Peter Green: Remembering the man who started Fleetwood Mac

12 July 2024, 14:27 | Updated: 16 July 2024, 15:19

By Tom Owen

Peter Green was a truly legendary figure in the world of rock music, especially known for his time with Fleetwood Mac.

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Peter’s guitar skills and soulful playing quickly made him a standout. He founded Fleetwood Mac in 1967, and under his leadership, the band created some of their most memorable early hits like ‘Albatross’ and ‘Black Magic Woman’.

His style was unique – he could blend blues with rock in a way that felt completely natural and effortlessly cool. His talent wasn’t just limited to his guitar skills; he was a brilliant songwriter too. Sadly, Peter’s career was cut short due to mental health issues, which led to his departure from the band in 1970.

Despite this, his influence on music and Fleetwood Mac’s legacy is undeniable. Peter Green’s contributions have left a lasting impression on fans and musicians alike.

When was Peter Green born?

Peter Green was born on October 29, 1946 in Bethnal Green, London. His birth name was Peter Allen Greenbaum.
His parents were Joe and Anne Greenbaum. Peter grew up in a working-class Jewish family, and he had three older siblings: Michael, Len, and Ronald. The family atmosphere was one of close-knit support, which played a role in fostering Peter's early interest in music.
From a young age, he was drawn to the guitar, and his brother Len taught him the basics, setting the stage for Peter's future career in music.
How did he get his start in music and when did he create Fleetwood Mac?

(Clockwise from top left) John McVie, Danny Kirwan, Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and Jeremy Spencer. Picture: Getty

Peter Green got his start in music as a teenager, initially playing bass guitar before switching to lead guitar.
He was heavily influenced by blues legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Peter joined several bands in the early 1960s, but his big break came when he replaced Eric Clapton in John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1966. His exceptional talent quickly gained him recognition.
In 1967, Peter decided to form his own band. Along with drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, who were also part of the Bluesbreakers, he created Fleetwood Mac.
The band's name was a tribute to Mick and John, showing Peter’s appreciation for his bandmates. Fleetwood Mac’s first album, released in 1968, was a hit, and their unique blend of blues and rock set them apart in the music scene.
What songs did he write and appear on?

Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac - "Oh Well", Live@ Music Mash 1969

Peter Green wrote and appeared on several notable songs during his time with Fleetwood Mac. Some of his most famous contributions include:
- 'Albatross': This instrumental hit showcases Peter's smooth guitar playing and became Fleetwood Mac's first number one single in the UK.
- 'Black Magic Woman': Later made famous by Santana, this song highlights Peter's blues influence and remains a classic.
- 'Man of the World': A poignant song reflecting Peter's inner struggles and sensitivity.
- 'Oh Well': Known for its distinctive riff, this song became a staple of Fleetwood Mac's live performances.
- 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)': Written during a turbulent period, this song is often seen as a reflection of Peter's state of mind at the time.
These songs, along with others like 'Need Your Love So Bad' and 'Love That Burns', cemented Peter Green's reputation as a talented songwriter and guitarist, leaving a lasting impact on Fleetwood Mac's early success.
When and why did he leave Fleetwood Mac?

Peter Green. Picture: Getty

Peter Green left Fleetwood Mac in May 1970. His departure was primarily due to his struggles with mental health issues, which were exacerbated by his use of LSD.
The pressures of fame and the demanding lifestyle of being in a successful band also took a toll on him.
Peter began to exhibit erratic behaviour and expressed a desire to live a more spiritual and less materialistic life. He felt increasingly disconnected from the band's commercial success and the music industry as a whole.
Despite his departure, Peter Green's influence and legacy continued to shape Fleetwood Mac's music and the wider rock and blues genre.
What did he do after leaving Fleetwood Mac?

Peter Green in 2004. Picture: Getty

After leaving Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green retreated from the public eye for a while. He struggled with his mental health and spent some time in psychiatric hospitals, undergoing treatment for schizophrenia. Despite these challenges, Peter continued to make music sporadically.
In the late 1970s, he made a brief return to the music scene, releasing solo albums like The End of the Game.
However, it wasn't until the late 1990s that he made a more significant comeback. He formed Peter Green Splinter Group, a blues band that allowed him to reconnect with his musical roots. The group released several albums and toured extensively, receiving positive acclaim.
Throughout these years, Peter Green remained a revered figure in the music world. His influence on blues and rock was always acknowledged, and his later work showed glimpses of the brilliance that had defined his early career.
Was he married and did he have kids?

Peter Green was married once. He married Jane Samuels in January 1978, but the marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1979.
The couple had one daughter, Rosebud Samuels-Greenbaum, born in 1978.
When did he pass away?

Peter Green passed away on July 25, 2020. He died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 73.
His death marked the end of an era for many fans who had admired his extraordinary talent and contributions to music.
His former bandmates and famous fans later staged a tribute concert in honour of Green.
Mick Fleetwood said at the time: “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 trailblazed one hell of a musical road for so many to enjoy. God speed to you, my dearest friend.”