Peter Green, a co-founder of rock band Fleetwood Mac, has died aged 73, his family has said.

Swan Turton, solicitors acting on behalf of his family, said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Green announce his death this weekend, peacefully in his sleep.

“A further statement will be provided in the coming days.”

Green, an influential blues rock guitarist, from Bethnal Green in east London, formed Fleetwood Mac with drummer Mick Fleetwood in the city in 1967.

He left the band in 1970 as he struggled with mental health problems, before they became one of the biggest-selling acts in rock with a different line-up having switched from blues to pop.

Green was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent time in hospitals undergoing electro-convulsive therapy during the mid-70s when the band he helped start was enjoying worldwide success.

Fleetwood led tributes on Saturday, describing Green as “my dearest friend” and saying they “trail blazed one hell of a musical road for so many to enjoy”.

He signed off: “God speed to you, my dearest friend……. Love Mick Fleetwood.”

Slash, guitarist for rock band Guns N’ Roses, also paid tribute to Green, sharing a series of pictures of the late musician.

He wrote in the caption: “RIP.”

Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale called him “a breathtaking singer, guitarist & composer”. Guitarist Bernie Marsden wrote that he was probably “one of millions” he [Green] touched.

Peter Frampton, a contemporary of Green’s, tweeted: “Most sadly have lost one of the most tasteful guitar players ever.”

Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler described Green as “one of the greats”, while Mumford and Sons guitarist Winston Marshall thanked Green “for the music”, describing him as a “#GOAT” (greatest of all time).

Film director Edgar Wright tweeted: “RIP Fleetwood Mac co founder and original lead singer Peter Green”, linking to a performance of one of their hits, Oh Well.

Actor David Morrissey praised Peter Green’s “fantastic soulful voice”, saying he “loved his playing and his singing so much”.

Green was among the eight members of the band – along with Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie, Christine McVie, Danny Kirwan and Jeremy Spencer – who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Earlier this year, artists including Fleetwood, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and guitarists Jonny Lang and Andy Fairweather Low performed at the London Palladium during a gig celebrating the early years of Fleetwood Mac and Peter Green.