It's been going on for decades, ever since the first graffitied scrawl of "Clapton is God" have arguments about who is the greatest guitar player been an issue for some fanatics. But anyone with any sense knows it's all a matter of opinion, a matter of individual taste. It's just not that easily quantified what makes a great artist, but somehow that highly coveted role of the lead guitarist is seen for some as the absolute alpha male role and by definiton the true gladitorial champion of their taste in music.
All rubbish of course. Take for example Peter Green, a less likely man to be part of some gladitorial combat you'll ever find.
In 1970 Fleetwood Mac were not the mainstream juggernaut of AOR they were to become, but a fine blues band with 3 albums and several excellent singles between 1967 and 1970. Although Green was at his peak of artistic ability both playing and writing, it was noticed by band members in late '69 Green was indulging in a period of regular LSD taking that led to some unpredictable moments. Given the heady times this was not entirely uncommon.
By March 1970 a further event occurred.
"While touring Europe in late March 1970, Green binged on LSD at a party at a commune in Munich, an incident cited by Fleetwood Mac manager Clifford Davis as the crucial point in his mental decline".
In this rare recording taken at a Fleetwood Mac concert in Stockholm on April 1st 1970 he could not have sounded more in tune with his art. The concert was recorded by a Mr Len on a Philips cassette recorder with one microphine positioned in the first row directly in front of Peter Green's speakers.
It's a remarkeable and rare piece of archive and although the sound quality varies in places the sense of the close proximity to Green's performance is tangible. It displays no sign of any deteriation to his musicianship despite what others were claiming to see in his behaviour at the time.
Just over a month after tbis concert Peter Green quit Fleetwood Mac on May 20th 1970. Then after occassional appearances between 1970 and 72,
"Green's mental illness and drug use had become entrenched at this time and he faded into professional obscurity".
Green was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia. He wouldn't emerge from his shell until some 2 decades later.
What is completely evident by this recording is a fantastic performance by a young man at his peak. His talent can't be manufactured or bought or even taught, its source lies somewhere within and given any set of circumstances it can be badly disrupted. It's often the case that most talented can be the most fragile. Their artistry is not just a matter of personal opinion on a comments page, it's a fact.
