Elton John and Billy Joel have both commented on the passing of bassist Bob Birch, who was found dead of an apparent suicide on Wednesday.

John, who had Birch as a member of his band since 1992, said in a statement, "To me Bob was family. 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.”

Birch also played with Billy Joel on the Face to Face tours John and Joel did together. Joel said in a statement, "He was a brilliant musician, a true professional and a wonderful man to work with. After 16 years on the road together I considered him to be a good friend. I and all the people in my touring organization will miss him very much."