My last two posts were about two legendary rock and roll artists who both had bands, but the bands never really had that big of a roll. The most Steve Miller’s band had for recognition was literally being called The Steve Miller Band. However, I thought I would switch things up this week, and write about a band with a total of eight people. All of those eight people had very important and famous roles. The band I am talking about is called Fleetwood Mac, which originally formed in the U.K.

The members included Stevie Nicks (vocals, May 26th, 1948), Lindsay Buckingham (guitar and vocals, October 3rd 1949), Mick Fleetwood (drums, June 24th, 1947), Peter Green (guitar and vocals, October 29th, 1946), Danny Kirwan (guitar and vocals, May 13th, 1950 – June 8th, 2018), John McVie (bass, November 26th, 1945), Christine McVie (keyboard and vocals, July 12th, 1943), and Jeremy Spencer (guitar, July 4th, 1948).

Fleetwood Mac is mostly known for a constant change in their line-up, for most of these artists did not play all together at the same time. They are also known for their 1977 album, Rumours, which includes that decade’s most unforgettable songs.

                                            

The Start

Fleetwood Mac started out in the U.K. as a blues-rock band. The original band formed in 1967, and it consisted of Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and Jeremy Spencer. This smaller version of Fleetwood Mac had some success with songs “Oh Well” and “Black Magic Woman”. Green left in 1969, and that is when Danny Kirwan was welcomed into the band. Unfortunately, he was fired in 1972, and shortly after, Christine McVie (John’s wife), and U.S. guitarist Bob Welch joined the band. Since Welch was from the U.S., he directed the band to move to L.A. to be closer to their record label, Reprise. Once they moved, he left the band. Now, the door was open for Lindsay Buckingham, and Fleetwood’s romantic partner at the time, Stevie Nicks. It is said that allowing Nicks and Buckingham into the band was their smartest decision, and they helped create Fleetwood Mac’s signature sound.

Now you know what I meant when I said Fleetwood Mac had a constant change in their line-up.

                                         

Unique Sound

Every great band and/or musician has a certain “sound” to their music. Just by hearing the first few seconds of a song, one can easily know whose song it is if the band has a distinct and unique sound. Over time, Fleetwood Mac gained a notable “California sound”, that was both romantic and filled with rock and roll. When Steve Nicks joined the band in the mid-70’s, Fleetwood Mac had more of a dreamy, mystical sound. However, Fleetwood Mac also had a country-inspired sound, but it was not as profound. When Fleetwood Mac did play together, however, the sound was melodious and magical. This melodious sound was created by Buckingham’s bluesy guitar, John McVie’s rhythmic bass, Fleetwood’s thunderous drumming, and Christine McVie’s smooth keyboard which always harmonized with Buckingham’s and Nick’s vocals.

Fleetwood Mac’s Career Explodes- Literally and Figuratively

In 1977, Fleetwood Mac released Rumours, which would become their most famous album. Some of the songs on this album include “Landslide”, “Dreams”, “Go Your Own Way”, and “The Chain”. However, there was a lot of turmoil between the band members during this time. Buckingham and Nicks did not get along, the McVies had gotten a divorce, and Fleetwood and his wife split because of drug use. This turmoil actually inspired some of the songs on Rumours. For example, “Don’t Stop” was aimed at Christine’s ex-husband, John McVie, and “You Make Loving Fun” was written for her new boyfriend.

                                           

The Latter Half of Fleetwood Mac

In 1979, they decided to experiment with their sound again with an album titled Tusk, but it was not as successful as Rumours. In the 1980’s, they remained relevant by releasing “Little Lies”, “Big Love”, and my personal favorite, “Gypsy“, which all hits. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Although there were so many disputes between the band members, they came together for a reunion tour from 2014-2015. There was something magical about hearing that “California sound” live for one more time.