The music world mourns the loss of Peter Green, the celebrated musician and co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, who has died at the age of 73. News of his peaceful passing in his sleep over the weekend was confirmed by solicitors representing his family, marking the end of an era for one of blues rock’s most influential guitarists. A more detailed statement from his family is expected in the coming days, as fans and fellow musicians alike reflect on the profound impact of Peter Green’s musical legacy.
Peter Green, born in Bethnal Green, East London, was instrumental in the formation of Fleetwood Mac in 1967, alongside drummer Mick Fleetwood. Their collaboration began after Green’s brief but impactful tenure filling in for Eric Clapton in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Recognizing their shared musical vision, Green and Fleetwood persuaded John McVie to join them on bass, a strategic move that even involved naming the band Fleetwood Mac to entice McVie into joining their ranks.
Green’s songwriting prowess quickly became a defining feature of Fleetwood Mac’s early sound. He penned the globally recognized instrumental track “Albatross,” which soared to number one and remains their sole chart-topping hit. Furthermore, he gifted the world with early hits such as “Black Magic Woman” and “Oh Well,” tracks that showcased his distinctive guitar work and songwriting talent. During his leadership, Fleetwood Mac released their initial three albums, each contributing to their burgeoning reputation in the late 1960s blues rock scene. Their debut album, aptly titled Fleetwood Mac, and often referred to as Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, was released in 1968 to widespread critical acclaim, achieving number four in the UK charts and solidifying Green’s position as a leading figure in the British blues movement.
However, Peter Green’s time with Fleetwood Mac was cut short. He departed the band after a final performance in 1970, succumbing to challenges with his mental health. Later diagnosed with schizophrenia, he spent time in hospital during the mid-1970s. Despite these personal battles, his musical contributions remained highly regarded. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, alongside seven other Fleetwood Mac members, including Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John and Christine McVie, Danny Kirwan, and Jeremy Spencer, recognizing the collective and individual impact of these musicians.
The news of Peter Green’s death arrives shortly after Fleetwood Mac announced a comprehensive retrospective box set, celebrating the band’s formative years from 1969 to 1974. This timing underscores a poignant moment for fans to revisit and appreciate the foundational work of Green and the early Fleetwood Mac era. Tributes have poured in from across the music industry, with artists acknowledging Green’s profound influence. David Coverdale of Whitesnake, recalling supporting the original Fleetwood Mac in his early band days, hailed Green as a “breathtaking singer, guitarist and composer.” Winston Marshall from Mumford and Sons lauded Green as a “#GOAT,” referencing iconic songs like “Man of the World,” “Oh Well,” “Albatross,” and “Need Your Love So Bad.” Actor David Morrissey praised Green’s “fantastic soulful voice,” while Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler and Scottish musician Midge Ure both echoed sentiments of Green being “one of the greats,” acknowledging his significant contribution to music and his influence on generations of musicians.
Peter Green’s guitar playing was distinctive, marked by shape-shifting riffs and extended improvisational passages that were a hallmark of Fleetwood Mac’s electrifying live performances during the 1960s blues boom. His style was cultivated from early influences, beginning with a hand-me-down guitar at age 10 and immersion in American blues records by legends like Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and BB King. He blended these influences with the shimmering vibrato of Hank Marvin from The Shadows, creating a unique and compelling guitar voice. Interestingly, Green’s professional musical journey began on bass before Eric Clapton’s captivating performance with the Bluesbreakers inspired him to return to lead guitar. Taking over from Clapton in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers was initially a daunting task for Green, facing skepticism from fans. However, his fiery performances quickly won them over, earning him the moniker “The Green God,” a testament to his exceptional talent and stage presence. Cat Stevens, also known as Yusuf Islam, highlighted Green’s integrity and spirit, noting his departure from Fleetwood Mac in 1970 to pursue a simpler life and donate his wealth to charity as a personal inspiration. Earlier this year, a tribute concert at the London Palladium celebrated Fleetwood Mac’s early years, featuring performances by Mick Fleetwood and notable guitarists like David Gilmour, Billy Gibbons, Jonny Lang, and Andy Fairweather Low, serving as a timely homage to Peter Green’s enduring legacy. Rolling Stone magazine recognized Peter Green’s monumental impact by ranking him at number 58 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists,” describing him as “Britain’s most progressive blues guitarist” during his prime. His passing marks a significant loss, but his music and influence will continue to resonate within the blues rock genre and beyond, ensuring that the legacy of Musician Peter Green endures.
