The British blues scene of the 60s and 70s delivered a plethora of guitarists which gained fame, such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Mick Taylor. One of the forgotten heroes, Peter Green, is the focus of this intriguing documentary, and it is an important 90 minutes for reasons ranging from musical to historical to psychological and even the religious.
Peter Green was the guitarist who replaced the departing Eric Clapton in the seminal John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers band. From there he started a blues rock band named Fleetwood Mac, which became world famous in a later incarnation, but during that period penned the famous “Black Magic Woman” which became the anthem for the rock group Santana. There is an excellent collection of vintage footage of Green with Fleetwood Mac in concert and TV shows, able to demonstrate what a creative musical force they were at the time. Interviews with Mayall, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Jeremy Spencer, Carlos Santana and Green himself take you on a journey from the 60s British blues scene as Green struggles with his musical vision, mental illness, drug problems and difficulties with living with riches and fame.
Everyone is brutally honest in assessing their battles with each other and themselves as Green discusses his fame, departure from the music scene and present artistic and mental recovery. The film is a fascinating tale, and one that should be a warning to all of the famous slogan “be sure to be careful what you want, as you may get it.”