A file photo of Peter Green. (Image courtesy: psychedelic_fanpage)
Strong points
- Peter Green died on Saturday
- He was behind songs like Albatross and Oh Well
- Peter Green is survived by his daughter Rosebud
London:
Peter Green, the influential blues guitarist who co-founded British rock giants Fleetwood Mac, has died aged 73, his family’s legal representatives said on Saturday. Described by the late guitar legend BB King as having “the sweetest tone I’ve ever heard …, the only one that gave me a cold sweat,” Peter Green formed Fleetwood Mac with drummer Mick Fleetwood in London in 1967. The blues virtuoso / rock guitarist was behind songs such as Albatross and Never mind who helped define the band’s unique sound and propel it to worldwide fame. Peter Green also wrote Magical black woman, covered by Carlos Santana in 1970. “It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Green announces his death this weekend, peacefully in his sleep,” said a statement from Swan Turton’s lawyers, adding: “A new statement will be provided in the coming days. “
Peter Green, born Peter Greenbaum in Bethnal Green in London to a Jewish family, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, along with the rest of the group. “… with the original Fleetwood Mac he was Britain’s most progressive blues guitarist,” said Rolling Stone magazine, which in 2015 included Green in its 100 Greatest Guitarists.
Smiths guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr also paid tribute to Green. “R.I.P Peter Green. A unique artist and a wonderful guitarist,” he tweeted.
In 1970, mental health issues and addiction forced Green to quit Fleetwood Mac and he ended up sleeping on the streets and then undergoing electro-convulsive therapy at the hospital.
Fleetwood recruited Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie, wife of original member Jon McVie, as the group continued to record iconic albums Fleetwood Mac and Rumors.
Singer / songwriter Cat Stevens paid tribute on Twitter to “the ineffable Peter Green”, calling him “one of the unsung heroes of musical integrity, innovation and wit.”
“When I heard he left Fleetwood Mac in 1970 to have a real life and donate his fortune to charity, he kind of became a role model for me.
Legendary guitarist Pete Frampton has called Green “one of the tastiest guitarists of all time.”
Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale praised a musician he said once played a supporting role when Green was still playing with the original Fleetwood Mac.
“An artist that I really loved and admired …” he wrote on Twitter. “He was a breathtaking singer, guitarist and songwriter… I know who I’m going to listen to today… RIP,” he added.
Peter Green is survived by his daughter Rosebud for her brief marriage to Jane Samuels.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
