Worldwide media has announced the death of Rock-Blues legend and co-founder of Fleetwood Mac group, Peter Green who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Canvey on Saturday 25th July aged 73 years.
As has been widely documented there are not enough superlatives to cover the sublime musical ability of this man not only was he probably (vying with Eric Clapton) the best blues guitar player the UK has ever produced but was such an accomplished composer (everyone will remember Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Albatross’ No 1 hit in 1969) of many numbers, particularly in the late 60’s. He had a soulful voice which he was able to adapt from the complicated timing of ‘Oh Well’ to the whistful, melancholy vocal of ‘Man of the world’. (both 1969). To add to that he was a ‘pretty mean’ blues harmonica player too.
My first knowledge of his family’s island connection was when his parents lived in the bungalow opposite my brother Chris in Lottem Rd, Don’t think Peter was ever living there but they were often visited by one of his brothers. This was the late 70’s and was probably about the time he was recovering from his first bout of mental illness which began in the early 70’s and for most of that decade he virtually disappeared from the music scene whilst undergoing treatment.
In 2011 when I joined Mike Machin’s band ‘Free Spirit’ Mike said to me “Did you know that Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac lived on Canvey?” Apparently Mike had seen an image of him on You-tube and recognised him as the guy who used to be a customer in his shop ‘Selectronics’ in Furtherwick Rd. This would have been around 2006 onwards so it was evident that Peter was a Canvey resident at this time.
It is quite possible that he lived on the island for seperate periods of time and at different addresses during the 2000s. His actual place of residence could be regarded as one of Canvey’s best kept secrets as people respected his privacy and nobody ever divulged the address. Since Mike’s information I have met one or two islanders who have had personal contact with Peter Green. Bass guitarist Tony Dubbridge told me he had given him a guitar case. Then two or three years ago Buzz Bullock (the lighterman) told me was helping to move a boat to a new mooring in Benfleet Creek and Peter was there. The reason for this was probably to do with his second love after music; that being fishing and he must have had connections with the boat owner, fishing trips?
The re-emergence of his musical career from the 80s on wards is well documented on the internet with particular reference to his ‘Splinter Group’ band and solo performances in Europe but the item which is of course of most interest to us is the short film entitled ‘The Canvey Island Sessions’ which can be seen on this site. The title starts ‘On a hot sultry summer afternoon in South Essex’ definitely genuine ‘Thames Delta Blues’.
I think it would be fair to assume that despite some difficult times in his life the rock legend Peter Green was in a good place when living on Canvey Island!
RIP Peter Green (Peter Allen Greenbaum) 1946-2020
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I recognised the photo of the older Peter Green instantly. Working in what was Costcutter’s, now Londis, in the High Street, I saw him in there regularly up to about 2015. Must have lived close by. One of the staff there pointed him out as a regular user of the studio on Charfleets. I think her husband had once run the studio. Sad to hear of his passing. Great fan of Fleetwood in my former life as a young person ! I do remember another couple who used the shop lived on a big houseboat on the Creek. They were sure he lived there somewhere.
I cannot believe that it will be a year since the wonderful Peter Green sadly passed away on Sunday. His Family, Friends and Fans must be missing him so much and I know that his beautiful heart felt music will never be forgotten .I have to say listening to his songs has helped me so much during these unprecedented times and I only wish Peter was around so I could tell him how much his music means to me .I imagine he is making the sweetest music in Heaven and his memory will live forever in our hearts and souls. Thank You Peter Green We Love You xxx
I lived on a boat in penton hook marina,Chertsey,near stained,I woke up to see someone taking photos of my historic boat,as soon as he lowed the camera from his face I knew it was peter green,I opened my sliding door of boat and said hello,he stayed for an hour and I showed him my guitars,I played him albatross,he said he was looking to buy a boat,he seemed a thoughtfully chap,bless you peter,gregmcleishgroup
I remember visiting our local petrol station and Peter Green was shopping there. A man was parked on the forecourt and his car radio was playing ‘Man of the World’ at full volume. I thought it was quite a surreal experience as Peter Green was walking around with his shopping basket focusing on what to purchase. He would often say hello and seemed happy and contented. Thank goodness. What a wonderful musician.
Wow! Amazing! 😀. Graham.
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