12/04/2025
Peter Green, born Peter Greenbaum in London in 1946, rose to prominence as one of the most gifted and emotionally expressive guitarists in British blues history. His early exposure to skiffle and rock evolved into a deep love for American blues, especially the works of B.B. King and Otis Rush. After refining his talent in local bands, Green replaced Eric Clapton in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers—a nearly unimaginable task for most musicians, yet Green not only held his own but soon eclipsed expectations. His tone, phrasing, and instinctive emotional depth astonished critics and fans alike. In 1967, he co-founded Fleetwood Mac, crafting the band’s early identity as a blues powerhouse. His compositions such as “Black Magic Woman,” “Albatross,” and “Oh Well” demonstrated a rare blend of virtuosity, soulfulness, and originality, establishing Green as one of the most important figures in the British blues explosion.
In the late 1960s, Fleetwood Mac became one of the most successful blues bands in the world, due in large part to Green’s leadership and genius. His playing was lyrical and haunting, conveying emotions that transcended technical description. Yet it was not only his guitar work that impressed—it was his songwriting, marked by introspection and sensitivity. However, fame, pressure, and heavy experimentation with psychedelic drugs began to take a toll on Green’s mental health. His struggles with schizophrenia and disillusionment with the music industry caused him to leave Fleetwood Mac in 1970. What followed was a heartbreaking spiral into instability, poverty, and long periods of silence. Though he released sporadic solo albums and collaborated with musicians, he never fully regained the prominence of his early years. Still, fellow artists—from Carlos Santana to Gary Moore—revered him as a master whose influence was immeasurable.
Peter Green passed away in 2020 at age 73, leaving behind a legacy both brilliant and tragic. He is remembered as one of the most emotionally profound guitarists ever recorded, a man whose touch could evoke sadness, longing, joy, or transcendence with just a few notes. His early work with Fleetwood Mac continues to inspire generations of musicians, while songs like “Albatross” remain timeless masterpieces. Though his later years were marked by struggle, Green eventually found a measure of peace, returning to music with the Splinter Group and earning renewed appreciation from fans worldwide. His story is one of genius, vulnerability, and enduring artistry. Peter Green’s legacy lives on not only in the music he created, but in the countless players who cite him as a guiding star in the world of guitar and blues.