Music icon Sir Elton John has posted a heartfelt message on his official website following the tragic death of his bass player, Bob Birch.

56-year-old Birch was found dead yesterday (August 15) near to his Los Angeles home and it's thought that he died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound, although this is yet to be confirmed.

Los Angeles County Assistant Coroner Chief, Ed Winter, has told press that the situation is being 'investigated as a possible suicide'.

Sir Elton praised the talents of Birch in an open letter and said he was "devastated" to hear the sad news: "I am devastated and shocked at the loss of my friend and fellow musician, Bob Birch. My heart goes out to Bob's wife Michele, his son Jonathan and his family. 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."