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Saturday, June 9, 2018

Danny Kirwan dead at 68

Daniel David Kirwan
May 13, 1950 - June 8, 2018


Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan died yesterday at the age of 68. The news broke late last night via Fleetwood Mac's Facebook page, with a statement from drummer Mick Fleetwood. In the statement, Fleetwood  described Kirwan as a "huge force" in the band's early years.

Born in Brixton, London, Kirwan started his musical career when he was only 16 years old- joining the band Boilerhouse in 1966. It was during his time in Boilerhouse that he met producer Mike Vernon. At that time, Vernon was Fleetwood Mac's producer. After watching Kirwan rehearse with Boilerhouse, Vernon passed this on to Fleetwood Mac guitarist/founder Peter Green. Green was impressed by the young Kirwan's playing. The two became friends as Boilerhouse would open for Fleetwood Mac in London venues. 

Come 1968, Green became interested in managing Boilerhouse professionally. When bassist Trevor Stevens and drummer Dave Terrey showed no interest, Green tried to find a rhythm section to accompany Kirwan. After several auditions, Green couldn't find the right people. By August 1968, the 18-year-old Kirwan had joined Fleetwood Mac as a fifth member. With Kirwan in the group, the band had another songwriter. Kirwan's first album with the band was 1969's Then Play On. Kirwan wrote half of the songs on the album- including "Coming Your Way" and "One Sunny Day." However, Then Play On would be the band's last with Green as he left the band shortly afterwards. The band decided to continue without Green. During this time, there were more changes to the band's line up. Kirwan would stay in the band until 1972, playing on the following albums:

Kiln House (1970)- the band's first with Peter Green and their last with guitarist Jeremy Spencer
Future Games (1971)- the band's first with Bob Welch and Christine McVie
Bare Trees (1972)

In his last years with Fleetwood Mac, Kirwan struggled with alcoholism and, according to some sources, would go days without eating. Kirwan's bizarre behavior came to a head in 1972 while on tour in the US. Kirwan got into an argument with guitarist Bob Welch that was so intense, Kirwan proceeded to bang his head and fists against the wall. He then proceeded to smash his guitar, after which he refused to go on stage. Kirwan was fired as a result.  

After his time in Fleetwood Mac, Kirwan embarked on a solo career. He would release three studio albums between 1975 and 1979. During the late 1970s, Kirwan struggled with mental issues. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kirwan was homeless. According to an article from the Independent from 1993, Kirwan had been living in St. Mungo's Hostel for the homeless in London since 1989. In an interview in 2014 with Nightwatcher's House of Rock , former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Jeremy Spencer stated that he last saw Kirwan in 2001 for a morning meal in London- with Spencer's wife, Kirwan's ex-wife and Danny's son Dominic in attendance. Spencer also stated that Kirwan wasn't living "like a down and out tramp"- citing that Kirwan still played guitar and read. 

Below is the full statement from Mick Fleetwood:
"Today was greeted by the sad news of the passing of Danny Kirwan in London, England. 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 fifty years. Thank you, Danny Kirwan. You will forever be missed!"
~Mick Fleetwood and Fleetwood Mac

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