Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green dies aged 73

Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green has died aged 73
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The co-founder of Fleetwood Mac Peter Green had died in his sleep at the age of 73.

A statement from Swan Turton solicitors, acting on behalf of the family, confirmed the news on Saturday.

It said: “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”.

Peter Green formed Fleetwood Mac with drummer Mick Fleetwood in 1967
PA

Celebrities paid tribute to the influential blues rock guitarist on social media.

Film director Edgar Wright said on Twitter: “RIP Fleetwood Mac co founder and original lead singer Peter Green. What a belter this is. ‘Oh Well’ (Live 1969)”.

Whitesnake’s David Coverdale said Green was an artist he “truly loved and admired”.

He said in a Twitter post: “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”.

Musician Peter Frampton tweeted: “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”

Novelist Linda Grant added: “I’m so sorry to learn of the death of Peter Green aged only 73. He had so much soul. I loved him”.

Guitarist Bernie Marsden shared a picture and his memories of Peter Green in a long tribute to his "hero" on social media.

The Whitesnake musician wrote on Instagram: “I can’t quite express my feelings this afternoon after learning of Peter’s death.

"I’m just thinking of the times we spent together in the last couple of years, hanging out with him at his home was very special. A memory I’ll cherish. He made me laugh, cry, wonder, and never failed to make me pinch myself when we were alone one to one.

“There I was, sat with my hero. As a musician I can only be one of the millions he touched, his talent for guitar playing, vocals and harmonica would have been more than most people could have possibly wished for, and then you add those wonderful songs, original, vibrant, atmospheric, outright psychedelic and so much fun, to listen to and witness. Those early days of Fleetwood Mac will stay in my mind forever."

Green formed Fleetwood Mac with drummer Mick Fleetwood in London in 1967.

He left Fleetwood Mac after a final performance in 1970 as he struggled with mental health difficulties.

The guitarist from Bethnal Green, London was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent time in hospitals undergoing electro-convulsive therapy during the mid-70s.

Green was among the eight members of the band, along with Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie, Christine McVie, Danny Kirwan and Jeremy Spencerd who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Earlier this year, artists including Fleetwood, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and guitarists Jonny Lang and Andy Fairweather Low performed at the London Palladium during a gig celebrating the early years of Fleetwood Mac and its founder Peter Green.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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