Why Peter Green Left Fleetwood Mac: Before "Rumours" And Beyond

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Peter Green's Early Influence and Fleetwood Mac's Formation

Peter Green's musical background was instrumental in shaping Fleetwood Mac's early sound. A highly skilled guitarist with a deep understanding of blues and R&B, he assembled the band in 1967, initially named Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, after Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, two core members who would remain in the band long after Green's departure. Green's songwriting and guitar playing defined their unique style, a blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Their early success was undeniable. Albums like Fleetwood Mac (1968) and Then Play On (1969) showcased Green's exceptional talent and songwriting. These albums laid the foundation for the band's future success, even if the music differed drastically from the pop-rock sound they would later become known for.

• Key songs showcasing Green's guitar prowess: "Albatross," a haunting instrumental that reached number one in the UK charts, and "Black Magic Woman," a bluesy rocker later popularized by Santana, are prime examples.
• Initial lineup and its dynamic: The original lineup featured a creative tension between Green's songwriting and the rhythm section's powerful foundation, which made their early work so potent.
• Green's songwriting contributions: Green's songwriting defined the band's early identity, infusing their music with a raw emotional depth and distinctive blues sensibility.

The Mental Health Challenges and Deterioration

Unfortunately, Peter Green's immense talent was overshadowed by a debilitating mental illness. He began experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. This significantly impacted his behavior and his ability to function both personally and professionally.

The onset of his illness progressively worsened, affecting his performance and his interactions with bandmates. The intense pressure of fame and touring likely exacerbated his condition.

• Effect on creativity and relationships: His mental health deterioration severely impacted his creative output and strained relationships within the band. The once prolific songwriter became less involved, struggling to contribute as he once had.
• Incidents and accounts: Accounts from bandmates and contemporaries paint a picture of increasing instability and erratic behavior, though specific details often remain shrouded in privacy.
• Substance misuse: The impact of potentially misused substances, a common coping mechanism among musicians, may have further complicated his mental health challenges, though the exact extent remains unclear.

The Mysterious Circumstances of His Departure

Peter Green's departure from Fleetwood Mac in 1970 wasn't a simple event with one clear cause. There's no single definitive answer; rather, a confluence of factors contributed to his exit. Several narratives exist, sometimes contradicting each other, adding to the mystery surrounding this pivotal moment in the band's history.

While his mental health played a significant role, other contributing elements must be considered.

• Management decisions and internal conflicts: Issues with management and internal conflicts within the band may have added to the pressures he was facing, though concrete details are scarce.
• Rumors and speculation: Numerous rumors and speculations circulated at the time, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Separating these needs careful consideration of multiple sources.
• Impact of mental health: Ultimately, the progressive deterioration of his mental health was the most substantial factor leading to his decision to leave the band, removing himself from the intense pressures of fame and performance.

Life After Fleetwood Mac

Following his departure from Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green attempted to continue his musical career, facing significant challenges due to his worsening mental health. He formed several bands and released solo albums, but these projects were often short-lived and did not achieve the same level of success as his work with Fleetwood Mac.

• Post-Fleetwood Mac projects: While his later work is less commercially successful, it still reflects his musical talent, albeit with the clear impact of his illness.
• Later years and recognition: In his later years, he received some recognition for his contributions to music, yet sadly, the ongoing challenges posed by his mental health often overshadowed his achievements.
• Impact of mental health struggles: His mental health struggles continued to impact his life until his passing.

Conclusion:

Peter Green's departure from Fleetwood Mac remains a complex and often-debated topic. While his mental health struggles undoubtedly played a significant role, a combination of internal band dynamics, managerial issues, and perhaps even a conscious decision to step away from the pressures of fame all contributed to his exit. Understanding the reasons behind the Peter Green Fleetwood Mac departure allows us to appreciate the impact of his early contributions and the profound sadness surrounding his subsequent struggles. To further your understanding of this pivotal moment in music history, continue researching the various accounts and perspectives surrounding the Peter Green Fleetwood Mac departure. Learning about his life and contributions to music is a vital step in appreciating the rich legacy of one of the greatest blues-rock guitarists of all time.