a pre-medicine student on a state scholarship but soon shifted to music, earning a in music education and performance in 1980. This formal training solidified his technical foundation and pedagogical knowledge, preparing him for future professional endeavors in performance and session work.

Professional Career

Early Session Work

After moving to Los Angeles in 1981, Bob Birch began establishing himself as a by performing in local clubs and contributing to various recordings. His early efforts in the city's vibrant music scene helped build his reputation as a versatile capable of handling both studio and live performances. In 1984, Birch joined the rock band Fortune, where he provided bass, , and backing vocals on their self-titled debut album released the following year by . This project marked one of his first significant national credits, showcasing his multi-instrumental skills in a context alongside vocalist Larry Greene, guitarist Richard Fortune, and drummer Mick Fortune. The album's production highlighted Birch's growing proficiency on bass while retaining his saxophone contributions, reflecting his adaptability in ensemble settings. Birch continued to hone his role as a session player through the late , including work on Mark Ashton's 1988 album Modern Pilgrims, where he again played bass and saxophone. This collaboration with keyboardist and others further solidified his standing in studios and on initial national tours, emphasizing bass as his primary live instrument amid diverse rock projects. By the late 1980s, Birch's experience in the scene—where he had begun performing post-education—transitioned into broader opportunities, culminating in his involvement in the formation of Warpipes around 1989. This short-lived band, featuring associates and , allowed Birch to contribute bass to their 1991 album Holes in the Heavens, bridging his session foundations toward more prominent affiliations.

Collaboration with Elton John

Bob Birch joined Elton John's band in 1992 as bassist and backing vocalist, initially for the promotion of John's album The One, after being recommended by band members including guitarist Davey Johnstone following a period of session work that showcased his versatility. His live debut with the band occurred on May 26, 1992, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, marking the start of a two-decade tenure that established him as the longest-serving bassist in John's touring history. Over the next 20 years, Birch performed in more than 1,400 concerts worldwide alongside John, contributing both his bass lines and rich backing vocals to create a dynamic integral to the band's sound. His involvement extended to numerous studio recordings, including bass and vocals on albums such as Made in England (1995), The Big Picture (1997), Peachtree Road (2004), and the live album (2008), as well as the globally acclaimed single "Candle in the Wind 1997." Birch played a key role in the evolution of John's live performances, adapting his playing to diverse formats that ranged from high-energy rock tours to more elaborate orchestral arrangements, such as the 2002 show with a 90-piece . Notable highlights included his participation in the recurring Face to Face tours with , beginning in 1994 and spanning multiple runs through the early 2000s, where his steady bass and vocal harmonies helped bridge the two artists' repertoires during joint sets. This period solidified Birch's position as a core member of , influencing its transition through various stylistic phases while maintaining a consistent presence on global stages until his final performance with John on July 21, 2012, in , .

Other Notable Projects

Beyond his longstanding role in Elton John's band, Bob Birch maintained an active schedule as a versatile and collaborator across multiple genres, including rock, pop, , classical, and elements of and work. His contributions highlighted a broad skill set on , and vocals, often bridging high-profile live performances with studio recordings. Birch's session work included collaborations with renowned artists such as , , , , and , in addition to prominent figures in pop and rock like , where he provided bass contributions to live and recording projects during the , complementing Joel's piano-driven style. Similarly, he provided bass arrangements and performances on Micky Dolenz's final solo album, Remember (), arranging tracks like "" and laying down bass on covers such as "," blending pop nostalgia with contemporary production. These sessions underscored his adaptability in pop settings, often incorporating his multi-instrumental talents. In 1991, Birch co-founded the short-lived rock band Warpipes alongside Elton John associates Davey Johnstone on guitar, Guy Babylon on keyboards, and Nigel Olsson on drums, with Billy Trudel handling lead vocals. The group released their sole album, Holes in the Heavens, a hard rock effort recorded at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, featuring Birch's prominent bass lines on tracks like "Back on the Street" and "Turn It Up." Though commercially overlooked, the project showcased Birch's ability to drive rhythmic foundations in a band context, drawing from classic rock influences. His versatility also shone in soundtrack and guest appearances, such as contributing bass and saxophone to the scores of films like The Replacements (2000) and The Scorpion King (2002), where he added energetic undertones to action sequences. Birch appeared on the PBS series Great Performances and provided musical support for an episode of the animated series King of the Hill (1997), collaborating with Johnstone on original cues that infused jazz-inflected rock elements. Even in his later years, Birch continued selective sessions, demonstrating enduring professionalism up to 2012 across these diverse outlets.

Health Issues and Later Years

The 1995 Accident

In 1995, Bob Birch was involved in a severe pedestrian accident in , , while on tour with . Walking along a sidewalk with fellow band members during the Made in England Tour, Birch was struck by a that veered onto the curb, propelling him over 20 feet through the air. The impact resulted in compound fractures to both legs and severe damage to his lower back, including two fractured vertebrae. Birch was rushed to a local , where he underwent immediate surgeries to stabilize the injuries. Medical staff initially warned that he might never walk again due to the extent of the trauma. In the immediate aftermath, Birch faced significant mobility challenges, spending weeks in a and undergoing intensive rehabilitation to relearn basic movement. The incident disrupted the tour schedule, requiring a temporary replacement to allow the band to continue performing without him. Despite the prognosis, Birch remarkably resumed touring with just three months later, though his recovery involved ongoing and care.

Long-Term Effects and Challenges

Following the 1995 accident that left him with a broken back and two broken legs, Bob Birch endured chronic throughout the remainder of his , which he managed largely in silence without burdening others. This persistent pain was compounded by ongoing headaches, , and vertigo, stemming directly from his spinal and leg injuries. These health challenges also took a profound psychological toll, manifesting as mental anguish and depression tied to his unrelenting physical suffering. Birch's close collaborators, including , later reflected on his quiet endurance, noting how he internalized his struggles rather than seeking support, which intensified his isolation. A subsequent escalator fall in 2012 exacerbated his , amplifying these emotional burdens in the lead-up to his death. Around 2003, Birch underwent C5-C6 surgery, followed by treatment that helped manage his chronic issues and enabled continued performances. To cope with his condition, Birch adapted his professional routine, particularly in live performances, where he began playing bass while seated during his final tour with Elton John to alleviate the strain on his injuries. These modifications allowed him to maintain a demanding schedule of over 1,400 concerts with John from 1992 to 2012, though the cumulative toll likely influenced a shift toward more controlled studio work during off-periods, such as contributions to film soundtracks. Daily life involved ongoing medical management for pain relief and mobility, though specifics of treatments remained private, reflecting his stoic approach to his post-accident reality.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Relationships

Bob Birch was married to Michele Birch, with whom he shared a long-term partnership marked by mutual support and devotion. The couple resided in , , where they built a life centered on close-knit relationships. Birch was described as a devoted husband and a proud father to their one son, Jonathan, often emphasizing the importance of in his personal reflections. As a , Birch took an active role in nurturing his son, balancing the demands of his musical career with meaningful time at home. He was known among friends and colleagues as a loving son and kind brother, further highlighting his commitment to familial bonds. Outside of music, Birch pursued personal interests that grounded him, including being a die-hard fan of the , his hometown team, and enjoying home cooking, such as preparing traditional meatballs and gravy for his . Birch's family provided essential support during the peaks of his professional career, including his long tenure with , helping him navigate the challenges of frequent touring.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

On August 15, 2012, Bob Birch was discovered deceased at age 56 in his home, having suffered a self-inflicted to the head. Authorities investigated the incident as an apparent , with no note found at the scene. Elton John, with whom Birch had collaborated for over two decades, issued a heartfelt public statement expressing profound grief: "I am devastated and shocked at the loss of my friend and fellow , Bob Birch. My heart goes out to Bob's wife , his son Jonathan and the entire Birch family." The news prompted widespread tributes from collaborators and the music industry; described Birch as a brilliant and a wonderful man to work with, offering condolences to his family and friends. Bandmates and session peers similarly mourned the loss of a versatile and reliable artist whose work spanned genres. Media outlets including and the covered the tragedy extensively, highlighting Birch's contributions to rock and session music while noting the shock rippling through the community. Posthumously, Birch has been honored in institutional recognitions, such as Wayne State University's alumni profiles, which celebrate his achievements as a in Elton John's band and his broader session career. These acknowledgments underscore his enduring legacy as a dedicated musician whose influence persisted beyond his lifetime.

Musical Contributions

Primary Discography

Bob Birch's primary discography encompasses his contributions to band albums and select solo-related projects where he served as a core member, primarily on bass guitar with occasional backing vocals and saxophone. His work spans from the mid-1980s through 2012, highlighting his role in rock and pop ensembles. Birch's earliest major release was with the American rock band Fortune on their self-titled debut album Fortune, released in 1985 by MCA Records. As the band's bassist, he performed on all tracks, providing the rhythmic foundation alongside vocals and saxophone parts that complemented the album's AOR and melodic rock style. In 1991, Birch joined Warpipes, a supergroup featuring Elton John band alumni, for their only studio album Holes in the Heavens on Artful Balance Records. He contributed bass across the record and provided backing vocals, supporting the classic rock and pop rock sound led by Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson. From 1992 to 2012, Birch was the primary bassist for Elton John's touring band, appearing on multiple studio albums and live recordings. He played bass on key releases including Made in England (1995), The Big Picture (1997), Songs from the West Coast (2001), Peachtree Road (2004), and The Captain & the Kid (2006), delivering steady grooves and backing vocals that anchored John's mature pop-rock era. His live contributions are captured in releases such as the 1995 concert video and audio Elton John: Live in Barcelona (filmed in 1992 but released later) and the Moscow performance footage from June 7, 1995, where his bass lines drove high-energy renditions of hits like "House." Birch's tenure included over 1,400 shows worldwide, solidifying his role in John's live sound until his death in 2012. Birch's final major release was Micky Dolenz's covers album Remember (2012) on Records, where he played bass on most tracks (1-9, 11-12), contributing to the nostalgic interpretations of 1960s and 1970s hits. This project marked his last significant recording before his death.
YearAlbum/ProjectBand/ArtistRole
1985FortuneFortuneBass (all tracks), Vocals,
1991Holes in the HeavensWarpipesBass, Backing Vocals
1992–2012Various studio albums (Made in England, The Big Picture, Songs from the West Coast, Peachtree Road, ) and live releases (e.g., Moscow 1995 concert)Bass, Backing Vocals (tours and recordings)
2012RememberBass (tracks 1-9, 11-12)

Key Session Appearances

Bob Birch established himself as a highly versatile session in the 1980s and 1990s, contributing to a wide array of rock, pop, and fusion projects before and alongside his tenure with . His sideman roles showcased his adaptability across genres, from to tribute albums, often providing foundational grooves on and occasional backing vocals. Birch's collaborations extended into progressive and fusion territories, particularly with keyboardist . He served as for the Keith Emerson Band's 2008 self-titled album Keith Emerson Band Featuring , delivering rhythmic support on tracks blending classical influences with rock energy. The following year, Birch contributed bass to the live album Boys Club: Live from California (2009), a project uniting Emerson, vocalist Glenn Hughes, and guitarist , where he shared bass duties with Mick Manan on high-energy performances of Emerson's catalog. These sessions highlighted Birch's ability to navigate complex arrangements in live settings. In the , Birch's session work intersected with legendary figures in and opera-pop crossovers. He played bass on B.B. King's 2005 album 80, adding subtle yet driving lines to the icon's celebratory tracks. Birch also provided for Luciano Pavarotti's 2008 compilation The Duets, supporting the tenor's vocal showcases on selections like the duet with [Elton John](/page/Elton John). Beyond studio albums, Birch made live guest appearances, such as joining Billy Joel's band at the 1997 River Rhythms Festival in , at the invitation of saxophonist , whom he met during the 1994 Face to Face tour with [Elton John](/page/Elton John). Birch ventured into media soundtracks as well, co-composing music with guitarist Davey Johnstone for a 1997 episode of the animated series King of the Hill. His contributions there blended rock elements with thematic scoring for the Fox TV show.

Selected Key Session Appearances

The following table summarizes representative examples of Birch's guest and sideman credits, emphasizing bass roles on notable albums and projects from the 1980s to 2000s:
YearArtist/ProjectAlbum/ReleaseRoleNotes
1997The HellecastersHell III: New Axes to GrindBassGuest bass on instrumental surf-rock fusion album.
2005B.B. King80BassSession bass on blues tracks for the artist's milestone birthday album.
2008Keith Emerson Band feat. Marc BonillaKeith Emerson BandBassRhythmic foundation for progressive rock instrumentals.
2008Luciano PavarottiThe DuetsBass guitarBass support on pop-opera duets compilation.
2009Keith Emerson, Glenn Hughes, Marc BonillaBoys Club: Live from CaliforniaBass (shared)Live bass performances on Emerson's prog-rock set with Hughes on vocals.

References

  1. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bob-birch-of-elton-johns-band-dead-in-apparent-suicide-480418/
  2. https://www.the-independent.com/news/obituaries/bob-birch-us-bassist-who-became-a-mainstay-of-elton-john-s-band-8057316.html
  3. https://m.facebook.com/EltonJohn/photos/we-are-very-sad-to-report-the-sudden-death-today-of-bob-birch-eltons-bass-player/484583974904048/
  4. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/latimes/name/bob-birch-obituary?id=19282192
  5. https://www.billyjoel.com/news/rip-bob-birch-billy-joel-offers-his-condolences-family-and-friends/
  6. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-19280686
  7. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/elton-john-bass-player-found-dead-of-apparent-suicide/article_0aeabb3a-6a93-57a0-bb3d-983dd9398e12.html
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1343919/
  9. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95502333/bob-birch
  10. https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2012/08/16/elton-john-bassist-bob-birch-of-sterling-heights-dead-of-apparent-suicide-with-video/
  11. https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2012/08/16/in-memoriam-bob-birch/
  12. https://www.leaderpub.com/2012/08/26/carlock-sad-farewell-to-detroit-music-man/
  13. https://www.dailytribune.com/2012/08/16/musician-bob-birch-found-dead/
  14. https://music.wayne.edu/alumni/profiles
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/512019-Fortune-Fortune
  16. https://progrography.com/mark-ashton/mark-ashton-modern-pilgrims-1988/
  17. https://www.noise11.com/news/elton-john-bassist-bob-birch-takes-own-life-20120816
  18. https://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2012/08/elton-john-bassist-bob-birch-found-dead/
  19. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Elton-John-bassist-Bob-Birch-of-Sterling-Heights-11520151.php
  20. https://www.discogs.com/master/101254-Elton-John-Made-In-England
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/291880-Elton-John-The-Big-Picture
  22. https://www.discogs.com/master/126943-Elton-John-Peachtree-Road
  23. https://www.nme.com/news/music/elton-john-2-60-1254723
  24. https://rvm.pm/elton-john-performs-90-piece-orchestra-2002/
  25. http://eltonjohnallsongslist.blogspot.com/2009/11/bob-birchs-concerts-with-elton.html
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/9846193-Micky-Dolenz-Remember
  27. https://www.discogs.com/master/1062854-Warpipes-Holes-In-The-Heavens
  28. https://www.juliensauctions.com/en/items/8454/bob-birch-hamer-ch-12-chaparral-12-string-bass-guitar
  29. https://dynamicchiropractic.com/article/50495-las-vegas-performers-give-chiropractic-top-billing
  30. https://www.eltondaily.com/2012/09/elton-angry-that-bob-birch-never-reached-out/
  31. https://bid.juliensauctions.com/lot-details/index/catalog/124/lot/54145/BOB-BIRCH-ELTON-JOHN-THE-ONE-TOUR-VERSACE-JACKET
  32. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/bob-birch-us-bassist-who-became-a-mainstay-of-elton-john-s-band-8057316.html
  33. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elton-john-bassist-robert-wayne-birch-dead-of-apparent-suicide-249062/
  34. https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/bass-player-for-elton-john-found-dead-of-apparent-suicide-idUSBRE87E17N/
  35. https://www.discogs.com/artist/483641-Bob-Birch
  36. https://www.allmusic.com/album/holes-mw0001058246
  37. https://www.discogs.com/artist/483641-Bob-Birch?filter_anv=0&type=Releases
  38. https://www.discogs.com/master/1171967-The-Hellecasters-Hell-III-New-Axes-To-Grind
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/256570-Keith-Emerson-Band-Featuring-Marc-Bonilla-Keith-Emerson-Band-Featuring-Marc-Bonilla
  40. https://www.discogs.com/master/686034-Keith-Emerson-Glenn-Hughes-Marc-Bonilla-Boys-Club-Live-From-California
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