Singer, song-writer and author. Born in Glasgow, the eldest of three sons of a Scottish mother and an Iranian father, Danesh was raised in Bearsden. He was educated at Bearsden Primary School, Glasgow Academy and the University of Edinburgh. He began his career in opera, but gained fame after appearing on the reality show Popstars (2001) and talent show Pop Idol (2002), both for ITV. His hit singles included Colourblind (2002), Rushes (2002) and Kinda Love (2004), together with albums Dive In and Live Twice. Danesh published Sink or Swim (2003), a revealing autobiographical account looking behind the scenes in the music business, which became a best-seller. Danesh went on to success in musical theatre. He died tragically at his home in Rochester, Minnesota, as a result of a painkiller overdose, used to treat chronic neck pain following a car accident. His funeral took place in Bearsden.
