Danny played on three more albums, not two, after Then Play On - Before Bare Trees, and after the phenomenal Kiln House, he wrote three of the eight tracks on Future Games, and he contributed heavily to the entire album. His haunting, eternal summery Woman of 1000 Years, the first track on the album, is one of the greatest all time rock tracks ever.
I am an amateur guitar player, and I play Sands of Time a lot, both the riff and the lead parts (not at the same time of course). Underneath the melodic solos runs a riff that goes 4/4, 3/4 (someone pls correct me if I wrong), that pulls your ear in, every bar. Similar to the opening run in Tubular Bells (Theme to the Exorcist 8/8, 7/8). Great composition. The other great tune is 'Sometimes'. I tried to play it every now and then, still couldn't get it right.
I think the warm tone of the playing and the epic melodic passion of the phrasing "created" bands like Wishbone Ash. I see a clear link there, a thread. Sands Of Time is my favourite Mac song.
He used a little too much vibrato imo, but he was fantastic! One of the most underrated guitarists of his time along with Peter Green. Peter Green was very well-known in Europe and only barely known in the States back in the late 60s/early 70s, but after that he kinda fell into a similar category as Danny since Peter was only around in the music industry for such a short period of time. Peter was considered to be a more technical/better player than Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page in his prime but you never hear about him anymore, and Danny was also an incredible player and you never hear about him either.
@@briantaylor2.023I disagree that Peter was barely known in the States in the late sixties. His FM had a career in the States American bands would kill to have. They played all the best venues across the country that catered to the rock crowd. They never slogged it out in dive bars, playing to five people, in small town America. They were very successful on the rock circuit in the US from the start.
Danny and Peter were phenomenal together kerwan was overshadowed by Peter but if you get a chance to hear any of the live recordings of the early mac particularly the boston tea party shows alot of those riffs and soaring lead lines are coming from Danny he was a monstrous guitar player
I have to agree as well. I saw them in Chicago as sort of the opening act for either the Jeff Beck Group w/ Rod Stewart, or some other British band. Too long ago! But Kirwan was unforgettable.
Glad to see this man get some props on UA-cam. Peter Green cast such a large shadow. Both Danny and Jeremy are highly under-appreciated. Peter got most of the props as a songwriter and influence on others such Santana. But Danny deserves more credit for being a great muscian in his own right.
Kiln house is one of my favorite all time records. I have been following the British music all my life and play guitar as an no pro basis. I used to play along with "Tell me all the things you do" seriously a great rock song and very much underrated. Dannys tone was unique. Station Man- another great song that you never get tired of listening to. I very much appreciate your run down, it is extremely welcomed by people like myself.
Danny Kirwan used to practice at the same youth club as me. It was situated at the end of Gleneagle Rd, Streatham, South London, a 109 bus ride away from Brixton. A pity I didn't get to know him, I have always admired his work, and know he looked up to Peter Green a lot. I thought them a good pair, producing a great double Les Paul sound, trading-off each other's licks on stage. I believe they understood each other musically, but it's possible that without Peter, Kirwan lost some ambition continuing with FM, who knows? FM became an entirely different band without Peter, as we all know, nothing like the band Peter had originally intended it. Danny's vibrato is legendary, but he had a good singing voice too. The most extradorinaiy thing was how young he was yet sounding so good, same as Green. One wonders where they got this intense blues feel to play like that? Jigsaw Puzzle Blues was astonishing, so was Something Inside of Me, and the slide blues of Feel Like Crying. Thank you for producing this video, paying tribute to a great Britsh guitarist, and a South Londoner!
I used to go to that Youth Club in 1968/69. One of the bands from my school, Clapham College, used to rehearse in the woodwork room there, playing classic blues and Cream songs. I saw Gerry Shepherd play there about the same time. He went on to form the Glitter Band a short while later. He used to play a cherry 335 and played with a drummer called Steve Carroll, who eventually ended up succumbing to extra strength STP acid when he went to the USA in 69/70. It destroyed him mentally. Similar to what Peter Green went through. They were great days apart for poor Steve.
Danny was a beautiful guitar player and is easily one of my favorites. His work on Then Play On and Future Games was genius and will live within me forever. Woman of a 1000 years can make me cry. As soon as I hear it it brings me back to being 18 in 1972. I feel bad that he had so many issues as I missed him very much but will always remember him dearly. Rest In Peace Danny.
@@gregmccurry9512 Yes, Welch shot himself in 2012. Wiki: "Welch had undergone spinal surgery three months prior to his death. Despite the surgery, doctors told him his prognosis for recovery was poor, and he would eventually become an invalid. He was still in considerable pain, despite taking the medication pregabalin (Lyrica) for six weeks. .. On June 7, 2012, around 6:00 am, Welch committed suicide by shooting in his Nashville home"
Alan Lloyd the song “Future Games” and “Sentimental Lady” on Bare Trees are some of Welch’s best songs but Danny Kirwan predominates both those albums. I also think as Welch had less songs on these albums they tended to be his better ones. Later albums had a lot of filler tracks by him.
My favorite Danny Kirwin song will always be Dust. While it's not the best showcase of his guitar playing abilities, It's one of the most evocative, emotional performances I've ever heard.
My god..... Not a mention of sands of time, sometimes, bare trees and not forgetting Dust... I think dust is on the bare trees album...... What a song!!
Danny Kirwan has the songs. For any fan of fabulous 20th century music, there are gorgeously sung, played and written songs . He grew up hearing a wide variety of music and he has songs rejoicing to the spirit of those styles ,from show tunes and stage ,classical and jazz and blues . He had an uncanny knack for creating songs , his voice and his guitar voice are legendary to a lucky few . So, he got overshadowed by Peter ,and later Welch, and then Stevie Nicks, a legend nearly lost . His solo songs are magical , but who has heard them ? My guess is fewer than 1,000,000 people worldwide know anything about him , and of those, how many have heard the songs. There are more than 60 great songs by Kirwan . About 30 from FM ,and 30 solo songs . To compare Danny with the world I like Lennon McCartney P Simon , some Dylan, some Jimi , some Johnny Cash ,Shadows ,Ventures, Syds PF , Moodies, Early Who, Early Stones, Joy Division and NewOrder, dozens more As for a negative comparison I have zero interest in post Kirwan Fleetwood Mac , or anything by Welch ,except for Danny's solo on Future Games . Not a Springsteen or tom petty fan
Danny also played extensively and sang on Fleetwood Mac’s 1971 “Future Games,” which came out between Kiln House and Bare Trees. It’s so good. Listen to it if you are not aware of it! MGMT covered the title song in 2010-
"Morning Rain" was the first FM song I heard. Always played Future Games from beginning to end on both sides - "Woman of 1000 Years" doesn't sound quite right without the (vinyl record) scratches at the beginning for me. Never knew or thought about who sang that (though knew it wasn't Bob Welch or Christine McVie) until I saw and old FM video w/Danny singing.
His tone on Morning Rain is spot on for my ear - on the verge of all hell without actually going there. Supposedly this was achieved with just a guitar and amp - no effects. I don't know how he did it but I'm glad he did.
Yes, Danny was so over looked by many who confused his lead playing with "Peter Greens" lead work. So, if you are currious to compare the two, listen to not only "Fleetwood Mac In Chicago", but you can hear some of "Dannys" best blues lead work on "Otis Spans" solo recordings with "Fleetwood Mac"! His taste for the "Blues" was unmatched on his performance on those recordings. R.I.P. Danny
Angelo Bi An interview I gave recently concerning my friendship with the late Danny Kirwan of Fleetwood Mac: “The real story of Danny Kirwan post Fleetwood Mac.” The Guitar Show Interview. ua-cam.com/video/uzUCH4Hcjjo/v-deo.html
One of the greatest, if unsung, guitarists. Very eclectic; from Station Man to Sunny Side of Heaven, Danny could bring life to any style of song. Very sad his departure from FM and subsequent slide downhill
Ya if that was even a slide....he lived another 40+ years after FM...so it couldn't have been that bad for him. I have heard he lived a modest but comfortable life in England and later in Holland with his Dutch girlfriend. Some people just aren't addicted to the Limelight like others.
@Miatacrosser, I think you are confusing Danny Kirwan with someone else, maybe another rock guitarist? Danny never lived in Holland to my knowledge. He struggled with alcoholism, divorced his English wife, and later on became homeless.
Thank you so much for this I very much look forward to your follow up video about Danny. I loved his playing ever since hearing Albatross as a young man, such gifted soulful hard working fellows giving it everything they had. So sad he had a tough time afterwards.
Everything he says concerning the way Danny and peter acheived their sound is so spot on and those streight forward simple methods are essential for getting the most out of an electric guitar. There's something so pure about that. As a lifelong guitar player this is what I do. It's just so cluttered sounding when electric guitar is filtered through all of these artificial effects
Years ago ( prob about 1985?) I repaired laundry equipment and travelled to all sorts of hospitals across the UK. I remember going to one place and the woman in charge said ' We've got a member of Fleetwood Mac here' I asked ' Is it Peter Green??' No it's Danny, she said. The place was a drug/alcohol rehab facility - it was in Southend on Sea.
Thanks for doing this. I am sure Peter Green would have loved this too. Green was so generous he let 2 other guitarists in his band! Danny was a great player in his own right and was a perfect match for Peter. I have not heard a lot of his recordings after Peter left.
Sands of Time, Woman of 1000 years, and on Bare Trees...Sunnyside of Heaven (I was lucky enough to see the band do that live)....numerous tunes...Kiln House, Future Games, Bare Trees...their best albums. Danny's best guitar work. Very influential and unique.
I enjoyed your Danny video... there are a couple of things not mentioned that your followers should know about: You missed a major FM album in your listing that Danny has a number of brilliant tunes on: Future Games. Danny didn't do many sessions but every one he did is terrific. The Biggest Thing Since Collosus by Otis Spann (terrific Blues LP with Peter Green), Tramp, a group put together by original Fleetwood Mac bassist, Bob Brunning (a loose studio group that featured Danny on guitar and Bob Hall on piano, JoAnn and Dave Kelly and a number of other London Bluesers). There were two releases with Danny: Tramp in 1969, and Put A Record On in 1974. One last one was early Savoy Brown frontman singer/writer Chris Youlden and his album, Nowhere Road. Danny is featured on two terrific tracks.
You know what you are so right - thats a brilliant album - many thanks for this valuable info - I knew Bob Brunning and he booked me at his blues club many years ago - a lovely man! Ill check some of the music you mentioned - thanks again!
I would add to this (not the that the author of the clip would be listening) I think it's obvious to anyone that Future Games had two of the most original and beautiful songs by Kirwan recorded "Sands of Time" and Lady of a Thousand Years". Crying shame not to mention this!
Thanks for posting this. Danny played so beautifully! 'Cascades' and ' Love Can Bring You Happiness' are my fave Danny Kirwan songs. He was so good. RIP, Danny ❤⚘
This was great. Thank You!!! I mentioned on the PG vid I was a fan since '71. FM, a year before that and Station Man was the first tune I fell in love with. the Blues was too deep for an 11 year old in '68. A friends older brother had some import albums. I somehow thought the LP GT was a '68 since the time was right. Thanks for the clarification. Rest In Peace, Danny Kirwan.
The Watkins Rapier did not have a chambered body. They were exceptionally light, due to the wood used in the body and it's being thinner than most other solid bodies. It was a solid body, with the top routed for the scratch-plate mounted pickups, controls and jack and for the vibrato, with no other cavities. There is footage of Danny rehearsing with Peter Green and also playing at the 1968 "Bluesology Festival" with this guitar. Not sure how much use it got after this🤔
I was around when Hamer Guitar was started and all the buzz was about capturing Danny Kirwan tone. My guitarist friends were excited about his sustain. I was a young bassist trying to get Jack Bruce tone. I washed a lot of dishes to buy my first Marshall.
Thanks Ramon...great to see Danny getting some love. A great musician with a fierce left hand technique. He was a huge addition to Fleetwood Mac's early sound. I'm reading the Peter Green biography at the moment and Danny's story strikes me as the most poignant and inevitably most tragic. That Watkins Rapier is lovely.
Danny Kirwan and Danny Whitten are two of the greatest guitar players in history..but not appreciated very much!!. Love Mr. KIRWAN! you were the fire of Fleetwood mac!!
A very nice, thorough job here... but it seems your history of Danny's guitars seems to end here with the Peter Green era. However, IMO, there's a LOT more to it than that. To be honest, between seeing the later Fleetwood Mac live (the Future Games lineup) and studying their subsequent albums, I've always thought of Danny more as a Strat player, and, in fact, his Strat is ALL over both those albums, as far as I can tell. Yeah, I know he also played his Les Pauls earlier on, but it'll always be his Strat work for me. 'Future Games' is probably my favorite Mac album, although I also love all their earlier work, too. (And Peter Green... need we say more?) :-) I was SO fortunate to have been able to see the 'Future Games' line-up twice on tour (and each time from only 30 ft away!), one time for 'Future Games' and the second for 'Bare Trees'. Danny most definitely played a sunburst Strat for the entirety of each gig. (IIRC, Bob Welch also played a Strat the entire time, but I'm not quite so positive.) Unfortunately, I don't recall the amps but I'm pretty sure they were Fenders of some sort (and not at all a guarantee there, either. It was a looong time ago!) That first time on the 'Future Games' tour, I was especially blown away by the band, the wonderful songs, their overall energy... but most especially by Danny's playing. (IIRC, it might have been their very first gig in the USA supporting that album, playing at a large club in Rockaway Beach on Long Island. And BTW, their 'Bare Trees' gig was in a large arena-type structure along with Alice Cooper and Blue Oyster Cult, IIRC.) Anyway, the very next day, I went out and bought 'Future Games', and right away, I was stunned to not only recognize all the songs (they'd definitely performed the entire album that night, plus more), but _even Danny's solos_; those were *that* much a part of each song, IMO, and he had obviously performed them as such, almost like 'mini-compositions' within the songs (but, to be sure, there were improvised moments, as well). Certain licks and phrases that had blown me away the previous night were also on the recorded versions! For me, that experience was such a profound indication of his innate melodicism on guitar, that those melodic sections had been that important to him, and that made a huge impression on me. To this day, he has remained one of the main influences in my own guitar playing and a major musical hero of mine. What a touch, what a tone... R.I.P. Danny. Play on...
Wow, thanks so much for this post, a ton of first hand info, great stories! The leads in the intro of "Future Games" from the Lp of the same name (obviously) have a tone that kills me. Do you know what Danny's playing there? They're so thick in a pedal overdrive type manner, but to my knowledge those types of overdrives weren't around until at least the mid 70s, certainly not '71. Maybe something Martin Birch did w/ compression and/or the board in addition to an overdriven amp? Still sounds too thick and mids heavy to be a Strat into a Fender, but also too crisp to be a Les Paul? I'd love to hear any insight you have into how that lead tone was achieved. Thanks!
@@maurofelipe76 Hi! Going entirely by my 50 year old memory (IMHO, pretty reliable), all I can say is that Danny’s lead tones (and melodic lead playing) at that gig were quite the same as during my next day’s listening, once I’d gone out and bought the LP. Honestly, I was pretty stunned between the gig and the album. And influenced, too, as a guitarist. Per the album mix, IMO, compression added to some degree or another, was most likely a given, but I wouldn’t think that that was _the_ underlying overdriven contributor. Lots of UK guys back then used treble booster pedals which I’d have to think was much more likely. (Unfortunately, I never got quite close enough to see the actual stage floor to see any pedals, but it seemed to me from afar more like he’d simply adjust his grainier attack via his volume knob -vs- using a pedal. Setting the amp up for the lead tones, then turning the guitar down for his rhythm playing etc. [That’s always been my own approach.] But I also couldn’t state that he didn’t have any pedals, either. Gear back then was so much more Spartan, lol!) Mostly, though, I feel that sooo much of Danny’s tone was what he wrung it out of his Strat with his hands. Yeah, that’s become a cliche by now, I suppose, but in his case, it was so true. IMO, of course. Sorry for the delayed response. Hope any of this helps, etc. Cheers!
Excellent tribute! Also remember to include Future Games, some of his best playing and writing. He also used a wah for Danny's Chant and Spare me a little for effects... what kind I couldn't tell you. Bob Welch also said in a F.A.Q from the 90s he had a binson echorec, but I cant say that I can hear moments that sound like that kind of effect
Danny was no unsung hero to me as a young guitarist here in los angeles i had all the lp's and was swipeing all the riffis i could ha ha but it good to see you giveing a shout out to a verry great guitarist cheers j watt
I think Danny did also play on their 1971 album Future Games, although Bob Welch's songs are more prominent there. Also, in the Station Man video, John McVie is playing a Gibson Thunderbird bass (I otherwise never saw him with anything other than a Fender Precision Bass).
I remember Danny and Bob Welsh using Ampeg amps at a gig at Nelson Imperial Ballroom in 1971. Loudest backline I ever heard. Danny was on the three pickup LP that is featured on the song Dragonfly on German TV Beatclub video on UA-cam. And sadly my recollection is that he didn’t do much during the gig and it mostly was dominated by Bob Welsh on a Telecaster.
great video. I'd heard that the strat w/ maple neck was a guitar that belonged to Jeremy Spencer, but Green sometimes played it. loved all three of those guitarists. and together they were just amazing.
Really got to give you props bro...very thorough anaylisis of these often forgotten legends. Peter green loved dannys playing enough to invite him in the band, i only know the story of him smashing his paul after a show...im sure yall know this tho They made a great team peter n danny ahh i just heard u mention it lol see great job its a shame you cant get somebody to invest in your documentaries, i think you could do something fabulous!
Many thanks indeed for the support - just putting out this info is great fun so I dont really ask for anything in return - just great comments like the one you posted - thanks bro!
One of my favorite original Mac songs is Coming Your Way from And Then Play On.It's a Danny song,with Peter and him playing off each other effortlessly.
When we saw Fleetwood Mac with Joe Cocker & Grease Band at the Boston Tea Party in 11/69, FM were using Orange amps, it was the first time I recall ever seeing Orange amps. ...
I bought a Watkins Rapier, new, in red, same price! I still have it. At the time playing as a 15 year old in what would now be called a Shadow’s Tribute Band. Happy times.
Another amazing great video thank you so very much I’m like you Kirwan fanatic and actually I have been looking for him in London few years ago with no luck , great in depth video and his phrasing and Vibrato beyond good plus the age factor he was barely 18 with such accomplished skills but the part that many overlook his song writing skills which in my opinion as good and original as Lenon or Bowie , when you say or sometimes dragonfly many songs outside there blues sound with songwriting depth , thank you again
Thanks Im really glad you enjoyed it and its so great to hear Danny has many fans who will carry on his memory- yes, I agree with his writing skills - very underated. Stay in touch!
many years ago i was in luthier barry kirbys workshop in the west midlands to pick up a guitar whilst i was there he showed me a les paul standard he had on the workbench belonging to danny kirwan, danny had decided to thin the neck down with a black and decker drill and sanding disc unfortunatly he had sanded through to the truss rod on a large part of the back of the neck and barry was in fix with what to do with it, i don't know whatever happened to it afterwards but it was a sorry 1959 les paul standard.
I love Danny. Fascinating to think that Jigsaw might have been the Rapier. I'd love to know what happened to his Les Pauls. Did he not use effects on Dragonfly? Isn't there a flanger on that or something?
@@TheGuitarShowJust to be clear- you describe Danny's Rapier33 as a chambered guitar (implying special voids full of air to increase resonance etc but that's not strictly true - it was just like a Strat ,with a large void routed out under the "scratchplate" to allow room for the wiring and pots ;' it would have originally had a basic vibrato unit which I doubt Danny used ! I did see The Mac play at the time- first time was Oct 68 in Battersea by which time he'd ditched the Rapier .he was a wonderful player as was Peter (and Jeremy in his limited way) but the overall band was even greater than the sum these parts !(I had RAPEIR 44 at this TIME !)
I'd love to see Danny's Les Pauls identified. But he's known by so few fans that it's not quite as likely as for some bigger artists. I did ask on mylespaul some years back and no one had a clue. I also wonder if anyone's approached Danny's family for an interview since his death to get some more insight into his career and life.
I'm a gibson guy and not all 1968 les Paul goldtops had the pearl crown inlay logo. Gibson truss rod covers from the 50s are shaped a little diffrent and also have a wider white bevel. The one in the pic looks like a late 60s truss rod cover .
Ooops! You missed mentioning the 4th FMac album that Kirwan played, on Ramon: 1971's 'Future Games' was released between 'Kiln House' & 'Bare Trees'...
![Barrie Cadogan & Joe Hollick on Danny Kirwan [Fleetwood Mac]: The Blues Kitchen Presents...](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wJPPkpGlUM8/mqdefault.jpg)
Danny played on three more albums, not two, after Then Play On - Before Bare Trees, and after the phenomenal Kiln House, he wrote three of the eight tracks on Future Games, and he contributed heavily to the entire album. His haunting, eternal summery Woman of 1000 Years, the first track on the album, is one of the greatest all time rock tracks ever.
Thank you, I totally agree. Sands of Time was a brilliant song too. Shame that album was so overlooked in this video.
Woman of a 1000 years has the most haunting solos I've ever heard.
I was going to correct this as well. I really love Future Games. It is an overlooked album. I hope it gets a very good remaster.
@@paul_grimsley the whole Future Games album contains some of the most brilliant melodic guitar playing ever recorded.
@@jmaz1100 You're so right, thank you for the reply. I love Sands of Time too, very simply but just played so well.
His playing on Sands of Time is just amazingly beautiful
Agreed
I am an amateur guitar player, and I play Sands of Time a lot, both the riff and the lead parts (not at the same time of course). Underneath the melodic solos runs a riff that goes 4/4, 3/4 (someone pls correct me if I wrong), that pulls your ear in, every bar. Similar to the opening run in Tubular Bells (Theme to the Exorcist 8/8, 7/8). Great composition. The other great tune is 'Sometimes'. I tried to play it every now and then, still couldn't get it right.
So many different versions of the Mac, but I think this is my favorite song. When it ends I wish it went on another 10 minutes
I think the warm tone of the playing and the epic melodic passion of the phrasing "created" bands like Wishbone Ash. I see a clear link there, a thread. Sands Of Time is my favourite Mac song.
Yeah, the Argus album came out in 1973 the year after Danny was fired from F Mac.
So underrated, his playing was so unique and he had a vibrato that no one has ever match in my opinion
He used a little too much vibrato imo, but he was fantastic! One of the most underrated guitarists of his time along with Peter Green. Peter Green was very well-known in Europe and only barely known in the States back in the late 60s/early 70s, but after that he kinda fell into a similar category as Danny since Peter was only around in the music industry for such a short period of time. Peter was considered to be a more technical/better player than Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page in his prime but you never hear about him anymore, and Danny was also an incredible player and you never hear about him either.
@@briantaylor2.023I disagree that Peter was barely known in the States in the late sixties. His FM had a career in the States American bands would kill to have. They played all the best venues across the country that catered to the rock crowd.
They never slogged it out in dive bars, playing to five people, in small town America.
They were very successful on the rock circuit in the US from the start.
"My Dream" is one of the most amazing instros I ever have heard.
Great information about the most elusive guitar legend ever. He was so underrated!
thank and yes I agree he was always in the background of rock history
"criminally underrated" - Barrie Cadogan
Guitar Player magazine did a great cover story on Peter Green in the late '90s.
They wanted to include Danny but he declined. sad.
@@gabrielm.4554 Cadogan is something of a modern day Kirwin...and more!
Kirwan's biting lead bits on Oh Well were epic.
I agree Chris
Danny and Peter were phenomenal together kerwan was overshadowed by Peter but if you get a chance to hear any of the live recordings of the early mac particularly the boston tea party shows alot of those riffs and soaring lead lines are coming from Danny he was a monstrous guitar player
I agree!
I have to agree as well. I saw them in Chicago as sort of the opening act for either the Jeff Beck Group w/ Rod Stewart, or some other British band. Too long ago! But Kirwan was unforgettable.
Glad to see this man get some props on UA-cam. Peter Green cast such a large shadow. Both Danny and Jeremy are highly under-appreciated. Peter got most of the props as a songwriter and influence on others such Santana. But Danny deserves more credit for being a great muscian in his own right.
I agree Danny was over looked a lot of the time - thanks !
What a time in music! Danny was a gem. Best guitarist in Fleetwood Mac besides Mr Green throughout their career
Kiln house is one of my favorite all time records. I have been following the British music all my life and play guitar as an no pro basis. I used to play along with "Tell me all the things you do" seriously a great rock song and very much underrated. Dannys tone was unique. Station Man- another great song that you never get tired of listening to. I very much appreciate your run down, it is extremely welcomed by people like myself.
Thank you, Danny is an underrated phenomenon, and one of my guitar heroes. Cheers!
Danny Kirwan used to practice at the same youth club as me. It was situated at the end of Gleneagle Rd, Streatham, South London, a 109 bus ride away from Brixton. A pity I didn't get to know him, I have always admired his work, and know he looked up to Peter Green a lot. I thought them a good pair, producing a great double Les Paul sound, trading-off each other's licks on stage. I believe they understood each other musically, but it's possible that without Peter, Kirwan lost some ambition continuing with FM, who knows? FM became an entirely different band without Peter, as we all know, nothing like the band Peter had originally intended it.
Danny's vibrato is legendary, but he had a good singing voice too. The most extradorinaiy thing was how young he was yet sounding so good, same as Green. One wonders where they got this intense blues feel to play like that? Jigsaw Puzzle Blues was astonishing, so was Something Inside of Me, and the slide blues of Feel Like Crying.
Thank you for producing this video, paying tribute to a great Britsh guitarist, and a South Londoner!
maxwellfan55 .could be right Danny and Green had a magic chemistry together
amazing comment - thanks !
@@cynthiamarston2208ut unfortunately they did fall out quite badly towards the end .
Absolutely, Mate. "Jigsaw Puzzle Blues" is so mature seeing as Danny was then a young up-and-comer. (Django would smile.)
I used to go to that Youth Club in 1968/69. One of the bands from my school, Clapham College, used to rehearse in the woodwork room there, playing classic blues and Cream songs. I saw Gerry Shepherd play there about the same time. He went on to form the Glitter Band a short while later. He used to play a cherry 335 and played with a drummer called Steve Carroll, who eventually ended up succumbing to extra strength STP acid when he went to the USA in 69/70. It destroyed him mentally. Similar to what Peter Green went through. They were great days apart for poor Steve.
Danny was a beautiful guitar player and is easily one of my favorites. His work on Then Play On and Future Games was genius and will live within me forever. Woman of a 1000 years can make me cry. As soon as I hear it it brings me back to being 18 in 1972. I feel bad that he had so many issues as I missed him very much but will always remember him dearly. Rest In Peace Danny.
Thanks for this lovely comment Robert.
Danny didn’t just appear on Future Games, he made it. His tracks were the stand out songs in my opinion. Sands Of Time is probably Danny’s best song.
thats a killer track! thanks
The title track is the best song. Welch ALWAYS outshined kirwan
@@ClassicRock1973 did not welch kill himself?
@@gregmccurry9512 Yes, Welch shot himself in 2012. Wiki: "Welch had undergone spinal surgery three months prior to his death. Despite the surgery, doctors told him his prognosis for recovery was poor, and he would eventually become an invalid. He was still in considerable pain, despite taking the medication pregabalin (Lyrica) for six weeks.
.. On June 7, 2012, around 6:00 am, Welch committed suicide by shooting in his Nashville home"
Alan Lloyd the song “Future Games” and “Sentimental Lady” on Bare Trees are some of Welch’s best songs but Danny Kirwan predominates both those albums. I also think as Welch had less songs on these albums they tended to be his better ones. Later albums had a lot of filler tracks by him.
My favorite Danny Kirwin song will always be Dust. While it's not the best showcase of his guitar playing abilities, It's one of the most evocative, emotional performances I've ever heard.
thanks for sharing all this information ! Danny Kirwan, one of the most underrated of rock'n roll history, a true genius, all about feeling!
Don't forget Kiln House! Fantastic album.
My god..... Not a mention of sands of time, sometimes, bare trees and not forgetting Dust... I think dust is on the bare trees album...... What a song!!
Fantastic You profiled Danny Kirwan Thanks so much
My pleasure!
Danny Kirwan has the songs. For any fan of fabulous 20th century music, there are gorgeously sung, played and written songs . He grew up hearing a wide variety of music and he has songs rejoicing to the spirit of those styles ,from show tunes and stage ,classical and jazz and blues . He had an uncanny knack for creating songs , his voice and his guitar voice are legendary to a lucky few . So, he got overshadowed by Peter ,and later Welch, and then Stevie Nicks, a legend nearly lost . His solo songs are magical , but who has heard them ? My guess is fewer than 1,000,000 people worldwide know anything about him , and of those, how many have heard the songs. There are more than 60 great songs by Kirwan . About 30 from FM ,and 30 solo songs .
To compare Danny with the world I like Lennon McCartney P Simon , some Dylan, some Jimi , some Johnny Cash ,Shadows ,Ventures, Syds PF , Moodies, Early Who, Early Stones, Joy Division and NewOrder, dozens more
As for a negative comparison I have zero interest in post Kirwan Fleetwood Mac , or anything by Welch ,except for Danny's solo on Future Games . Not a Springsteen or tom petty fan
Grest comment many thanks
I really like Ram Jam City from his first solo lp. Should've gotten airplay...it was a bullet.
Love your perspective as always, JP. James Pritchard is Danny's number one fan as far as I'm concerned.
Danny also appeared on the Future Games album.
you are right sorry I didn't mention that
I have to say he mre than appeared...he fuckin owned it.
future games is a great album
Also Kiln House which i thought was a very good album and better than Future Games.
@@rooftopcat1785 yep. Brilliant song. Haunting ,but it takes me to a really good place. Sands of Time . Another good one.
Danny also played extensively and sang on Fleetwood Mac’s 1971 “Future Games,” which came out between Kiln House and Bare Trees. It’s so good. Listen to it if you are not aware of it! MGMT covered the title song in 2010-
"Morning Rain" was the first FM song I heard. Always played Future Games from beginning to end on both sides - "Woman of 1000 Years" doesn't sound quite right without the (vinyl record) scratches at the beginning for me. Never knew or thought about who sang that (though knew it wasn't Bob Welch or Christine McVie) until I saw and old FM video w/Danny singing.
His wah wah playing and his live electric jams get outrageous, also i love how much reverb he used, drenched it.
Danny also played on the Future Games album.
Wonderful guitarist. Love the melodic clean tone guitar instrumental he did, 'Sunny side of heaven'
agreed thanks !
Beautiful tune.
His tone on Morning Rain is spot on for my ear - on the verge of all hell without actually going there. Supposedly this was achieved with just a guitar and amp - no effects. I don't know how he did it but I'm glad he did.
He used a Wem reverb unit with the reverb off but the gain turned up to the optimum position. Your description of his tone is spot on to my ear also.
An underrated genius of the instrument.
I agree
He was in his own world. The other band mates didn't understand him. Obviously a very sensitive artist.
Yes, Danny was so over looked by many who confused his lead playing with "Peter Greens" lead work. So, if you are currious to compare the two, listen to not only "Fleetwood Mac In Chicago", but you can hear some of "Dannys" best blues lead work on "Otis Spans" solo recordings with "Fleetwood Mac"! His taste for the "Blues" was unmatched on his performance on those recordings. R.I.P. Danny
Good Point, my favorite numbers so happen to both belong to Greeny . sugar momma and Someday baby
We need to know more about Danny he's to important to forget ...
I agree
Angelo Bi
An interview I gave recently concerning my friendship with the late Danny Kirwan of Fleetwood Mac:
“The real story of Danny Kirwan post Fleetwood Mac.”
The Guitar Show Interview.
ua-cam.com/video/uzUCH4Hcjjo/v-deo.html
One of the greatest, if unsung, guitarists. Very eclectic; from Station Man to Sunny Side of Heaven, Danny could bring life to any style of song. Very sad his departure from FM and subsequent slide downhill
Ya if that was even a slide....he lived another 40+ years after FM...so it couldn't have been that bad for him. I have heard he lived a modest but comfortable life in England and later in Holland with his Dutch girlfriend. Some people just aren't addicted to the Limelight like others.
@Miatacrosser, I think you are confusing Danny Kirwan with someone else, maybe another rock guitarist? Danny never lived in Holland to my knowledge. He struggled with alcoholism, divorced his English wife, and later on became homeless.
Dig your examples, Tell me All the Things You Do, Dust...
Danny did 3 solo albums after Fleetwood Mac. Second Chapter in 1975, Midnight in San Juan 1977 and Hello There Big Boy 1979.
Second Chapter is a work of uniquely shimmering beauty.
Yes, his finest solo.album. @@paititi
Danny. Kirwan One great guitar of all time
Thank you so much for this I very much look forward to your follow up video about Danny.
I loved his playing ever since hearing Albatross as a young man, such gifted soulful hard working fellows giving it everything they had. So sad he had a tough time afterwards.
pleasure and thanks for your comment!
Everything he says concerning the way Danny and peter acheived their sound is so spot on and those streight forward simple methods are essential for getting the most out of an electric guitar.
There's something so pure about that.
As a lifelong guitar player this is what I do. It's just so cluttered sounding when electric guitar is filtered through all of these artificial effects
Thanks Mike!
Fleetwood Mac will always be Peter Green & Danny Kirwan in my mind
Thank you kindly for this, lots of appreciation here.
Thanks for posting that! I learned a few new things about Danny's numerous guitars.
pleasure
Years ago ( prob about 1985?) I repaired laundry equipment and travelled to all sorts of hospitals across the UK. I remember going to one place and the woman in charge said ' We've got a member of Fleetwood Mac here' I asked ' Is it Peter Green??' No it's Danny, she said.
The place was a drug/alcohol rehab facility - it was in Southend on Sea.
Thanks for doing this. I am sure Peter Green would have loved this too. Green was so generous he let 2 other guitarists in his band! Danny was a great player in his own right and was a perfect match for Peter. I have not heard a lot of his recordings after Peter left.
Thanks so much James
This was really fascinating, Ramon! X
thanks Kaz xxx
Future Games by Fleetwood Mac - September 3, 1971 release is one of the best albums to ever come from Great Britain! Danny's work on it is SUPERIOR
Danny also played on Fleetwood Mac's Future Games. His signature style is all over that album.
Sands of Time, Woman of 1000 years, and on Bare Trees...Sunnyside of Heaven (I was lucky enough to see the band do that live)....numerous tunes...Kiln House, Future Games, Bare Trees...their best albums. Danny's best guitar work. Very influential and unique.
Thank you Jim
I enjoyed your Danny video... there are a couple of things not mentioned that your followers should know about: You missed a major FM album in your listing that Danny has a number of brilliant tunes on: Future Games. Danny didn't do many sessions but every one he did is terrific. The Biggest Thing Since Collosus by Otis Spann (terrific Blues LP with Peter Green), Tramp, a group put together by original Fleetwood Mac bassist, Bob Brunning (a loose studio group that featured Danny on guitar and Bob Hall on piano, JoAnn and Dave Kelly and a number of other London Bluesers). There were two releases with Danny: Tramp in 1969, and Put A Record On in 1974. One last one was early Savoy Brown frontman singer/writer Chris Youlden and his album, Nowhere Road. Danny is featured on two terrific tracks.
You know what you are so right - thats a brilliant album - many thanks for this valuable info - I knew Bob Brunning and he booked me at his blues club many years ago - a lovely man! Ill check some of the music you mentioned - thanks again!
I would add to this (not the that the author of the clip would be listening) I think it's obvious to anyone that Future Games had two of the most original and beautiful songs by Kirwan recorded "Sands of Time" and Lady of a Thousand Years". Crying shame not to mention this!
my apologies to The Guitar Show - I see that the apology was made in earlier posts. Thanks!
@@tomclohessy1050 "Woman of a 1,000 Years," actually. Beautiful song. Cheers.
Yep.
Thank You for putting this together. I loved Danny's work with Fleetwood Mac
and "future games" as well. one of my favs
Thanks for posting this. Danny played so beautifully! 'Cascades' and ' Love Can Bring You Happiness' are my fave Danny Kirwan songs. He was so good. RIP, Danny ❤⚘
Pleasure Thommy
This was great. Thank You!!!
I mentioned on the PG vid I was a fan since '71.
FM, a year before that and Station Man was the first tune I fell in love with. the Blues was too deep for an 11 year old in '68. A friends older brother had some import albums.
I somehow thought the LP GT was a '68 since the time was right.
Thanks for the clarification.
Rest In Peace, Danny Kirwan.
The 1969 Epic LP release in America "English Rose", was Dannys first recording with the band.
thanks
'English Rose' is actually a compilation album done for America. It's great, but just a collection of existing, previously released tunes.
Danny's best guitar work was on FM's 1971 Future Games LP. He was only 21.
Awesome video!
Thank you
The Watkins Rapier did not have a chambered body. They were exceptionally light, due to the wood used in the body and it's being thinner than most other solid bodies. It was a solid body, with the top routed for the scratch-plate mounted pickups, controls and jack and for the vibrato, with no other cavities. There is footage of Danny rehearsing with Peter Green and also playing at the 1968 "Bluesology Festival" with this guitar. Not sure how much use it got after this🤔
I was around when Hamer Guitar was started and all the buzz was about capturing Danny Kirwan tone. My guitarist friends were excited about his sustain. I was a young bassist trying to get Jack Bruce tone. I washed a lot of dishes to buy my first Marshall.
Danny played on the Future Games Fleetwood Mac Album
Thanks Ramon...great to see Danny getting some love. A great musician with a fierce left hand technique. He was a huge addition to Fleetwood Mac's early sound. I'm reading the Peter Green biography at the moment and Danny's story strikes me as the most poignant and inevitably most tragic. That Watkins Rapier is lovely.
Thanks Anthony and yes he was a lost soul. An amazing unique talent.
Danny Kirwan and Danny Whitten are two of the greatest guitar players in history..but not appreciated very much!!. Love Mr. KIRWAN! you were the fire of Fleetwood mac!!
Wow I thought no one knew about Danny Whitten. I named my son after both of them. Then Play On.
thank you, excellent summary
Thanks for watching
Great work, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
A very nice, thorough job here... but it seems your history of Danny's guitars seems to end here with the Peter Green era. However, IMO, there's a LOT more to it than that. To be honest, between seeing the later Fleetwood Mac live (the Future Games lineup) and studying their subsequent albums, I've always thought of Danny more as a Strat player, and, in fact, his Strat is ALL over both those albums, as far as I can tell. Yeah, I know he also played his Les Pauls earlier on, but it'll always be his Strat work for me. 'Future Games' is probably my favorite Mac album, although I also love all their earlier work, too. (And Peter Green... need we say more?) :-)
I was SO fortunate to have been able to see the 'Future Games' line-up twice on tour (and each time from only 30 ft away!), one time for 'Future Games' and the second for 'Bare Trees'. Danny most definitely played a sunburst Strat for the entirety of each gig. (IIRC, Bob Welch also played a Strat the entire time, but I'm not quite so positive.) Unfortunately, I don't recall the amps but I'm pretty sure they were Fenders of some sort (and not at all a guarantee there, either. It was a looong time ago!) That first time on the 'Future Games' tour, I was especially blown away by the band, the wonderful songs, their overall energy... but most especially by Danny's playing. (IIRC, it might have been their very first gig in the USA supporting that album, playing at a large club in Rockaway Beach on Long Island. And BTW, their 'Bare Trees' gig was in a large arena-type structure along with Alice Cooper and Blue Oyster Cult, IIRC.)
Anyway, the very next day, I went out and bought 'Future Games', and right away, I was stunned to not only recognize all the songs (they'd definitely performed the entire album that night, plus more), but _even Danny's solos_; those were *that* much a part of each song, IMO, and he had obviously performed them as such, almost like 'mini-compositions' within the songs (but, to be sure, there were improvised moments, as well). Certain licks and phrases that had blown me away the previous night were also on the recorded versions! For me, that experience was such a profound indication of his innate melodicism on guitar, that those melodic sections had been that important to him, and that made a huge impression on me. To this day, he has remained one of the main influences in my own guitar playing and a major musical hero of mine. What a touch, what a tone...
R.I.P. Danny. Play on...
Wow, thanks so much for this post, a ton of first hand info, great stories! The leads in the intro of "Future Games" from the Lp of the same name (obviously) have a tone that kills me. Do you know what Danny's playing there? They're so thick in a pedal overdrive type manner, but to my knowledge those types of overdrives weren't around until at least the mid 70s, certainly not '71. Maybe something Martin Birch did w/ compression and/or the board in addition to an overdriven amp? Still sounds too thick and mids heavy to be a Strat into a Fender, but also too crisp to be a Les Paul? I'd love to hear any insight you have into how that lead tone was achieved. Thanks!
@@maurofelipe76 Hi! Going entirely by my 50 year old memory (IMHO, pretty reliable), all I can say is that Danny’s lead tones (and melodic lead playing) at that gig were quite the same as during my next day’s listening, once I’d gone out and bought the LP. Honestly, I was pretty stunned between the gig and the album. And influenced, too, as a guitarist.
Per the album mix, IMO, compression added to some degree or another, was most likely a given, but I wouldn’t think that that was _the_ underlying overdriven contributor. Lots of UK guys back then used treble booster pedals which I’d have to think was much more likely. (Unfortunately, I never got quite close enough to see the actual stage floor to see any pedals, but it seemed to me from afar more like he’d simply adjust his grainier attack via his volume knob -vs- using a pedal. Setting the amp up for the lead tones, then turning the guitar down for his rhythm playing etc. [That’s always been my own approach.] But I also couldn’t state that he didn’t have any pedals, either. Gear back then was so much more Spartan, lol!)
Mostly, though, I feel that sooo much of Danny’s tone was what he wrung it out of his Strat with his hands. Yeah, that’s become a cliche by now, I suppose, but in his case, it was so true. IMO, of course.
Sorry for the delayed response. Hope any of this helps, etc. Cheers!
@@larryh.3173 excellent!
You skipped the 1971 "Future Games" album! Great Danny tracks on there as well, including the haunting "Woman of 1,000 Years"
Thanks - yes that was a great album - I should have included it!
Dragon Fly is so good..
So deep playing and melody from Danny
in a word......underated
100% agreement
Fleetwood Mac
Spirit
West,Bruce and Laing
Philadelphia Spectrum November 1972.
RIP Mr. Dragonfly
Thank you for the info on talented Danny and the Watkins Rapier 33.
Thank you for this. If I'm ever on Desert Island Discs, Danny's song Dragonfly is one of my choices. It's beautiful. Andrew.
Thanks for this.
pleasure
Exceedingly well done....
Pleasure thanks for watching
Thanks!
Well done.
thanks
Excellent tribute! Also remember to include Future Games, some of his best playing and writing. He also used a wah for Danny's Chant and Spare me a little for effects... what kind I couldn't tell you. Bob Welch also said in a F.A.Q from the 90s he had a binson echorec, but I cant say that I can hear moments that sound like that kind of effect
Thanks - you are right! I completely missed that album out! thanks! Thanks also for the info on the Binson Echorec. Best, R.
Tell Me All The Things You Do from Kiln House also features a wah-wah pedal.
Danny was no unsung hero to me as a young guitarist here in los angeles i had all the lp's and was swipeing all the riffis i could ha ha but it good to see you giveing a shout out to a verry great guitarist cheers j watt
Great - thanks 👍🎸
pleasure
can't forget Danny on the Future Games a;lbum , his tracks are the best imo.
Great info, thanks
Ever thought about doing a video on Wayne Kramer?
Thanks again!
I think Danny did also play on their 1971 album Future Games, although Bob Welch's songs are more prominent there. Also, in the Station Man video, John McVie is playing a Gibson Thunderbird bass (I otherwise never saw him with anything other than a Fender Precision Bass).
I remember Danny and Bob Welsh using Ampeg amps at a gig at Nelson Imperial Ballroom in 1971. Loudest backline I ever heard. Danny was on the three pickup LP that is featured on the song Dragonfly on German TV Beatclub video on UA-cam. And sadly my recollection is that he didn’t do much during the gig and it mostly was dominated by Bob Welsh on a Telecaster.
great video. I'd heard that the strat w/ maple neck was a guitar that belonged to Jeremy Spencer, but Green sometimes played it. loved all three of those guitarists. and together they were just amazing.
Pleasure Anthony
Really got to give you props bro...very thorough anaylisis of these often forgotten legends. Peter green loved dannys playing enough to invite him in the band, i only know the story of him smashing his paul after a show...im sure yall know this tho
They made a great team peter n danny ahh i just heard u mention it lol see great job its a shame you cant get somebody to invest in your documentaries, i think you could do something fabulous!
Many thanks indeed for the support - just putting out this info is great fun so I dont really ask for anything in return - just great comments like the one you posted - thanks bro!
Thank you
You're welcome
One of my favorite original Mac songs is Coming Your Way from And Then Play On.It's a Danny song,with Peter and him playing off each other effortlessly.
One of the best openings to an album ever! A big inspiration for the Beatles' "I Want You(She's So Heavy)" as well.
Have you done KOSSOFF??? If not that would be a great study.
When we saw Fleetwood Mac with Joe Cocker & Grease Band at the Boston Tea Party in 11/69, FM were using Orange amps, it was the first time I recall ever seeing Orange amps. ...
When Danny plays it's interesting.
And it's one of the best.
He made some solo albums in the mid to late seventies but were never transferred to CD.
Yes there is a surprising amount of solo material
I bought a Watkins Rapier, new, in red, same price! I still have it. At the time playing as a 15 year old in what would now be called a Shadow’s Tribute Band. Happy times.
Bet it sounded and still does sound awesome!
My favorite one-two punch guitar duo of all time.
Another amazing great video thank you so very much I’m like you Kirwan fanatic and actually I have been looking for him in London few years ago with no luck , great in depth video and his phrasing and Vibrato beyond good plus the age factor he was barely 18 with such accomplished skills but the part that many overlook his song writing skills which in my opinion as good and original as Lenon or Bowie , when you say or sometimes dragonfly many songs outside there blues sound with songwriting depth , thank you again
Thanks Im really glad you enjoyed it and its so great to hear Danny has many fans who will carry on his memory- yes, I agree with his writing skills - very underated. Stay in touch!
Elvis_ce Hany q
Wish Danny had come back and played again😢
I used to see them at the Boston Tea PartyThe good old days!
many years ago i was in luthier barry kirbys workshop in the west midlands to pick up a guitar whilst i was there he showed me a les paul standard he had on the workbench belonging to danny kirwan, danny had decided to thin the neck down with a black and decker drill and sanding disc unfortunatly he had sanded through to the truss rod on a large part of the back of the neck and barry was in fix with what to do with it, i don't know whatever happened to it afterwards but it was a sorry 1959 les paul standard.
I always thought Danny used his gold-top LP on "Jigsaw Puzzle Blues", but I definitely could be wrong.
You left out the best Danny Kirwan/Fleetwood Mac album: Future Games.
I love Danny. Fascinating to think that Jigsaw might have been the Rapier. I'd love to know what happened to his Les Pauls. Did he not use effects on Dragonfly? Isn't there a flanger on that or something?
Nice pictures of Danny with the Watkins!
Pleasure - they seem pretty cool guitars
I think Mark Knopfler started with one of those as well
@@TheGuitarShowJust to be clear- you describe Danny's Rapier33 as a chambered guitar (implying special voids full of air to increase resonance etc but that's not strictly true - it was just like a Strat ,with a large void routed out under the "scratchplate" to allow room for the wiring and pots ;' it would have originally had a basic vibrato unit which I doubt Danny used ! I did see The Mac play at the time- first time was Oct 68 in Battersea by which time he'd ditched the Rapier .he was a wonderful player as was Peter (and Jeremy in his limited way) but the overall band was even greater than the sum these parts !(I had RAPEIR 44 at this TIME !)
he wrote most of future games
I'd love to see Danny's Les Pauls identified. But he's known by so few fans that it's not quite as likely as for some bigger artists. I did ask on mylespaul some years back and no one had a clue. I also wonder if anyone's approached Danny's family for an interview since his death to get some more insight into his career and life.
Yes its a shame - I actually tried to meet him a few years back but couldnt make it happen - a big regret!
I'm a gibson guy and not all 1968 les Paul goldtops had the pearl crown inlay logo. Gibson truss rod covers from the 50s are shaped a little diffrent and also have a wider white bevel. The one in the pic looks like a late 60s truss rod cover .
Ooops!
You missed mentioning the 4th FMac album that Kirwan played, on Ramon: 1971's 'Future Games' was released between 'Kiln House' & 'Bare Trees'...
Thanks Craig