Ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch found dead

NASHVILLE, June 7 (UPI) -- Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch died of an apparent suicide Thursday afternoon at his Tennessee home, police told Billboard.com. He was 66.

WKRN-TV, Nashville, and The Tennessean newspaper said Welch's wife discovered the Los Angeles-born musician with a gunshot wound to his chest at their home in Antioch.

Police spokesman Don Aaron told Billboard.com Welch had a history of health issues and left a suicide note.

Welch joined Fleetwood Mac in 1971, playing guitar and singing on five albums.

After leaving the band, he enjoyed success as a solo artist. His platinum-selling 1977 album "French Kiss" featured the hits "Sentimental Lady," "Ebony Eyes" and "Hot Love, Cold World."