Fleetwood Mac co-founder and guitarist Peter Green has died at the age of 73, a statement from his family's legal representatives announced on Saturday.

"It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Green announce his death this weekend, peacefully in his sleep," Swan Turton solicitors said in a statement. "A further statement will be provided in the coming days."

Green co-founded the band with drummer Mick Fleetwood in London in 1967.

"Most sadly have lost one of the most tasteful guitar players ever," acclaimed British-American musician Peter Frampton wrote on Twitter.

Green, originally Peter Greenbaum, was born into a Jewish family in London in 1946. 

In his time with Fleetwood Mac, he was behind such songs as "Albatross" and "Oh Well," which helped define the band's unique sound. The guitarist also penned the song "Black Magic Woman."

Mental health issues and struggles with addiction forced Green out of the group in 1970.

Fleetwood Mac later drafted in notable members Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie and Christine McVie before going on to record famed albums "Fleetwood Mac" and "Rumours."

Peter Green was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, along with the other eight members of the band. Rolling Stone magazine described him as "Britain's most progressive blues guitarist."

kp/dj (AP, AFP, dpa)