Fleetwood Mac became mega-stars in the late 1970’s, shipping units by the tens of millions worldwide. But by that time, founding member Peter Green was long gone from the band. They actually began as a four-piece unit with him at front and center, although he also made sure to feature second guitarist Jeremy Spencer as well. Their sound was far removed from that of the pop rock group that they became in the 70’s. At their formation, they were a blues rock band, and at the forefront of the saturated 60’s British Blues movement. Green’s talent and reputation, as well as his (and Spencer’s) unique guitar and songwriting talents, allowed Fleetwood Mac to stand out among their peers in that overcrowded market.
After three years, four albums, and the addition of teenaged third guitarist Danny Kirwan, Green left the band in mid-1970. There are several sources which document his personal problems that led to his leaving. It seems to have started with his growing disillusionment with the music business and stardom, which was aggravated by his LSD usage. He had made his intentions to leave the band clear for several months before he made the move, and except for some sporadic recordings and concerts, walked away from music for two decades. After his departure, Fleetwood Mac's sound moved away from blues rock and became more middle of the road. The addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in 1975 finally turned them into the wildly successful band they were in the late 70’s and 80s.
The song I embedded here from YouTube was recorded in 1968, when Green was firmly in charge, and Fleetwood Mac was still decidedly a blues rock band. It is their version of Green’s “Black Magic Woman”, which Santana recorded and had a hit with in 1970. This live version from one of several concerts Fleetwood Mac recorded at the Boston Tea Party. When Santana performed this song at their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, they were joined by Green.
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