Music world mourns Fleetwood Mac co-founder and guitarist Peter Green
Music heavyweights and enthusiasts mourned the death of Fleetwood Mac co-founder and influential blues guitarist Peter Green, sharing statements and social media tributes on Saturday.
The acclaimed British guitarist died "peacefully in his sleep" this weekend at 73, according to an announcement from a law firm representing his family.
Green formed Fleetwood Mac with drummer Mick Fleetwood in 1967 in London and was fundamental in shaping the band's early blues sound. He left the band in 1971 after struggling with drugs and his mental health — he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the mid-’70s and spent time in mental hospitals and clinics undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with the other Fleetwood Mac members, in 1998.
Green's hits with the band include "Black Magic Woman," "Albatross" and "Oh Well."
"For me, and every past and present member of Fleetwood Mac, losing Peter Green is monumental!" Mick Fleetwood said in a statement provided to The Times. "Peter was the man who started the band Fleetwood Mac along with myself, John McVie, and Jeremy Spencer. No one has ever stepped into the ranks of Fleetwood Mac without a reverence for Peter Green and his talent, and to the fact that music should shine bright and always be delivered with uncompromising passion!!!"
Fleetwood continued, "Peter, I will miss you, but rest easy your music lives on. I thank you for asking me to be your drummer all those years ago. We did good, and trail blazed one hell of a musical road for so many to enjoy."
"My biggest regret is that I never got to share the stage with him," said Stevie Nicks, the singer and songwriter who joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, in a statement provided to The Times. "I always hoped in my heart of hearts that that would happen. When I first listened to all the Fleetwood Mac records, I was very taken with his guitar playing. It was one of the reasons I was excited to join the band. His legacy will live on forever in the history books of Rock n Roll. It was in the beginning, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac and I thank you, Peter Green, for that. You changed our lives."
A string of admirers and music luminaries, including Peter Frampton and Metallica's Kirk Hammett, paid tribute on social media to Green and his talents.
Frampton described Green as "one of the most tasteful guitar players" and noted that he's always been partial to his work. Yusuf Islam, more commonly known as Cat Stevens, called Green one of the "unsung heroes of musical integrity, innovation and spirit." And Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler called Green "one of the greats."
Billy Idol, Marc Maron and more paid tribute in the tweets that follow.
Most sadly have lost one of the most tasteful guitar players ever I have always been a huge admirer of the great Peter Green may he rest in peace.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) July 25, 2020
God bless the ineffable Peter Green, one of the unsung heroes of musical integrity, innovation and spirit. When I heard he left Fleetwood Mac in 1970 to get a real life and donate his wealth to charity, he became something of a model for me.
'#PeterGreen pic.twitter.com/9TfRJFOc64— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) July 25, 2020
RIP Peter Green. One of the great guitar players of all time. The second of the three legends John Mayall featured in the Bluesbreakers. He somehow managed to follow Eric Clapton at his peak. That’s how good he was. (Mick Taylor would follow him). Started Fleetwood Mac. Big loss.
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) July 25, 2020
And
R.I.P Peter Green. A unique artist and a beautiful guitar player. pic.twitter.com/UeyzpUKlCP
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) July 25, 2020
This pic speaks volumes , literally...!
📸Pic by Finz@alohapoolboy #greeny #petergreen 🖤 RIP Peter Green pic.twitter.com/0rBaeKhdBy— Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) July 25, 2020
RIP #PeterGreen amazing ‘ 60’s guitarist B B King said out of all the British blues guitar players of the 60s and early 70s he was the only one who gave him chills! Praise indeed...
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) July 25, 2020
Rest in power, Peter Green. Your playing inspired so many of us, none more so than the GOAT, Gary Moore. #RIPPeterGreen
— Damon Johnson (@DamonJOfficial) July 25, 2020
Rest easy, Peter Green. https://t.co/W6nA2AMiAx
— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) July 25, 2020
RIP Peter Green. He played the sweetest, saddest blues guitar ever. Truly touched in his time. Fly on, Albatross. https://t.co/zo8b6KVxl5
— marc maron (@marcmaron) July 25, 2020
Rest n Peace Peter Green🙏🏾Oooooh Weeee that boy could play!
Fleetwood Mac blues guitarist Peter Green dies at 73 https://t.co/bsZ6vF53Il— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) July 25, 2020