Thanks for all the input. Bottom line - Different Daniel.

Still, would make more sense if former band member, Daniel Lefkowitz, had OD'd on drugs or met some similar tragic end. That would explain the imagery of being killed 'in the lion's den', the 'smell of death and blood', vicious beasts lurking in the shadows, etc. But apparently Dan is alive and well, living in a yurt somewhere, (which could explain 'gone to fetch water from the well' line).