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Darius Campbell Danesh

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Darius Campbell Danesh
Campbell Danesh performing live in 2012
Campbell Danesh performing live in 2012
Background information
Also known asDarius
Born(1980-08-19)19 August 1980
Glasgow, Scotland
Died11 August 2022(2022-08-11) (aged 41)[1]
Rochester, Minnesota, US
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • actor
  • film producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active2000–2022
Labels
Spouse
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 2011; div. 2018)​
Websitewww.dariusmusic.com

Darius Campbell Danesh (19 August 1980 – 11 August 2022) was a Scottish singer-songwriter, actor and film producer. He first came to prominence as Darius Danesh[2] when he appeared in the first series of Popstars in 2001, and the 2002 inaugural series of the ITV talent contest Pop Idol.

Under the name Darius, he released two studio albums, Dive In (2002) and Live Twice (2004), with both reaching top 40 in the UK Albums Chart. His debut single, "Colourblind", reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart in 2002. His next singles, "Rushes" and "Incredible (What I Meant to Say)", reached the top ten in the UK in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Danesh performed the role of Billy Flynn in the West End production of Chicago in two runs of the musical. He played the lead role of Sky Masterson in the Olivier Award-winning Guys and Dolls, and the originating role of Rhett Butler in Sir Trevor Nunn's theatrical adaptation of Gone with the Wind.

In 2010, he trained with tenor Rolando Villazón, won the ITV competition Popstar to Operastar and performed a duet with Villazón on The Impossible Dream. The UK's biggest operatic production was the occasion of his operatic début, at the O2 Arena with the Royal Philharmonic, in Carmen. At the age of 29, he assumed the lead role of Escamillo, Carmen's lover. The same year, he also starred in The History of the Big Bands tour, a show which takes the audience on a musical journey through the big band and swing era.

Early life

[edit]

Campbell Danesh was born in Glasgow on 19 August 1980 to a Scottish mother, Avril Campbell, and an Iranian father, Booth Danesh (Persian: بوته دانش); his family live in Bearsden.[3] He was the eldest of three boys. He attended Bearsden Primary School[4] and the Glasgow Academy,[5] before going on to study English Literature and Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.[6]

Career

[edit]

2001–2002: Popstars and Pop Idol

[edit]

Danesh's professional career began with a non-singing role in the Scottish Opera's avant garde 1990s production of The Trojans. As a teenager, he then performed at Covent Garden Royal Opera House with the Scottish Opera in a production of Carmen.[7][8]

As Darius Danesh, he first gained fame in 2001 after appearing on the British talent competition Popstars.[9] A year later he was voted to the finals of the TV talent show, Pop Idol. He turned down Simon Cowell's record deal, then signed with producer Steve Lillywhite.[10]

In an interview to Daily Record, he said that he had not decided to drop the Campbell from his name, and that all was decided for him and that he should go by the name Darius Danesh.[11]

2002–2004: "Colourblind" and Dive In

[edit]
Campbell Danesh in 2003

The first single written by Danesh, "Colourblind", was released on 29 July 2002 and entered the UK singles chart at number 1, staying at the top of the charts for two weeks; it was certified silver.[12] It became certified gold on 1 May 2020.[12]

His debut album, Dive In, was certified platinum in the UK in 2004, charting at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart during the competitive pre-Christmas sales period.[13] He subsequently had five UK top ten singles.[14]

He wrote all 12 songs on the Dive In album,[15] and produced one of the tracks, "Better Than That", whilst collaborating with a number of other producers, such as The Misfits and The Matrix on the other tracks.[16] Steve Lillywhite was executive producer on the album.[17] Danesh, then performing as Darius Danesh, supported Shakira on her world tour and went on to complete his own sell-out UK Dive In tour.[18]

The Dive In tour took place in April and May 2003. The fifteen dates scheduled for May expanded to twenty three dates on public demand.[19]

2004–2008: Sink or Swim, Live Twice and Chicago

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His book Sink or Swim, about the perils of the music business, was a Sunday Times best seller.[20] He contributed to the War Child charity album[21] with Coldplay and Oasis. He also headlined in India with Alanis Morissette.[22]

After receiving news that his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he wrote and dedicated his second studio album Live Twice to Dr Booth Danesh, who later made a miraculous recovery.[13] In 2005, the album's title-track Live Twice became his fifth top ten single.[23]

Danesh had two West End runs in Chicago[23] during 2005–2006, and at 25, became the youngest actor to fill the role of Billy Flynn since the show first opened on Broadway in 1975.[24]

In 2007, after seeing Ewan McGregor in the role, he played the lead in Michael Grandage's Olivier Award-winning production of Guys and Dolls, starring as Sky Masterson.[25] Later that year, he reprised his role of Billy Flynn for the 10th anniversary charity performance of Chicago in London, to benefit the charities Breast Cancer Haven and Breast Health Institute.[26]

In 2008, he returned to London's West End to play Rhett Butler in Sir Trevor Nunn's musical adaptation of Gone with the Wind.[27]

2010–2015: Popstar to Operastar and From Here to Eternity the Musical

[edit]

In January and February 2010, Danesh won the UK's ITV1 talent show Popstar to Operastar, in which eight pop stars were trained to perform famous opera arias.[28] He was mentored by tenor Rolando Villazón, with whom he went on to duet on the song "The Impossible Dream".[29] In May 2010 he appeared as toreador Escamillo in Bizet's opera Carmen at The O2 Arena in London.[30] At the age of 29, he assumed the lead role of Carmen's lover. The same year, he starred in The History of the Big Bands tour,[31] a show about the Big Band and Swing Era, featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra and the music of the key musicians of the big band era, including music from Harry James, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Woody Herman and Buddy Rich.

On 1 July 2013, it was announced that Danesh would play the lead role of Warden in the show From Here to Eternity the Musical.[32]

2015–2022: Funny Girl and final works

[edit]

Danesh played Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre in the West End, following a transfer from the Menier Chocolate Factory in April 2016.[33][34]

Weeks prior to his death in August 2022, Danesh was said to have been "excited" about an upcoming Pop Idol re-union, with it being rumoured that he was set to duet with both Will Young and Gareth Gates in a reunion special which would be hosted by Ant & Dec. Filming was due to commence at Criterion Theatre in London.[35]

Other work

[edit]

Television

[edit]

In 2003, Danesh appeared as himself in an episode of the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, performing "Girl in the Moon" at a graduation ball. In 2009, he guest starred on the BBC show Hotel Babylon as Gennaro Fazio, an Italian magazine editor.[36]

Charity

[edit]

Danesh was an ambassador for The Prince's Trust, helping underprivileged youth. He designed a guitar for Guitar Aid.[37] He worked with and supported the Lymphoma Association and Cancer Research UK, in addition to other cancer charities.[38]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2010, Danesh was seriously injured in a car crash in Spain, which left him with chronic neck pain. He declined an operation because there was a risk it would affect his vocal cords.[11]

Danesh married Canadian actress Natasha Henstridge in February 2011.[39] They filed for divorce in July 2013.[40][41] The divorce was finalised in February 2018.[42]

Death

[edit]

Campbell Danesh was found unresponsive on 11 August 2022 in his apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, United States, and he was pronounced dead later that day.[43][1] His family reported there were no suspicious circumstances or signs of intent surrounding his death.[6] A private funeral was held on 25 August 2022 at a church in the Glasgow suburb of Bearsden, attended by family members and close friends.[44]

An autopsy report, released on 10 September 2022, concluded that Danesh died from inhalation of chloroethane, which led to respiratory arrest. He used chloroethane in addition to physiotherapy to treat his neck pain.[citation needed] His death was ruled accidental.[2][11] Danesh had suffered from chronic pain since a car accident in 2010 while on a holiday in Spain.[11]

Tributes were paid by his close friend Gerard Butler and others who had worked closely with Danesh, including Simon Cowell, Gareth Gates, Will Young and Ant & Dec.[45][46][47] Eight days after his death, his debut single "Colourblind" charted at number two on both the UK Official Singles Download[48] and Sales charts.[49]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Darius Danesh discography

Theatre

[edit]
Year Title Role Venue
2005–2006 Chicago Billy Flynn Adelphi Theatre
2007 Guys and Dolls Sky Masterson Piccadilly Theatre
2008 Gone with the Wind Rhett Butler New London Theatre
2011 Chicago Billy Flynn Garrick Theatre
2013–2014 From Here to Eternity Sergeant Milt Warden Shaftesbury Theatre
2015–2016 Funny Girl Nick Arnstein Menier Chocolate Factory

Books

[edit]
  • Darius: Sink or Swim, My Story. Headline Publishing Group. 2003. ISBN 0-7553-1281-3.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Darius Danesh death: Rylan Clark and Lorraine Kelly lead tributes after Pop Idol star dies aged 41". The Independent. 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b Bedigan, Mike (10 September 2022). "Darius Danesh died of accidental inhalation of chloroethane, US coroner says". The Independent. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  3. ^ Sarah Swain (12 October 2010). "Snow White has to be woken up by a real Scotsman – you won't see me in a pair of tights! – Evening Times | Features | Editor's Picks". Evening Times. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  4. ^ "Centenary celebrations for Bearsden Primary – Local Headlines". Milngavie Herald. 16 March 2011. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  5. ^ Bernadette McNulty (9 April 2008). "Frankly, Darius Danesh does give a damn". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 19 January 2018. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  6. ^ a b "Darius Campbell Danesh: Pop Idol and West End star dies aged 41". BBC News. BBC. 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  7. ^ "GMTV 12 January 2010 : Popstar to Opera Star". Gm.tv. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  8. ^ "Broadway.com". London.broadway.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  9. ^ Dingwall, John (15 January 2010). "Darius Campbell: I've changed my name from Danesh because I feel so Scottish". Scottish Daily Record. Archived from the original on 31 December 2016. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  10. ^ "Darius Campbell Danesh: Simon Cowell and Gareth Gates lead tributes to late Pop Idol star". BBC News. 17 August 2022. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d "Scots singer Darius Campbell Danesh's death ruled an accident". BBC News. 10 September 2022.
  12. ^ a b "Award". BPI. Archived from the original on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  13. ^ a b "The Record Music Magazine". www.therecordmag.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2006. Retrieved 8 October 2006.
  14. ^ "Darius – full Official Chart History – Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  15. ^ "Dive In Darius". Worcester News. 11 December 2002. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  16. ^ "Darius live at the Carling Apollo, Manchester Saturday, May 17, 2003". Wirral Globe. 13 December 2002. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  17. ^ "Steve Lillywhite – Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  18. ^ "Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell-Danesh dies aged 41 – here's everything we know about death of Scottish star". www.scotsman.com. 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  19. ^ "Darius goes on tour". BBC News. 11 December 2002. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
  20. ^ "Darius Campbell Danesh: an alluring mix of naivety, panache and genuine talent". the Guardian. 17 August 2022. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  21. ^ "Music stars unite for war charity, 14 October 2002". BBC News. 14 October 2002. Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  22. ^ "Alanis Morissette and Darius to stage at MTV Immies, 1 December 2004". IndianTelevision.com. 1 December 2004. Archived from the original on 22 December 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  23. ^ a b "The Big Smoke, 7 November 2005". Thebigsmokex.blogspot.com. 7 November 2005. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  24. ^ "West End star Darius Danesh has died aged 41 – WhatsOnStage". www.whatsonstage.com. 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  25. ^ "Guys And Dolls the Musical". Guys And Dolls the Musical. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  26. ^ "Chicago Razzle Dazzles on 10th anniversary". Official London Theatre. Archived from the original on 11 December 2007.
  27. ^ "Darius Danesh Is Gone with the Wind Rhett Butler". Whatsonstage.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  28. ^ Simpson, Oli (19 February 2010). "Darius wins Popstar To Operastar". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 23 February 2010. Retrieved 19 February 2010.
  29. ^ "Darius Campbell Danesh: Pop Idol and West End star dies aged 41". BBC News. 17 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  30. ^ "Darius lands first major opera role". The Press Association. Archived from the original on 18 April 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
  31. ^ "History of the Big Bands". historyofthebigbands.com. Archived from the original on 3 July 2010. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  32. ^ "Pop Idol finalist Darius takes Burt Lancaster role in musical remake". Evening Standard. 1 July 2013. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  33. ^ "Funny Girl". www.menierchocolatefactory.com. Archived from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  34. ^ "Funny Girl (Closed October 08, 2016) – West End – reviews, cast and info – WhatsOnStage". www.whatsonstage.com. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  35. ^ "Darius Danesh was 'really excited about Pop Idol comeback' weeks before death". 18 August 2022.
  36. ^ "Hotel Babylon credits". Bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 August 2010. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  37. ^ "The Darius Guitar". Guitar Aid. Archived from the original on 14 February 2009. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  38. ^ Morrison, Jenny (16 November 2014). "Darius Campbell hails his parents after they BOTH make amazing cancer recoveries". dailyrecord. Archived from the original on 23 January 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
  39. ^ "Natasha Henstridge – Natasha Henstridge And Darius Campbell Wed". Contactmusic.com. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 16 March 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2011.
  40. ^ Loinaz, Alexis (2013). "Natasha Henstridge Files for Divorce From Darius Campbell". E!. Archived from the original on 2 August 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013. Darius Campbell
  41. ^ Zach Johnson (24 July 2013). "Natasha Henstridge, Darius Campbell Getting Divorced After Two Years". US Magazine. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  42. ^ "Natasha Henstridge reaches divorce settlement after four long years". Montreal Gazette. 27 February 2018. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  43. ^ Griffin, Louise (16 August 2022). "Former Pop Idol contestant Darius Campbell Danesh found dead in US apartment aged 41". Metro. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  44. ^ "Darius Danesh Campbell: Funeral for musician and TV star held near Glasgow". Glasgowworld.com. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  45. ^ Macdonald, Siobhan (19 August 2022). "Darius and Gerard Butler's friendship as star makes touching vow in his memory". Daily Record. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  46. ^ Minelle, Bethany (19 August 2022). "Will Young and Gerard Butler pay tribute to Darius Danesh after sudden death". Sky News. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  47. ^ Sharp, Jess (16 August 2022). "Darius Campbell Danesh: Stars pay tribute to former Pop Idol contestant after death aged 41". Sky News. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  48. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  49. ^ "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  50. ^ Darius – Dive In, archived from the original on 1 December 2021, retrieved 17 August 2022
  51. ^ Darius – Live Twice, archived from the original on 16 August 2022, retrieved 17 August 2022
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Darius Campbell.
Preceded by
None
 Winner of Popstar to Operastar
2010 		Succeeded by
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