Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan dies aged 68
'Danny's true legacy, in my mind, will forever live on in the music he wrote and played so beautifully'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan has died in London at the age of 68.
The musician, was just 18 when he joined the band, featured on five of their albums released between 1969 and 1972.
Branded a "huge force" in Fleetwood Mac's early years, Kirwan contributed guitar and vocal work in addition to songwriting.
A post on the band's official Facebook page by drummer Mick Fleetwood announced that he passed away late last week.
Fleetwood, who recruited Kirwan to join the band when he was just 18 1968, wrote: "Danny was a huge force in our early years. His love for the Blues led him to being asked to join Fleetwood Mac in 1968, where he made his musical home for many years.
”Danny's true legacy, in my mind, will forever live on in the music he wrote and played so beautifully as a part of the foundation of Fleetwood Mac, that has now endured for over 50 years. Thank, Danny Kirwan. You will forever be missed!"
No cause of death has been announced.
When the Brixton-born musician joined Fleetwood Mac, it included Fleetwood, John McVie, Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer, according to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
His talents were featured on albums Then Play On (1969), Blues Jam at Chess (1969), Kiln House (1970), Future Games (1971) and Bare Trees (1972).
When he was just a teenager, Kirwan’s band Boilerhouse supported Fleetwood Mac at venues in London. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for his work as part of Fleetwood Mac but did not go to the induction ceremony.
He wound up being fired from Fleetwood Mac during the tour in support of Bare Trees in 1972 due to his alcoholism. He went on to release four solo albums over the second half of the seventies.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
During the eighties and nineties, he endured a period of homelessness in London and struggled with mental health issues.
Speaking to The Independent in 1993 in a rare interview after Fleetwood asked the Missing Person Bureau to seek out his former guitarist, he said: ”I’ve been through a bit of a rough patch but I'm not too bad.
“I get by and I suppose I am homeless, but then I've never really had a home since our early days on tour. I couldn't handle it all mentally and I had to get out. I can't settle."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments