By the time the landmark album Then Play On (1969) was recorded, Kirwan was a primary force, writing half of the songs. His style was more lyrical and atmospheric than the heavy blues that preceded it, visible in tracks like:
: A co-written favorite that became a staple of their live shows. The Shadow of "The Curse" Danny Kirwan
Behind the brilliance, Kirwan was a fragile soul. Colleagues described him as "nervous and shy," carrying emotional baggage that the grueling lifestyle of an international touring band only made heavier. By the time the landmark album Then Play
: A haunting, melodic opener to Future Games . Colleagues described him as "nervous and shy," carrying
Things came to a tragic head in 1972 during a US tour. In a fit of rage before a show, Kirwan smashed his beloved Gibson Les Paul and refused to go on stage, heckling his own bandmates from the audience instead. He was fired shortly after, marking the beginning of a decades-long struggle with mental health and alcoholism. Obscurity and Grace Category Archives: Danny Kirwan - Fleetwood Mac UK