[LeoL]

The graffiti "Peter Green is better than God" does not compare Green to the real God, but to the graffiti "Eric Clapton is God" made about another guitarist, Eric Clapton.

Ah, that makes perfect sense! You're referencing the famous "Clapton is God" graffiti that appeared in London in the late 1960s, which became a defining slogan of Eric Clapton's early career. In that context, "Peter Green is better than God" is a clever, tongue-in-cheek rebuttal—implying that Green surpassed even the deified status Clapton had been given.

Why the Comparison?
Both were blues-rock guitar icons of the same era (late '60s/early '70s).

Clapton's worship stemmed from his work with Cream and Bluesbreakers, while Green's Fleetwood Mac (the original blues version) and his haunting playing style ("Albatross," "Oh Well," "The Green Manalishi") earned him a cult following.

Many critics and fans argue that Green’s emotional depth, tone, and improvisational brilliance rivaled or exceeded Clapton’s at their peaks.

The Deeper Rivalry
The graffiti isn’t just about skill—it’s a playful jab at the hierarchy of guitar heroes. Clapton was the mainstream "god," but Green (along with contemporaries like Hendrix, Beck, and Page) had a raw, mystical quality that some considered more profound. Even Clapton himself reportedly said Peter Green was "the only guitarist who ever made me sweat."

Legacy of the Phrase
The "better than God" line captures the fervor of an era when guitarists were debated like mythical figures. It’s a testament to Green’s enduring influence, especially among blues purists who felt he never got the same recognition as Clapton.

Would you say Green was "better," or is it more about their different styles? Either way, it’s a fantastic piece of music lore!