Danny Kirwan, the former guitarist and singer with Fleetwood Mac, died in London on Friday, June 8 at the age of 68.
The news was confirmed by Fleetwood Mac's founding drummer Mick Fleetwood, who released a statement on behalf of the band on his official Facebook page.
He wrote: "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."
He added: "Thank you, Danny Kirwan. You will forever be missed!"
Further details about Kirwan's death have not been released.
Kirwan joined Fleetwood Mac in 1968 when he was 18-years-old. His first appearance with the band was their chart topping instrumental single Albatross.
He recorded a total of five albums with them, Then Play On (1969), Blues Jam at Chess (1969), Kiln House (1970), Future Games (1971) and Bare Trees (1972).
After his departure from Fleetwood Mac during their Bare Trees tour in 1972 due to his struggle with alcoholism, the guitarist released three solo albums.
Kirwan is survived by his only son.
Fans have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the musician following the news of his death.
Really sad news at the passing of Danny Kirwan. Danny was monumental in the early Fleetwood Mac / Peter Green Era and played with them until 1972. Some of the early albums pre- Buckingham/Nicks are often overlooked and are exceptional in their own right. RIP. pic.twitter.com/H6pxzZHEV4
— Ivy Bloom Music (@IvyBloomMusic) June 9, 2018
omg Danny Kirwan..... a truly underrated Fleetwood Mac member responsible for sooo many underrated and iconic songs. His presence will be missed.
— clorox bleachman (@CRYSTALVISlONS) June 9, 2018
I have just this minute heard the sad news that danny kirwan has died. such a delicate spirit, such a wonderful guitar player.https://t.co/WPcaSYNWrV
— ROB CHAPMAN (@rcscribbler) June 9, 2018
RIP #DannyKirwan his contribution to the original Fleetwood Mac was amazing especially on my fave album of theirs 'Then Play On'. Heartbreaking news 😥😥
— Caroline (@chopdoll24) June 9, 2018
Sad news indeed. RIP #DannyKirwan one of the unsung greats.
— Ian Frank (@ian_d_frank) June 9, 2018
Sad news: Danny Kirwan from Fleetwood Mac (1968-72) has passed away aged just 68. #RIP The music will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/4kB4Lf9MsU
— Michael Stephen Day (@integraps) June 9, 2018
THE ORIGINAL FLEETWOOD MAC#RIPDannykirwan #guitarmaster #blues #fleetwoodmac #dannykirwan
— Rory (@re68271894) June 9, 2018
The beautiful boy in red 🙏 pic.twitter.com/jiCYdBEJZM
