Peter Green – Cause of Death, Biography, Songs and Legacy
Peter Green was the visionary blues guitarist who founded Fleetwood Mac in 1967, wrote timeless songs such as “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman,” and then vanished from the spotlight after a devastating battle with schizophrenia. He died peacefully on July 25, 2020, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of musicians.
Born Peter Allen Greenbaum in Bethnal Green, East London, on October 29, 1946, Green taught himself guitar after his older brother showed him the first chords. By age 10 or 11, he was already fully self-taught and deeply immersed in the blues. His career took a decisive turn in 1966 when, at just 19, he was invited to replace Eric Clapton in John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.
A year later, in 1967, Green formed his own band with drummer Mick Fleetwood and soon brought in bassist John McVie. The group was originally billed as “Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac” — a name chosen by Green himself to reflect the rhythm section he admired. That decision would eventually give the world one of the most enduring rock bands in history.
Who Was Peter Green? The Story of the Fleetwood Mac Founder
- Peter Green was the founding force behind Fleetwood Mac before the band’s commercial pop era.
- He suffered from schizophrenia and drug-related health issues, leading to his departure from the band in 1970.
- Despite a short peak (1967–1970), he is widely ranked among the greatest blues guitarists.
- His cause of death was officially ‘natural causes’, though family cited liver/kidney complications.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Allen Greenbaum |
| Born | 29 October 1946 |
| Died | 25 July 2020 |
| Age at Death | 73 |
| Nationality | British |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years Active | 1966–2020 |
| Record Label | Reprise, Epic, Sanctuary |
| Associated Acts | Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green Splinter Group, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers |
What Was Peter Green’s Cause of Death?
Official Statement and Family Reports
Peter Green died peacefully in his sleep on July 25, 2020, at his home in Essex, England. The specific cause of death was not publicly revealed by his family, but it was broadly described as natural causes. Reports from those close to him indicated that liver and kidney complications played a role in his passing.
While multiple news outlets, including the BBC and ABC Australia, confirmed the peaceful circumstances of his death, no official medical report or coroner’s statement was released. The absence of a precise public record means that any specific medical cause remains unconfirmed.
The Role of Schizophrenia and Psychedelic Drugs
Green’s health had been fragile for decades. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia after his departure from Fleetwood Mac and spent time in psychiatric hospitals during the mid-1970s, where he underwent electroconvulsive therapy. Mick Fleetwood noted in 2015 that Green took “a lot of acid and mescaline around the same time his illness began manifesting itself.” These factors significantly shortened his life, even if they were not listed as direct causes on a death certificate.
What Are the Most Famous Peter Green Songs?
“Albatross” – The Instrumental That Inspired the Beatles
Released in 1969, “Albatross” is a dreamy, reverb-laden instrumental track that became Fleetwood Mac’s only number-one single in the United Kingdom. It featured new member Danny Kirwan and is widely cited as the main inspiration for the Beatles’ “Sun King.” The song remains one of the most recognizable instrumentals in rock history.
“Black Magic Woman” – A Song That Found Its Second Life
Green wrote “Black Magic Woman” and released it as a single in 1968, but it barely charted in the UK. The song took on a new life when Carlos Santana covered it in 1970, turning it into a US Top 10 hit. Santana always credited Green as the songwriter and acknowledged the depth of the original composition.
“Oh Well” and Other Essential Tracks
“Oh Well” was another major early hit that showcased Green’s distinctive guitar voice. Other notable works from his pen include “The Green Manalishi,” “Rambling Pony,” and “Long Grey Mare.” Together, these songs defined the early Fleetwood Mac sound and laid the groundwork for the evolution of blues into heavy metal.
“The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)” was one of the last songs Green wrote before leaving Fleetwood Mac. Decades later, Judas Priest covered it, introducing a new generation of rock fans to Green’s dark, brooding side.
Was Peter Green Really the Greatest White Blues Guitarist?
Rankings and Critical Acclaim
Rolling Stone ranked Peter Green at number 58 on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, describing him as “Britain’s most progressive blues guitarist” during his heyday. NPR noted that he was “the soulful voice of British blues,” and the BBC has called him “one of the greatest blues guitarists Britain ever produced.”
What Fellow Musicians Said
B.B. King is widely quoted as saying that Green was “the only white boy who ever made me cry.” That sentiment — whether entirely factual or apocryphal — captures the emotional depth that set Green apart from his peers. He played with a touch and a vibrato that sounded less like a white British imitator and more like a direct descendant of the Mississippi Delta tradition.
Calling any musician the “greatest” is inherently subjective. While Green is frequently celebrated as one of the finest white blues guitarists, the label is best understood as a reflection of his immense influence rather than an objective ranking. His true legacy lies in the originality of his compositions and the emotional weight of his playing.
A Timeline of Peter Green’s Life and Career
- 1946: Born in London. (BBC)
- 1966: Joins John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, replacing Eric Clapton. (ABC)
- 1967: Founds Fleetwood Mac with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. (BBC)
- 1968: Writes “Albatross” – achieves UK No.1 single. (Wikipedia)
- 1969: Writes “Black Magic Woman” (later covered by Santana). (NPR)
- 1970: Leaves Fleetwood Mac amid mental health struggles. (BBC)
- 1970s–80s: Various solo projects, hospitalization for schizophrenia. (Wikipedia)
- 1998: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac. (Rock Hall)
- 2020: Dies at age 73 in Essex, England. (New York Times)
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Peter Green
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Peter Green died on 25 July 2020 at age 73. | The exact medical cause of death was not publicly disclosed by family; natural causes cited broadly. |
| He was the founder of Fleetwood Mac. | Net worth figures vary widely ($1 million to $10 million). |
| He was a highly influential blues guitarist. | — |
The Musical and Personal Context of Peter Green’s Life
Peter Green defined the early sound of Fleetwood Mac, blending hard blues with melodic sensibilities. His style influenced later generations of guitarists, and his era of the band is distinct from the Buckingham-Nicks superstars that followed. Yet his early work laid the groundwork for the evolution of blues into heavy metal and remains highly influential today.
His battle with schizophrenia and his use of psychedelic drugs fundamentally altered his career trajectory. He famously felt he “didn’t deserve the fame” and donated much of his money to charity, often leaving himself broke between royalty checks. That combination of extraordinary talent and profound personal vulnerability is what makes his story so compelling.
Sources and Notable Quotes on Peter Green
“Peter Green was one of the guitar-playing greats of 1960s blues-rock.”
– The Guardian obituary
“He was the only white boy who ever made me cry.”
– B.B. King (widely attributed)
“Peter Green was regarded by some fans as the greatest white blues guitarist ever.”
– AllMusic biography
What Is the Lasting Legacy of Peter Green?
Peter Green’s legacy rests on three pillars: his visionary songwriting, his deeply expressive guitar playing, and the tragic arc of a life interrupted by mental illness. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 as one of the eight Fleetwood Mac members, and his songs continue to be rediscovered by new listeners. For more on musicians who shaped rock history, see Paul Stanley – Biography, Net Worth, Wife, and Age and Tommy Lee – Biography, Net Worth, Age, Wife and Music Career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Green
Was Peter Green related to any other musicians?
No, but he had a brother named Michael Greenbaum who outlived him.
Did Peter Green ever perform solo after Fleetwood Mac?
Yes, he formed the Peter Green Splinter Group in the late 1990s and released several albums.
How many songs did Peter Green write for Fleetwood Mac?
He wrote many of the band’s early hits, including “Albatross,” “Black Magic Woman,” and “Oh Well.”
Is there a Peter Green documentary?
Several exist, including “Peter Green: Man of the World” (2009).
How old was Peter Green when he died?
He was 73 years old.
What was Peter Green’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly documented, with estimates ranging from $1 million to $10 million.
Why did Peter Green leave Fleetwood Mac?
He left in 1970 due to severe mental health struggles and disillusionment with the music business.
Who taught Peter Green to play guitar?
His older brother taught him his first chords; he was self-taught by age 10–11.
What genre is Peter Green’s music?
Blues rock and blues.
Did Peter Green have any children?
Yes, he had a daughter with his ex-wife Jane Samuels.
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