Music lovers around the world are mourning the tragic death of former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan. Kirwan, who played on five of the British band’s successful albums, passed away on Friday at the age of 68.
Mick Fleetwood and the band took to their official Facebook page to inform fans of the tragic news, although they didn’t confirm Kirwan’s cause of death.
“Today was greeted by the sad news of the passing of Danny Kirwan in London, England,” Fleetwood 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 fifty years. Thank you, Danny Kirwan. You will forever be missed!”
Kirwan was a major part of Fleetwood Mac in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In addition to appearing on the ‘Then Play On’ and ‘Blue Jam at Chess’ albums in 1969, Kirwan played on the successful 1970 album ‘Kiln House’, 1971’s ‘Future Games’ record and finally on the 1972 ‘Bare Trees’ album.
You may recall Kirwan’s first appearance on the smash hit song, ‘Albatross’. Sadly, he was fired from the band in 1972 after a battle with alcohol addiction, but went on to release four further solo albums during the ‘70s.
Along with Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, John McVie, Christine McVie and Jeremy Spencer, Kirwan was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 20 years ago in 1998.
Fans offered their support and paid their respects to Kirwan on Facebook.
One message read: “So sorry to see this news. Danny was a fine guitarist and composer. His work with the early Fleetwood Mac (the only real Mac for me) on Then Play On alongside the great Peter Green was a joy to listen to. Their work together sends shivers through me every time I hear it. RIP Danny”.
Another fan said: “Very sad news. My condolences to his family, friends and Fleetwood Mac members past and present. Thank you for the amazing music and memories. RIP Danny”.
A third added: “Rip Danny. And with his passing we will never get a reunion of the original Fleetwood Mac, which I had hoped for so long but realised long ago that it probably would never happen”.
Sadly, Kirwan isn’t the only entertainer the world has lost this week. The first ever ‘Bond girl’ Eunice Gayson passed away at the age of 90, while celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain also died.
Do you remember Danny Kirwan in Fleetwood Mac? What is your favourite memory of him?