Bob Welch
| Bob Welch} | |
|---|---|
| Origin | |
| Genres | Rock, pop rock, blues rock |
| Years active | 1964–2012 |
| Labels | |
| Website | |
| Members | |
| Current members | |
| Past members | |
Biography
[edit]Robert Lawrence Welch Jr. (August 31, 1945 – June 7, 2012) was an American musician who served as a guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974. He is credited with helping the band survive a period of significant transition and legal turmoil, steering their sound toward a more melodic, atmospheric rock style that set the stage for their mid-70s superstardom.
Career
[edit]Fleetwood Mac era
[edit]Welch was recruited in 1971 to replace founding member Jeremy Spencer. During his tenure, he appeared on five studio albums:
- Future Games (1971)
- Bare Trees (1972)
- Penguin (1973)
- Mystery to Me (1973) – Featuring his signature song, "Hypnotized."
- Heroes Are Hard to Find (1974)
Solo success
[edit]After leaving Fleetwood Mac in 1974, Welch briefly formed the power trio Paris before launching a solo career. His 1977 debut solo album, French Kiss, became a massive commercial success, peaking at #15 on the Billboard 200 and eventually being certified Platinum. It featured the hit singles "Sentimental Lady" (#8) and "Ebony Eyes" (#14).
Discography
[edit]Solo Albums
[edit]| Year | Album | US Chart Peak | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | French Kiss | 15 | Platinum |
| 1979 | Three Hearts | 20 | Gold |
| 1979 | The Other One | 105 | — |
| 1980 | Man Overboard | 162 | — |
| 1981 | Bob Welch | 201 | — |
| 1983 | Eye Contact | — | — |
Solo Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | US Hot 100 Peak |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | "Sentimental Lady" | 8 |
| 1978 | "Ebony Eyes" | 14 |
| 1978 | "Hot Love, Cold World" | 31 |
| 1979 | "Precious Love" | 19 |
| 1979 | "Church" | 73 |