Danny Gillan (1 Oct 1970 - 12 Dec 2020)

I've only just found out that Danny has passed away in December via an out-of-the-blue email yesterday from his sister Tracy (thank you Tracy....I know how tough that must have been for you), so first things first.

My sincere condolences to Danny's wife Rowena and daughter Imogen, his Mum and Dad Mike and Isabel, his sisters Michelle and Tracy and to the many friends and family involved in the life of Danny.

I've known Danny since the late 1980's, indeed we met when Danny stepped in to play bass guitar for our fledgling band at a local fund-raising gig in East Kilbride and when our young bass player took a bout of nerves.

Danny was a friend of our lead guitarist Neil Ross (NKR) and I was the vocalist. His bass playing was good, but when I heard him on his Strat during the break...that was it. He had me hooked.

Not long after we became regular band mates in our newly formed Liberty a Blues Band playing many of the well known live music bars throughout Glasgow. His Blues solos were a thing of beauty.
For a time we thought we were the next big thing, but, like often happens, life got in the way and after several years of highs came the lows of the band splitting up.

It was then that I lost touch with Danny. My loss.

They say life is full of "if only"! How true. If only I'd met up with Danny at one of the many gigs he did in Glasgow's south side...if only I'd picked up the phone.....if only....if only.

Rest in peace Danny.

Beyond sad to hear this news today. All the tributes are spot on, Danny was one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet. Some of my happiest times were spent jamming in his flat and gigging as an honorary member of Tales of Jake. The great memories of the GSR nights in The Bungo. I think of Danny and I smile he was that kind of person. RIP Danny, I'll put on some sad jazz songs for you, you know how you loved jazz...

Love and Peace Danny - Rest easy x

Danny I loved you like a brother and you were the best brother ever.

Taken far too soon Danny, hope you're resting eady now.
My thoughts are with Danny's mum, Rowena, Imogen, Tracy, Mochele, Chris and Kara ❤

Two words come to mind when I think of Danny Gillan: humour and warmth. Oh, and principles and swearing. His writing, personality and passions were filled with love and laughter, no matter how hard he tried to hide them behind a sarcastic exterior. Every time he spoke or wrote about his family, you could feel the closeness and gratitude. To see his joy and amazement at having Rowena and Imogen in his life never failed to make me smile. He may have left us but his words and deeds live on. I'm glad to have known him. Just wish we'd all had a bit longer.

Goodbye my old pal from our rugby days at school to us rehearsing dreaming of stardom in Cartha rugby club..to our only gig in holyrood you touched so many people lives.. sleep well pal

Danny, I was so sorry to hear that you are gone. From school and BMX pals to talking about music in our later years you were always good company and a truly sound human being. I've lit a candle but to be honest a million candles couldn't replace your warmth and humour and what you meant to many people. My thoughts are with your family and friends. You will be truly missed. Mark

I didn’t know Danny very well but I liked him a lot, very sad that I didn’t get to know him better. Pepper stayed with him a lot, she’s a good dog and a good judge of character, she loved him.
Thinking about you today Danny and sending love to Rowena and Imogen.

Danny was such a big part of our daily lives as we settled into dog ownership in Glasgow. A lovely guy who helped us no end with Mara and we always felt as if she was in safe hands with him which made our lives so much easier during busy times. We will all miss you Danny. Love to everyone today. From Gary, Laura and Mara - your wee Golden retriever pal.

Ah Danny. Firstly I have it in writing that you’d “always be there” if I needed you, hugely disappointed that you’ve reneged on your half of this deal.
In French I miss you is Tu me manques - it translates as “you are lacking to me” - you are missing from me. I know I’ll not be the only one who feels that way today and who will for a long time.
Danny was a colleague that I loved working with and a friend when I really needed one.
He once offered to help me paint the front of my shop and them moaned the whole time we did it, he’s probably somewhere now still holding it against me!
He was sarcastic git who was burdened with a heart of gold and a magnificent, generous, loyal spirit. He was easy to love and being loved by him was a blessing.
I thanked him once for his friendship, his support during a very tough patch, he replied “you don’t need to thank me, just call me Superman” I told him to p@*! off. I’d like now to publicly retract that.
Danny Gillan you were a super man.

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam.
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty
belong to our world.
But then it flies on again,
and though we wish it could have stayed,
we feel so lucky to have seen it."

The world will be a much duller place without you. Sending love to Rowena, Tracy & all the Gillan family ❤