Peter Green died “peacefully in his sleep” over the weekend at the age of 73, and when news broke on Saturday musicians took to social media and paid tribute to the Fleetwood Mac founding guitarist, while Mick Fleetwood remembered his “dearest friend” and bandmate in a statement.
“For me, and every past and present member of Fleetwood Mac, losing Peter Green is monumental!” he wrote. “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!!!”
“Peter, I will miss you, but rest easy your music lives on,” he continued. “I thank you for asking me to be your drummer all those years ago. We did good, and trail blazed one hell of a musical road for so many to enjoy. God speed [sic] to you, my dearest friend…….”
While Stevie Nicks joined the band five years after Green’s departure, the singer shared kind words about his influence on her. “I am sorry to hear about the passing of Peter Green. My biggest regret is that I never got to share the stage with him. I always hoped in my heart of hearts that that would happen,” she tweeted. “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.”
“Most sadly have lost one of the most tasteful guitar players ever I have always been a huge admirer of the great Peter Green may he rest in peace,” Peter Frampton tweeted.
“God bless the ineffable Peter Green, one of the unsung heroes of musical integrity, innovation and spirit,” Yusuf/Cat Stevens wrote. “When I heard he left Fleetwood Mac in 1970 to get a real life and donate his wealth to charity, he became something of a model for me.”
“R.I.P Peter Green. A unique artist and a beautiful guitar player,” the Smiths‘ Johnny Marr tweeted.
Green and Fleetwood formed the band in 1967, with Green departing in 1970 as he battled mental health and drug issues. The guitarist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie, Christine McVie, Danny Kirwan and Jeremy Spencer in 1998.
Members of Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, Blur, Primal Scream, Nada Surf, and more also honored Green’s life and legacy. See the tributes below.
— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) July 26, 2020
Most sadly have lost one of the most tasteful guitar players ever I have always been a huge admirer of the great Peter Green may he rest in peace.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) July 25, 2020
God bless the ineffable Peter Green, one of the unsung heroes of musical integrity, innovation and spirit. When I heard he left Fleetwood Mac in 1970 to get a real life and donate his wealth to charity, he became something of a model for me.
'#PeterGreen pic.twitter.com/9TfRJFOc64
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) July 25, 2020
R.I.P Peter Green. A unique artist and a beautiful guitar player. pic.twitter.com/UeyzpUKlCP
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) July 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/grahamcoxon/status/1287064626107121665
Sad to hear of Peter Green passing- one of the greats. RIP. pic.twitter.com/OUHg3KwnNy
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) July 25, 2020
An Artist I Truly Loved & Admired…From The First Time I Heard Him…I Supported The Original Fleetwood Mac At Redcar Jazz Club When I Was In A Local Band…He Was A Breathtaking Singer, Guitarist & Composer…
I know Who I Will Be Listening To Today…RIP https://t.co/VvkGaY6ZMf— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) July 25, 2020
Peter Green – thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/0dRpM4Luj9
— Bernie Marsden (@Bernie_Marsden) July 25, 2020
Damn I didn’t know he’d passed. Met him once. He’d just come offstage and I said “I hope you had a great time up there.” Peter said “I hope I did, too.” Peace to the god. https://t.co/53tU6CeIko
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) July 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/simonemarie4/status/1287064261714489347
Peter Green was phenomenal & groundbreaking in his playing & compositions, & a great influence on many. Saddened to hear of his passing. Always loved this live appearance: https://t.co/CdVoXUWQ4M https://t.co/kIC3dxqVOV
— Doug Gillard (@douggillard) July 25, 2020
