Today, July
25, 2025, marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Peter
Green, a name that evokes respect and admiration in the pantheon of blues
and rock giants.
Passed away
peacefully in his sleep at the age of 73, Green was much more than a guitarist;
he was the soul and beating heart of
early Fleetwood Mac, an artist whose music transcended genres,
touching deep chords in the souls of millions.
Born Peter
Allen Greenbaum in London in 1946, his musical journey began in the vibrant
British blues scene of the 60s. After a formative period with John Mayall's
Bluesbreakers, where he took up the legacy of Eric Clapton, Green founded
Fleetwood Mac in 1967 with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. This original line-up
created a unique sound, steeped in pure blues, but with an inventiveness and
sensibility that went beyond the boundaries of the genre.
His guitar,
in particular the famous 1959 Gibson Les Paul nicknamed "Greeny",
produced an unmistakable timbre: warm, velvety, but capable of expressing a
surprising emotional range. He was not a technical exhibitionist, but a
storyteller, a musician who favored sentiment and expressiveness. Tracks such
as the melancholic and atmospheric "Albatross",
the intense "Oh
Well" and the powerful "Black
Magic Woman" (later made famous by Santana) are
milestones that demonstrate his compositional and interpretative genius. His
voice, although not of great extension, possessed a disarming sincerity,
capable of making every word a palpable emotion. Peter Green was an authentic
bluesman, channeling his experiences and sensibilities into every note.
However, the
overwhelming success and pressures of the music world had a devastating impact
on his already fragile mental health. Drug abuse and a deep spiritual crisis
led him to leave Fleetwood Mac in 1970, an event that marked the beginning of a
long and tormented period away from the spotlight, marked by the struggle
against schizophrenia.
Despite the
difficulties, music always remained an intrinsic part of his being. In the 90s
and 2000s, Green returned to perform with his Peter Green Splinter Group,
showing his unmistakable magic at times, albeit with a more restrained and
reflective stage presence. The music world never forgot him, and numerous
artists, from Gary Moore to Joe Bonamassa, have always cited him as a
fundamental source of inspiration.
Five years
after his passing, Peter Green's legacy is more alive than ever. His approach
to the guitar, his ability to infuse soul into every melody, and his artistic
honesty continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. The "Greeny
tone", that unique blend of magic, melancholy and emotional depth, remains
a reference point for anyone approaching the blues with their heart.
