Danny Kirwan, the former guitarist of Fleetwood Mac in the '60s and '70s, passed away at the age of 68.
Not many details have been released to the public, but the band confirmed the sad news on Friday, June 8.
Fleetwood Mac Remembers Danny Kirwan
On a Facebook post, Mick Fleetwood paid tribute to the late musician by sharing a heartfelt message.
"Today was greeted by the sad news of the passing of Danny Kirwan in London, England," he 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."
Kirwan joined Fleetwood Mac at the age of 17. He was involved in the recording of Then Play, Blues Jam at Chess, Kiln House, Future Games, and Bare Trees. He also played with the band's original lineup, which included Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, and John McVie.
The guitarist left the band in 1972 after a series of confrontations with Fleetwood and Bob Welch due to his alcoholism.
He continued recording as a solo act and release three unsuccessful albums. However, due to his alcoholism and health problems, he became homeless for a couple of years.
"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," he told The Independent in 1993. "I couldn't handle it all mentally and I had to get out. I can't settle."
Kirwan remained estranged from Fleetwood Mac and was noticeably absent when the band was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
"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 continued. "Thank you, Danny. You will forever be missed."
Fans Pay Tribute To Danny Kirwan
Immediately after news of his passing surfaced on the web, fans sent out their condolences through social media.
Remembering @fleetwoodmac's #DannyKirwan on these four albums, 1969-72.
His warm melodies on Woman of 1000 Years and Sands of Time from Future Games and Dust from Bare Trees are particularly haunting and lovely. pic.twitter.com/I68xrF1b1k — Howard Cohen (@HowardCohen) June 10, 2018
Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist and songwriter Danny Kirwan dead at 68. His songs helped make "Future Games" a masterpiece. R.I.P. https://t.co/lWX0yrhrk4 pic.twitter.com/WmMAo6gkBZ — Jim Roberts (@nycjim) June 10, 2018
RIP Danny Kirwan, one of the UK's greatest and most underrated guitar players who'll be sadly missed #DannyKirwan #FleetwoodMac @fleetwoodmac pic.twitter.com/DdwwlaOaN0 — Shindig! Magazine (@shindigmagazine) June 9, 2018
Remembering Fleetwood Mac's Danny Kirwan. His melodic playing & singing were incredible, as was the sensitivity in his songs. "Dragonfly" has long been my fave FM song, & other great moments on Bare Trees & his '75 lp. (his death's been mentioned here but no news item yet?) — Doug Gillard (@douggillard) June 9, 2018
A fantastic writer, and a vastly underrated player.
RIP Danny Kirwan. ️ pic.twitter.com/3jshKQJVty — Bernie Marsden (@Bernie_Marsden) June 9, 2018
RIP Fleetwood Mac's original boy wonder Danny Kirwan. Like Thunderclap Newman's Jimmy McCulloch, he seemed so young to be making huge 45s in 1969. He also wrote several songs for Then Play On, including this stunning 2-part opener. https://t.co/vQW8qx51TS pic.twitter.com/Ut1Das4rrZ — Mark Paytress (@Paytress) June 9, 2018
RIP Danny Kirwan. A pillar of the early 'Mac. — XTC (@xtcfans) June 10, 2018
Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan has died in London at the age of 68. He left the group in 1972 after falling out with some of the members. Mick Fleetwood says he will be forever missed - but that his legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/QJkokDi4Ja — Zora Suleman (@ZoraSuleman) June 9, 2018
Kirwan is survived by his son.
