Fleetwood Mac became one of the most popular rock bands of the 1970’s as well as one of the longest lasting. The group was first formed in 1967 and, following many changes in membership, still performs today. The early Fleetwood Mac albums have a strong blues feeling. The later recordings have more of a pop music sound.
Fleetwood Mac was founded in London, England, in 1967. By the mid-1970’s, the group had settled in Los Angeles, California. The group originally consisted of guitarists Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer, bassist John McVie, and drummer Mick Fleetwood, all British. The band took its name from those of Fleetwood and McVie.
Since its founding, the band’s makeup has changed many times. Over the years, its performers have included British guitarist Danny Kirwan; British singer and keyboard player Christine McVie; American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Bob Welch; British guitarist Bob Weston; British singer and guitarist Dave Walker; and others. The band became extremely popular in concert after American guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and American singer Stevie Nicks joined in the mid-1970’s. Buckingham was dismissed from the group in 2018. The American guitarist Mike Campbell and the New Zealand singer and songwriter Neil Finn replaced Buckingham later that year. John and Christine McVie, Fleetwood, and Nicks remained in the band. Several members of the band also developed successful solo careers.
Fleetwood Mac has recorded many hits during its long history, including “Black Magic Woman” and “Albatross” (both 1968) and “Hypnotized” (1973). The album Fleetwood Mac (1975) included the hit songs “Over My Head,” “Say You Love Me,” and “Rhiannon.” Rumours (1977), which sold more than 20 million copies, included “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” “Don’t Stop,” and “You Make Loving Fun.” The album Mirage (1982) included the hits “Gypsy” and “Hold Me.” The album Tango in the Night (1987) featured “Big Love” and “Little Lies.” The band was elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
