Danny Kirwan, the teen prodigy that became the third lead guitarist in Fleetwood Mac‘s original incarnation, died of undisclosed causes on Friday, June 8th at age 68. The news was announced by former bandmate Mick Fleetwood on his official Facebook page. Kirwan, who was mentored by Peter Green, formally joined the group in the summer of 1968, and made his first appearance on the band’s first chart-topper, “Albatross” — which Green claimed he never would’ve recorded if not for Kirwan’s urging. By 1969’s Then Play On, Kirwan and Green had developed an sympathetic and almost symbiotic playing style that pushed the late-’60s blues movement into a whole new realm. Kirwan, along with co-founders Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, weathered the 1970 loss of Peter Green after a particularly intense LSD trip and the defection of Jeremy Spencer the following year to join the infamous religious group, the Children of God.
Kirwan soldiered on with the group, which by the time of his 1972 firing included McVie’s wife Christine McVie on keyboards and the band’s first American member, guitarist Bob Welch. Kirwan was let go from the band due to his frequent uncontrollable fits of rage and debilitating alcohol abuse. He went on to record three ill-fated solo albums in the ’70s, but succumbed to mental illness and spent large parts of his life homeless and/or in shelters, refusing all help from his former bandmates. He was married in 1971 and divorced soon after. Kirwan is survived by a son.
Mick Fleetwood’s official announcement via Facebook on the death of Danny Kirwan:
Danny Kirwan
May 13, 1950 – June 8, 2018
A Tribute From Mick Fleetwood And Fleetwood Mac
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
Albums Featuring the Work Of Danny Kirwan:
Then Play On - 1969
Blues Jam At Chess – 1969
Kiln House – 1970
Future Games - 1971
Bare Trees - 1972
