In the Skies

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "In the Skies" by Peter Green from his 1979 album of the same name. This track, the opener of Green’s comeback album, carries a melancholic yet captivating vibe, with lyrics penned by his then-wife Jane Green. One juicy tidbit from the recording sessions, as revealed in exclusive interviews with producer Peter Vernon-Kell and guitarist Snowy White for Iconoclassic Records, is that Green, still easing back into music after years away, let White take the lead guitar on this song. White, who’d soon join Pink Floyd and later Thin Lizzy, brought a fluid, haunting tone that perfectly matched Green’s laid-back, stoner aesthetic. The song’s Santana-esque rhythm section, featuring congas by Lennox Langton and bass by Kuma Harada, gives it a dreamy, floating quality that’s pure bliss for chilling out.

Another cool story comes from the album’s pre-release phase. A single of "Apostle" backed with "Tribal Dance" dropped in June 1978 but was yanked from shelves almost immediately, making it a rare collector’s item for fans. Both tracks were reworked for the album, and "In the Skies" itself had a rehearsal version later released on Snowy White’s 1996 Goldtop compilation. Fans on the Steve Hoffman Music Forums rave about the track’s warm, detailed soundstage, especially on vinyl pressings like the Scandinavian or Music On Vinyl editions. The song’s mellow groove and Green’s subtle, masterful guitar work make it a standout, with some calling it a nod to his emotional state during a turbulent time when he was navigating a serious relationship and personal struggles.

Now, let’s rewind to how Peter Green got his start. Born Peter Greenbaum in 1946 in Bethnal Green, London, he picked up the bass early on, playing in local bands, including one with a young Mick Fleetwood and even a brief stint with Rod Stewart. His shift to guitar changed everything. By the mid-1960s, Green was a rising star, stepping into Eric Clapton’s shoes in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers for their 1966 album A Hard Road. Green’s soulful, precise playing and original compositions like "The Supernatural" earned him serious cred. In 1967, he teamed up with Fleetwood and bassist John McVie to form Fleetwood Mac, where he wrote classics like "Albatross," "Black Magic Woman" (later a hit for Santana), and "Oh Well." His blues-rock genius helped Fleetwood Mac outshine even The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in sales during their peak. But by 1970, personal struggles and a distaste for fame led Green to step away, marking the start of a quieter chapter before his 1979 return with In the Skies.

Sadly, Peter Green passed away in 2020, so there’s no official website or active social media for him. However, fans keep his legacy alive. Check out the Peter Green Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect with others sharing memories and rare vinyl finds. The Fleetwood Mac fan site also has a section dedicated to Green’s contributions, packed with bio details and discography. For more, the Peter Green and Friends Facebook page posts tributes and updates on reissues. There’s no official Instagram or X account, but searching hashtags like #PeterGreen or #InTheSkies on those platforms will uncover fan posts and vintage photos. Dive into these corners of the web, Zoo Freaks, and keep spinning those records with the Zoo Crew!