Why Fleetwood Mac’s First Singer Left Before Their Biggest Hits—The Tragic Story of Peter Green

Fleetwood Mac is synonymous with the enchanting vocals of Stevie Nicks, but before she and Lindsey Buckingham transformed the band into rock legends, Fleetwood Mac had a very different sound and frontman. Peter Green, the band’s original singer and guitarist, was the heart of Fleetwood Mac’s early blues-rock era. However, his sudden departure in 1970 remains one of the most tragic and mysterious exits in rock history.

The Blues Legend Who Founded Fleetwood Mac

Peter Green was a rising star in the British blues scene during the 1960s. His masterful guitar skills and soulful voice first gained attention when he replaced Eric Clapton in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Green’s talent quickly won over fans, leading him to form Fleetwood Mac in 1967 with drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie.

Unlike most band leaders, Green didn’t want to name the group after himself. Instead, he honored his bandmates by calling them Fleetwood Mac—a decision that would later seem ironic as his influence shaped their early success.

Despite his reluctance for the spotlight, Green’s songwriting defined Fleetwood Mac’s blues era. Hits like “Albatross” (which topped the UK charts), “Oh Well,” “Black Magic Woman” (later made famous by Santana), and “Man of the World” cemented his status as a blues rock icon.

Peter Green Was Fleetwood Mac’s First Genius Singer

From “Black Magic Woman” to “Albatross,” Green knew his way around the Blues

Why Peter Green Left Fleetwood Mac

As Fleetwood Mac’s fame grew, Green’s relationship with success took a dark turn. He became deeply involved in spiritual exploration and hallucinogenic drugs, particularly LSD. Green started to reject wealth and material possessions, donating much of his earnings to charity and distancing himself from the industry.

In 1969, during a tour in Germany, Green attended a house party that would change his life forever. Fleetwood Mac’s manager Clifford Davis later claimed Green returned from the party “seriously mentally ill.” This moment marked the beginning of his mental health struggles, which worsened as his drug use escalated.

By 1970, Green had grown increasingly erratic and detached. He wore a long beard and white robes on stage, resembling a mystic more than a rock star. His disillusionment with fame and his deteriorating mental health forced him to leave Fleetwood Mac—just before they became one of the biggest bands in rock history.

Peter Green Left Fleetwood Mac After Taking “Bad Acid” In Germany

Those close to Green say that he was never quite the same

Fleetwood Mac’s Struggles After Green’s Exit

Peter Green’s departure left a huge void in the band. Fleetwood Mac’s blues-driven identity had revolved around his distinctive sound and songwriting. In the years following, the band saw a revolving door of guitarists, including Danny Kirwan, Jeremy Spencer, and Bob Welch, but none could fill Green’s shoes.

By the mid-1970s, Fleetwood Mac was in desperate need of reinvention. That’s when Mick Fleetwood discovered Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, a struggling duo whose unique sound would give the band a second life. Buckingham agreed to join—on one condition: Nicks had to come too.

How Fleetwood Mac Replaced Peter Green

The rising young Buckingham Nicks caught Mick Fleetwood’s eye

This lineup shift led to Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1975 album, marking their transition from blues-rock pioneers to mainstream superstars. The band’s sound evolved, and their massive commercial success began—but it all started with Peter Green.

Peter Green’s Legacy

Although he disappeared from the spotlight for years, Peter Green’s impact on rock music is undeniable. His songwriting, guitar work, and influence on Fleetwood Mac’s early sound remain legendary. While Fleetwood Mac is best known today for Rumours and their pop-rock hits, it was Peter Green who first put them on the map.

Would Fleetwood Mac have reached the same heights if Green had stayed? That’s a question fans still debate today. But one thing is certain—his departure remains one of rock’s greatest ‘what if” stories.”