According to the band's label, Time Bomb Recordings, Danell collapsed in the driveway of his new Newport Beach home. He was transported to Hoag Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead at 10:29 a.m.

Danell helped Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness form the band back in 1979 and appeared on all of the group's studio albums, including the group's 1981 debut, "Mainliner," 1992's "Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell," and 1996's "White Light, White Heat, White Trash.

Social Distortion issued a concert record, "Live At The Roxy," in 1998, although the band had been on a temporary hiatus in order for Ness to release a pair of solo albums, "Cheating At Solitaire" and "Under The Influences," last year.

During the break, Danell had been busy recording several area bands at Social Distortion's Casbah

recording studio in Fullerton, California.

Upon hearing news of Danell's death, Ness issued a brief statement about the loss of his longtime friend and bandmate.

I am saddened beyond any possible form of expression," Ness wrote. "Dennis and I have been friends since boyhood, starting Social Distortion while we were in high school. My deepest regrets to his family.

It wasn't yet known if Social Distortion had made a determination about its future, as the band's publicists were unavailable for comment.

Danell is survived by his wife, Christie, and their two children. A private service will be held for Danell by his family and friends.