Exfleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan dies
LOSANGELES: Musician Danny Kirwan, the former Fleetwood Mac guitarist who played on five of the band’s albums, has died aged 68.
Born in London on May 13, 1950, Kirwan was guitarist, singer and songwriter with the blues rock band between 1968 and 1972. His work has been featured in the albums Then Play On, Blues Jam at Chess, Kiln House, Future Games, and Bare Trees.
The news of his death was acknowledged in a statement by Fleetwood Mac’s drummer Mick Fleetwood on Facebook.
“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,” Fleetwood wrote.
No details were immediately available about his Friday death.
Having joined the band when he was just 18 years old, Kirwan was fired from the band in 1972, reportedly due to alcoholism and the sour interpersonal relationships within Fleetwood Mac.
He remained active briefly, recording unsuccessful three solo albums for the British label DJM between 1975 and 1979 before his recording career ended. His alcoholism and struggles with mental health left him homeless for several years.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his bandmates in 1998.