Danny Kirwan, former Fleetwood Mac guitarist, dead at 68

June 10 (UPI) -- Guitarist Danny Kirwan has died at the age of 68, his former band Fleetwood Mac announced via Facebook.

The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed.

"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," Friday's social-media post said. "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. Thank you, Danny Kirwan. You will forever be missed!"

Kirwan can be heard singing and playing guitar on the group's albums Then Play On, Blues Jam at Chess​, Kiln House, Future Games and Bare Trees.

Rolling Stone said the musician joined Fleetwood Mac in 1968, but was fired during the band's 1972 concert tour due to his alcoholism. He went on to release four solo albums, but his once-bright career was dimmed by years of mental illness and homelessness.

He did not attend the ceremony when he and his fellow bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.