Danny Kirwan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Danny Kirwan
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Kirwan performing with Fleetwood Mac,
18 March 1970 |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Daniel David Langran |
| Born | 13 May 1950 Brixton, London, UK |
| Died | 8 June 2018 (aged 68) London, UK |
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| Years active | 1966–1979 |
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Daniel David Kirwan (born May 13, 1950 – died June 8, 2018) was a talented British musician. He was best known as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the famous blues rock band Fleetwood Mac. He played with them from 1968 to 1972. After leaving the band, he released three solo albums between 1975 and 1979. He also worked with other musicians like Otis Spann and Christine McVie. In 1998, he was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Danny Kirwan was born Daniel David Langran on May 13, 1950. He grew up in Brixton, South London. His parents separated when he was young. His mother later married Aloysious J. Kirwan in 1958. Danny was eight years old at the time. He left school in 1967 and worked as an insurance clerk for a year.
Music Career
Musical Beginnings
Danny's mother was a singer, so he grew up listening to jazz music. He enjoyed artists like Eddie Lang and Django Reinhardt. Danny started learning guitar at age 15. He taught himself to play very well. He was inspired by guitarists like Hank Marvin and Eric Clapton.
When he was 17, Danny led his first band, Boilerhouse. It was a blues band with three members. Boilerhouse sometimes opened shows for Fleetwood Mac in London.
Joining Fleetwood Mac
Peter Green, a founder of Fleetwood Mac, wanted another guitarist. The band's drummer, Mick Fleetwood, was very impressed by Danny's playing. He suggested Danny join Fleetwood Mac in August 1968. Danny was very excited to join the band.
Peter Green wanted Fleetwood Mac to explore new musical styles. Danny was perfect for this change. He played gentle rhythm guitar and added vocal harmonies. This helped the band move from pure blues to rock music.
Mike Vernon, Fleetwood Mac's producer, admired Danny's guitar playing. He said Danny played with "scary intensity." Mick Fleetwood called Danny an "exceptional guitar player." Danny's arrival made Fleetwood Mac a five-member band.
Fleetwood Mac's Early Days
Mick Fleetwood described the early Fleetwood Mac as a "wild, fun-loving bunch." They played music to entertain themselves and their audience. Danny's playing was very melodic and tuneful. His style helped Peter Green write new kinds of songs. Danny was full of ideas that moved Fleetwood Mac into the rock mainstream.
Clifford Davis, the band's manager, said Danny had "very high musical standards." He was always pushing the band to rehearse. Danny helped create the beautiful harmonies and melodies Fleetwood Mac became known for.
First Concerts and Tours
Danny quickly went from a small pub band to an international touring group. His first show with Fleetwood Mac was on August 14, 1968. Just ten days later, he played at the Hyde Park Free Concert in London. He shared the stage with famous bands like Ten Years After.
Soon after, Fleetwood Mac began a big tour of the UK and Scandinavia. In December 1968, Danny was in New York City. He started a 30-date US tour with the band. They played at major venues like the Fillmore East and the Miami Pop Festival. They even played with music legends like Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters.
First Recording: "Albatross"
Danny's first recording with Fleetwood Mac was in October 1968. He played the second guitar part on Peter Green's instrumental hit, "Albatross". Danny added a beautiful harmony to the middle section. Peter Green said he "would never have done 'Albatross' if it wasn't for Danny."
"Albatross" was released in November 1968. It quickly reached number one in the UK charts. It sold almost a million copies. Danny also provided the instrumental "Jigsaw Puzzle Blues" for the B-side. This was his first published song.
The famous band The Beatles loved "Albatross." It inspired them to create their song "Sun King."
Blues Sessions in Chicago
In January 1969, Danny toured the US with Fleetwood Mac. They opened for Muddy Waters in Chicago. While there, producer Mike Vernon arranged a special recording session. Danny and the band played with legendary blues musicians. These included Willie Dixon and Otis Spann.
These recordings were released as a double album called Fleetwood Mac in Chicago. Mick Fleetwood said these sessions produced some of the band's best blues music. Two of Danny's songs, "Talk With You" and "Like It This Way," were on the album.
Then Play On, 1969
Danny's musical skills really shined on the 1969 album Then Play On. Peter Green had told Danny he would be responsible for half of the album. Danny wrote seven of the 14 songs. His song "Coming Your Way" opened the album.
Danny's varied musical tastes were clear on the album. Songs like "My Dream" and "When You Say" showed his unique style. Mike Vernon noted that Danny's presence helped the band move from traditional blues to blues-rock.
Then Play On was released in September 1969. It reached number five in the UK album charts. It was also the band's first album to sell over 100,000 copies in America. By December 1969, Fleetwood Mac was voted the UK's number-one progressive group.
Hit Singles
Fleetwood Mac's hit singles from 1968 to 1970 were written by Peter Green. However, Danny's style was very important to them. He joined Green on "Albatross" and contributed to "Man of the World". Danny also played the solo on "Oh Well Pt. 1".
The final hit single from this lineup was "The Green Manalishi". It was recorded in April 1970, just before Peter Green left the band. Danny helped Green get the sound he wanted for the song. "The Green Manalishi" reached number 10 in the UK charts.
The B-side of "The Green Manalishi" was "World in Harmony." This was the only song credited to both Kirwan and Green. They had planned an album together based on their twin guitars, but it never happened.
Danny and Peter Green
Danny and Peter Green had a close musical partnership. However, they sometimes had personal disagreements. Danny had high musical standards and focused a lot on rehearsing. Peter Green was more talented at improvising.
Producer Martin Birch said Danny often looked for Peter's approval. Peter wanted Danny to develop his own style.
Peter Green Leaves the Band
In early 1970, there were rumors that Danny would leave Fleetwood Mac. But it was Peter Green who left in May 1970. Danny later said he was not surprised. He felt they "didn't get on too well basically."
Working with Other Musicians
Otis Spann, Jeremy Spencer, Christine McVie
In January 1969, Danny played on Otis Spann's blues album, The Biggest Thing Since Colossus. He also worked on Christine McVie's first solo album, Christine Perfect. Christine included a version of Danny's song "When You Say."
Danny also helped Jeremy Spencer with his solo album, Jeremy Spencer. Danny played rhythm guitar and sang backing vocals. Spencer later said he enjoyed working with Danny on the album.
Blues Band Tramp
In 1969, Danny played as a session guitarist for the blues band Tramp. He contributed an instrumental song called "Hard Work." Mick Fleetwood also played drums on this recording.
Bob Brunning, Tramp's bass player, enjoyed working with Danny. He said Danny was friendly and cooperative. Brunning described Danny as a talented and soulful musician.
Kiln House, 1970
Christine McVie Joins
After Peter Green left in May 1970, the band thought about breaking up. Danny and Jeremy Spencer felt a lot of pressure. Mick Fleetwood convinced them to keep going. Christine McVie, a talented keyboard player, then joined the band. She was described as "the best blueswoman in England."
Christine's arrival helped the band's sound. The new lineup included her songs and more vocal harmonies. It also allowed Danny to develop more melodic rock. Christine played her first official show with Fleetwood Mac in August 1970.
Danny's Songs on Kiln House
Danny and Jeremy Spencer handled the guitars and vocals on the Kiln House album. It was released in September 1970. Danny's songs included "Station Man," which he co-wrote. This song became a favorite at live shows.
Other songs by Danny on the album were "Jewel-Eyed Judy" and "Tell Me All the Things You Do." He also wrote "Earl Gray," an instrumental piece. Danny sang backing vocals on some of Spencer's songs.
Danny also wrote the song "Dragonfly" later that year. Its lyrics were adapted from a poem. The B-side, "The Purple Dancer," featured Danny and Spencer singing together.
Jeremy Spencer Leaves
The band toured the US to support Kiln House. But in February 1971, Jeremy Spencer suddenly left the group. He disappeared from their hotel in Los Angeles. He was later found to have joined a religious group.
Spencer said he was questioning everything at 22. He no longer enjoyed playing music. He regretted how he left the band.
Peter Green Returns Temporarily
The band had to finish their tour without Spencer. Their manager, Clifford Davis, asked Peter Green to rejoin temporarily. Green had left the band almost a year before. But he agreed to help them out of friendship.
Green played his first show of the tour in San Bernardino, California. The band had to improvise most of their shows. Mick Fleetwood said this made for an "interesting six weeks." The American audiences loved their jamming.
Danny reportedly felt overshadowed by Green's return. He was annoyed that Green was taking a leading role. Green's biographer said Peter was just trying to encourage Danny.
The tour ended in New York in March 1971. Green played his last show with Fleetwood Mac. The tour was a success and very profitable for the band.
Bob Welch Joins
Welch and Fleetwood Mac
American guitarist Bob Welch joined Fleetwood Mac in April 1971. Mick Fleetwood said Bob was "the perfect fit." His musical background was in R&B, which added an interesting mix to the band.
Welch said the band mostly jammed and played blues. He enjoyed touring with them. They played with bands like Deep Purple and Van Morrison. Welch described Danny's lead guitar style as mature and precise. He learned a lot from Danny about playing guitar with emotion.
Welch and Kirwan's Relationship
Welch had mixed feelings about Danny. He respected Danny's musical talent but found him difficult personally. Mick Fleetwood noted they were "very different as people and as musicians." A "personality clash" grew between them.
Welch said Danny was a "brilliant musician" but "not a very lighthearted person." He felt Danny was "a little bit paranoid." Welch also thought Danny didn't like his musical style.
Despite this, Welch greatly admired Danny's playing. He called him an "innovative and exciting player." He said Danny played with "surprising maturity and soulfulness."
Future Games, 1971
Danny's songs made up about half of his last two Fleetwood Mac albums. His guitar work was also important on songs by Welch and McVie. Future Games was released in September 1971. It was different from previous albums without Spencer's rock 'n' roll style.
Danny wrote the album's opening song, "Woman of 1000 Years." He also wrote "Sands of Time" and "Sometimes." Christine McVie called Danny's "Woman of 1000 Years" and "Sands of Time" "killer songs."
Future Games sold well in America. Fleetwood Mac toured America and Europe for 11 months. The constant touring and performing began to affect Danny. He became withdrawn and argued with Welch.
Bare Trees, 1972
Bare Trees was recorded in London and released in March 1972. The album had five new songs by Danny. This included an instrumental called "Sunny Side of Heaven." The lyrics for "Dust" came from a poem. "Danny's Chant" featured his unique scat vocals.
Songs like "Bare Trees" and "Child of Mine" showed new musical influences. Bob Welch said Danny's songs often had a feeling of loneliness.
Rolling Stone magazine reviewed Bare Trees. The reviewer said Danny "makes the difference" on the album. He noted Danny's "deft melodic touch" and said Danny was the "sole focal figure." The review ended by saying Danny "gives them a distinctiveness, a sting."
Leaving Fleetwood Mac
Pressure and Stress
By summer 1972, Danny had been working non-stop for almost four years. He was a member of a major international band since he was 18. He took on much of the songwriting during a difficult time for the band. He also became the lead guitarist after Peter Green left. This pressure affected him greatly.
Mick Fleetwood remembered Danny becoming "quite volatile" on tour. He became withdrawn and isolated. Fleetwood said Danny was "never really suited to the rigours of the business." The constant touring and pressure were taking a toll.
Backstage Incident
Things came to a head in August 1972. Before a concert, Danny argued with Bob Welch. He became very angry and damaged his guitar. He refused to go on stage. The rest of the band had to play without him.
Mick Fleetwood said Danny "bashed his head into the wall." He then "smashed his precious Les Paul guitar to bits." The band was in shock. They had to go on stage without a lead guitarist.
Sacking from the Band
After the show, the band decided to let Danny go. Mick Fleetwood said Danny had a "breakdown." He felt it was a way to help Danny out of his "agony." Welch said the band had been loyal to Danny, even when he was difficult.
Danny later said, "I couldn't handle it all mentally. I had to get out." He also said, "I was lucky to have played for the band at all." He felt he "couldn't handle the lifestyle and the women and the travelling."
Solo Career and Beyond
Hungry Fighter, 1974
In early 1974, Danny joined a short-lived band called Hungry Fighter. Another former Fleetwood Mac member, Dave Walker, was also in the band. They played only one concert. Walker remembered Danny's guitar playing was "still superb." However, Danny was becoming more withdrawn.
Other Sessions
After leaving Fleetwood Mac, Danny worked with Chris Youlden on his 1973 solo album. In 1974, Danny worked with Mick Fleetwood again. They recorded for Tramp's second album. Bob Brunning said Danny seemed to have recovered and was "extremely friendly."
Solo Albums, 1975–1979
Danny recorded three solo albums for DJM Records. These albums showed a softer side of his music. His first solo album, Second Chapter (1975), had simple, melodic songs. A Rolling Stone review noted his style was similar to Paul McCartney's.
His second album, Midnight in San Juan (1976), included a reggae version of The Beatles' "Let It Be". The songs were mostly about love, but some showed themes of loneliness.
Danny's last album, Hello There Big Boy!, was recorded in 1979. His Fleetwood Mac replacement, Bob Weston, played guitar on two tracks. Weston said Danny had become "totally reclusive." Danny sang on all tracks, but it's unclear how much lead guitar he played.
None of Danny's solo albums were very successful. He did not play live concerts to promote them. This limited their exposure and sales.
Personal Life
Danny Kirwan married Clare Stock in 1971. They later divorced. They had one son, Dominic Daniel, born in 1971.
Later Years
Danny was described as a brilliant musician but also nervous and insecure. Christine McVie said he was "a loner." John McVie called him "nervous and shy." Mick Fleetwood said Danny "couldn't handle the life."
In the late 1970s, Danny's health declined. After his last solo album, he stopped working in the music industry.
Danny Kirwan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. This was for his work with Fleetwood Mac. He did not attend the ceremony.
Peter Green confirmed in 1999 that early Fleetwood Mac musicians received royalties. He said Danny was "still receiving his and is doing OK."
Danny's three solo albums were released on CD in Japan in 2006. A limited edition of Second Chapter was issued in 2008.
In the mid-2000s, there were rumors of an early Fleetwood Mac reunion. John McVie said in 2006 that he would consider it if Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer agreed. However, he felt there was "not much chance of Danny doing it."
One of Danny's songs, "Tell Me All the Things You Do," was included in Fleetwood Mac's 2018–19 tour.
Death
Date and Cause
Danny Kirwan died in London on June 8, 2018. He was 68 years old. His former wife said he died in his sleep after getting pneumonia.
Tributes
Mick Fleetwood posted a statement on Facebook. He said Danny was a "huge force in our early years." He added that Danny's music "will forever live on." Fleetwood called Danny "a quantum leap ahead of us creatively."
Christine McVie said Danny was "the white English blues guy." She added, "Nobody else could play like him." She praised his "precise, piercing vibrato" and called him a "perfectionist." Jeremy Spencer said Danny brought "inventiveness and melody" to the band.
Dave Walker, from Hungry Fighter, called Danny "a great loss to music." Bob Welch said Danny was a "talented and gifted musician." Mick Fleetwood said Danny "inspired Peter Green into writing the most moving and powerful songs of his life."
Equipment
- Watkins Rapier 33: A 1960s British-made guitar, similar to a Fender Stratocaster. Danny used a red one in Boilerhouse and early Fleetwood Mac shows.
- Fender Telecaster Standard Blonde: Used on the song "Like Crying."
- 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard: A "Goldtop" model, later changed to red.
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard: A Cherry Sunburst model.
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard: A Tobacco Sunburst model.
- 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom: A three-pickup "Black Beauty" model.
- Orange Matamp 100W valve amplifier: Often used with two Orange speaker cabinets.
- Fender Dual Showman amplifier
Discography
Solo albums
- Second Chapter (DJM 1975)
- Midnight in San Juan (DJM 1976)
- Danny Kirwan (DJM 1977 – US release of Midnight in San Juan)
- Hello There Big Boy! (DJM 1979)
- Ram Jam City (Mooncrest 2000 – recorded in the mid-1970s as demo tracks for the Second Chapter album)
Images for kids
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Kirwan performing with Fleetwood Mac, 18 March 1970
See also
In Spanish: Danny Kirwan para niños
