Why the "End of the Game"?...Pete

[greenfire]

I'm not quite sure what was happening with Pete in 1970. Fleetwood Mac was a success and 'Then Play On' was highly regarded by the fans. Pete's actions indicate that he was troubled or unhappy. I understand about the substance abuse but was this the main contributing factor for his leaving the band? He did the solo project 'The End of the Game' (1970) so soon after leaving, giving the impression that he still wanted to record. He also did the band a favor by returning briefly to fill in when Jeremy departed. "Man of the World" and "Green Manalishi" must have been some of the last songs he wrote as a member of FM. I think these were singles but could they potentially have been for the new FM album Kiln House in 1970? Looking at the lyrics for "Man of the World",

Pete wrote:

...I don't say I'm a good man. Oh, but I would if I could. I could tell you about my life and keep you amused I'm sure. About all the times I've cried and how I don't want to be sad anymore...

Assuming Pete wrote these lyrics as a reflection of himself. I know I could be way off in saying that, but if they were, it seems obvious that he was trying to say he was disillusioned by his fame and success. I havn't heard "Green Manalishi" but it was described to me as a very intense song where Pete was on the verge of mental breakdown? Why Pete?

What happened with his album 'The End of the Game'? Did the title 'The End of the Game', imply that he intended it to be his last statement as an artist or can it be taken as metaphor for wanting to quit the music business? Again, this is all speculation on my part. I am very impressed by Peter's contributions to FM and only want to understand what had happened to him.


"The Earth is good, why do we abuse it?"....Ray Thomas