Fleetwood Mac co-founder and guitarist Peter Green has died at the age of 73. Green’s death was confirmed by his family members in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Green announce his death this weekend, peacefully in his sleep. A further statement will be provided in the coming days,” the statement reads.
Green began his career in 1965 as the guitarist for John Mayall‘s Bluesbreakers, where he replaced Eric Clapton. In 1967, Green formed Fleetwood Mac with drummer Mick Fleetwood. The two later recruited John McVie on bass.
Green wrote some of the band’s most popular songs, including “Albatross,” “Man of the World,” “Oh Well” and “Black Magic Woman.”
Green left the band in 1970, after the release of three albums, starting with its 1968 self-titled debut, followed by Mr. Wonderful (1968) and Then Play On (1969).
He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia, which forced him to seek treatment.
Green continued to release music following his departure from Fleetwood Mac, including his 1970 solo debut, The End of the Game. His last solo release was 1983’s Kolors.
“For me, and every past and present member of Fleetwood Mac, losing Peter Green is monumental!” Fleetwood said. “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!” he added.
Stevie Nicks also commented on Green’s passing, saying her biggest regret is that she never got to share the stage with him.
“I always hoped in my heart of hearts that that would happen,” Nicks said. “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.,” she added.
