Peter Green, one of the co-founders of the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, passed away in his sleep at the age of 73.
Back in 1967, Green, along with Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Jeremy Spencer, established Fleetwood Mac which later turned out to be one of the world’s best-selling bands with over 120 million records sold worldwide.
Following the release of the hit song ‘The Green Manalishi’ in 1969, Green had begun suffering from mental illness and struggling with drug abuse and his band’s fast-gained fame.
In 1970, Green left the band and disappeared from the spotlight for decades.
While the guitarist may not have stayed with the band for long, Mick Fleetwood dubbed Green his “dearest friend” and expressed that “no one has ever stepped into the ranks of Fleetwood Mac without a reverence for Peter Green and his talent.
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“For me, and every past and present member of Fleetwood Mac, losing Peter Green is monumental,” Fleetwood said in a statement.
“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.”
As the drummer added, Peter will be missed but his music will live on. “God speed to you, my dearest friend… Love Mick Fleetwood,” he concluded.
Following Green’s mental breakdown and departure from the band in 1970, he was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia.
In the late 1990s, the musician once again came under the spotlight as he formed the Peter Green Splinter Group, a blues band that released nine albums.
In 1998, Green was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
May he rest in peace.
Replaced!