Mick Fleetwood speaks of shock at bandmate suicide

Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood has spoken of his shock at the gunshot suicide of his former bandmate Bob Welch, as reported earlier today.

The seventies musician says that the suicide is completely out of character for the guitarist and paid tribute to his fellow musician.

"He was a very, very profoundly intelligent human being and always in good humor, which is why this is so unbelievably shocking," say Fleetwood. "He was a huge part of our history which sometimes gets forgotten. Mostly his legacy would be his songwriting abilities that he brought to Fleetwood Mac, which will survive all of us."

"If you look into our musical history, you'll see a huge period that was completely ensconced in Bob's work."

Welch reportedly committed suicide at his Nashville home, dying from a single gunshot to the chest. Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks also spoke of her sadness at his death, saying in a statement: "He was an amazing guitar player – he was funny, sweet – and he was smart. I'm so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac – so, so sad."