Was Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac Considered a Supergroup?

One often wonders why Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac was not considered a supergroup in the same league as bands like Cream. Supergroups, by their very nature, are formed from members of successful or renowned bands. However, the case of Fleetwood Mac requires a deeper examination of the elements that define such an accolade.

The Definition of a Supergroup

A supergroup typically refers to a band that assembles a collection of highly accomplished musicians who have prominent, individual careers. For instance, Cream, with members of blues and rock bands like blues-rock legends John Mayall, and Mick Taylor, demonstrated a lineage of legendary musicians bringing their expertise to a new project.

In contrast, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac had a different dynamic. Fleetwood Mac, while influenced by the British blues movement, did not feature members solely from prominent bands. Mick Fleetwood, for instance, is noted for his drumming skills, but when compared to Ginger Baker, he seems to fall short. Similarly, Jack Bruce, known for his virtuoso bass playing and deep knowledge of the blues, was significantly more skilled than John McVie, another Fleetwood Mac member.

Clapton's Role and the Band's Popularity

Another aspect of the debate is Clapton’s involvement. Eric Clapton, a major figure in his own right, had already left John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. This left an opening that Peter Green, a legend in his own right, took. However, the term supergroup may not fully capture the dynamics of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac.

Despite Green’s talent, the original lineup of the band—Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, Jeremy Spencer, and John McVie—was more recognized within the blues and rock circles. Green’s departure and the subsequent lineup shift, which included Danny Kirwan, further complicated the destiny of Fleetwood Mac beyond the realm of a supergroup. The fact that even the pre-Green era of the band received significant airplay shows the band's enduring impact, though perhaps more as an influential musical project than a supergroup.

The Band's Popularity and Heritage

Before Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac even began to form, Green was making waves in the blues scene. His tenure with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, albeit brief, was a turning point for many. The "Clapton is God" graffiti that adorned London during this time further underscores the impact of the Bluesbreaker era. When Clapton left Mayall, he went from a star to a legend almost overnight. Green, paradoxically, followed him into the spotlight, replacing him in the Bluesbreakers and earning the title of The "Green God" in the same graffiti. This fairytale-quality transition contributed to Green’s rapid ascension and lasting influence.

Fleetwood Mac, with their chart-topping singles and extensive UK chart presence, clearly made waves in the music industry. However, the term supergroup generally applies when a band features multiple well-known, established musicians with significant individual careers. The band's original lineup, with only Peter Green being a known entity to the public, did not meet this criterion quite as well.

Conclusion

While Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac was undoubtedly a significant and influential band, achieving much within the British blues and rock scene, the term supergroup may not fully encapsulate its legacy. Nevertheless, the band's contribution to music cannot be understated, particularly the impact of Peter Green during his tenure.

Whether Fleetwood Mac, post-Peter Green, fits into the supergroup category is a matter of perspective. Ultimately, the band's significant musical achievements and lasting legacy speak for themselves.

Keywords: Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac, Supergroup