MattBissonette.comVeteran bassist Matt Bissonette has signed on to replace longtime Elton John band member Bob Birch, who **** of an apparent suicide on August 15.  Bissonette comes from a musical family that includes his brother, Gregg, who has played drums in Ringo Starr's All Starr Band since 2008.  Matt's extensive resume includes stints performing with David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani and Rick Springfield.

Bissonette is scheduled to make his debut performance with Elton's group when John kicks off his new U.S. tour leg this Tuesday in Jackson, Mississippi.

Matt, who was a close friend of Birch's, has issued a statement about being hired to succeed him in Elton's group.

"You can never take a guy like Bob Birch's place in a band," says Bissonnette.  "I would love to honor Bob on this Elton tour and while playing all these great songs remember how great he was, as a bass player and all-round musician.  But it's 10 ***** more important to remember what a fantastic human he was, and is."

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