Fleetwood Mac Biography 

Rock band Fleetwood Mac rose to fame in the mid-70s with the release of Rumours, which solidified them as one of the most influential bands of the day. They became just as known, however, for their frequent lineup changes, relationship problems, and various dependencies.

Fleetwood Mac officially came together in 1967. Centered in London, the band formed when Peter Green left John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. (He had entered the band as a replacement for renowned guitarist Eric Clapton.)

Playing with Mick Fleetwood in the Bluesbreakers, Green wanted to enlist him for the new outfit. Fleetwood consented, and both he and Green agreed they needed John McVie on bass. The name “Fleetwood Mac” was concocted as an enticement to get McVie in the band. He drug was hesitant at first, but soon relented and joined the group.

Their self-titled debut came out in early 1968. Although it contained no singles, it still proved a big hit in the UK. Not long after, their singles “Black Magic Woman” and “Need Your Love So Bad” hit the airwaves while their second album, Mr. Wonderful, hit the shelves. (Incidentally, many now know “Black Magic Woman” as a hit for guitarist Carlos Santana.)

The next major development for the band was the addition of Danny Kirwan at guitar, which marked their departure from their previously all-blues sound. This also meant a tumultuous label change. Fleetwood was George Harrison’s brother-in-law, and the Beatles therefore put in their two cents, wanting the band to sign with Apple Records. The manager, Clifford Davis, opted instead for Warner Bros. Records. Their first Warner album, Then Play On, was another huge success.

Confirming their popularity, the band played in mid-1969 at the Schaefer Music Festival alongside The Byrds, BB King, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, and many others.

As of 1970, Green’s health began to deteriorate as he increasingly suffered from schizophrenia. He subsequently left the band. Scrambling to replace him, the band went with popular vocalist Christine McVie.

Just as they seemed to be getting their feet under themselves again, however, the band’s 1971 tour was interrupted by the strange disappearance of band member Jeremy Spencer. After many days of worried searching, it turned out Spencer had joined religious group, Children of God.

In 1971, they took on Bob Welch at guitar to once again round out the band. Meanwhile, tension was growing. Kirwan, for one, had to be fired, and this sparked constant band changeups over the next two years. There was also considerable marital stress between the McVies, not aided by John’s abuse of alcohol. Welch eventually left.

Once again scrambling for replacements, the band took on Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. This would prove their most commercial lineup. And although 1977’s Rumours is arguably their most well-known album, the band was still struggling with divorce, infidelity, and addiction. Still, Rumours took the 1977 Grammy for Album of the Year.

Although they continued releasing albums, they were never to secure that level of popularity again.

In 1991, Nicks left Fleetwood Mac for good, and 1992 saw the release of The Chain: 25 Year Anniversary. Everyone thought this compilation project unofficially marked the end of Fleetwood Mac.

But the band came together in 1993 for the Inaugural Ball of President Bill Clinton. They subsequently released the album Time to unenthusiastic sales.

1997’s album The Dance, however, was another commercial success, and the following year, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Never seeming to give up, Say You Will hit the charts in 1998 at number three. It was their last album to date, but no one is counting out the possibility of further albums and tours.