Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green dies aged 73

Peter Green, co-founder of the famous rock band Fleetwood Mac, has died at the age of 73.

The talented musician passed away in his sleep on Saturday evening, a statement confirmed, according multiple reports, with a further statement set to be provided in the coming days.

Tributes for the guitarist have since flooded in, with fellow co-founder Mick Fleetwood leading the way. The musician, who is also aged 73, called Green his “dearest friend” and said said the loss is “monumental”, The Mirror reports.

Fleetwood said the two of them “trail blazed on hell of a musical road for so many to enjoy” when the band was first formed in London in 1967, with the help of original band members  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,” he said, according to The Mirror.

“Peter, I will miss you, but rest easy, your music lives on. I thank you for asking me to be your drummer all those years ago. God speed to you, my dearest friend… Love Mick Fleetwood.”

Meanwhile, fans from right across the world came together on social media to pay tribute to the star, and remember his many great songs, such as ‘Black Magic Woman’, ‘If I loved Another Woman’ and ‘Long Grey Mare’.

“Sad to hear. One of my favourite guitarists and back when I loved the sound of Fleetwood Mac the best,” @Carilann wrote on Twitter. “Peter Green, you were one in a million and had quite the life. RIP.”

“Damn. I loved early Fleetwood Mac. ‘English Rose’ with Peter Green was on one of the first albums I owned. Great album,” @FredSasakamoose commented.

While @Coffeedragon84 added: “Peter Green. Rest in peace. The pleasure you have given so many will live on beyond these difficult times, but we had the best of it. Condolences to family, friends, all your playing partners from the beginning till now.”

Green helped to shape Fleetwood Mac in the beginning, with the first album shooting them into the spotlight. In fact, the hit song ‘Long Grey Mare’ along with three others were in the top British charts for 13 months.

However, Green left the band in 1971, with the likes of Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joining the ranks and launching them into further success.

But Green’s tribute to the band was never forgotten and in 1998 he, along with other past and present members of Fleetwood Mac were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.