"Rumors and Revelations" 20 Bizarre and Little-Known Facts About Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac, the iconic rock band, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with their timeless hits and tumultuous history. While fans may be familiar with the band's classic lineup and chart-topping albums, there are numerous bizarre and lesser-known facts that add an extra layer to their fascinating story. In this blog post, we will delve into 20 such intriguing details about Fleetwood Mac.

1. Origins in Blues:

Fleetwood Mac began as a British blues band in 1967, heavily influenced by legends like B.B. King and Elmore James.

2. Peter Green's Influence:

Founder Peter Green named the band after two of his favorite musicians, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.

3. Jeremy Spencer's Abrupt Exit:

Original guitarist Jeremy Spencer left the band in 1971 after joining a religious cult called the Children of God.

4. Stealing Elton John's Thunder:

Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" famously prevented Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" from reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart in 1977.

5. Bob Welch's Underrated Contributions:

Bob Welch, who joined the band in the early '70s, played a crucial role in the transitional phase between the blues era and the mainstream success of "Rumours."

6. **"Rumours" Album Cover:

The iconic cover of "Rumours" features the members of Fleetwood Mac in a staged romantic tableau. It perfectly encapsulates the emotional turmoil within the band during the recording of the album.

7. Christine McVie's Temporary Departure:

Christine McVie temporarily left the band during the late '90s, citing a fear of flying as the primary reason.

8. "Tusk":

The eccentric and experimental "Tusk" album, released in 1979, was a departure from the band's usual sound, incorporating elements of punk and new wave.

9. Stevie Nicks' Enchanting "Rhiannon":

Stevie Nicks' haunting song "Rhiannon" was inspired by a novel and became a staple in their live performances.

10. Lindsey Buckingham's Solo Success:

After temporarily leaving Fleetwood Mac in the late '80s, Lindsey Buckingham enjoyed solo success with hits like "Holiday Road" from the "National Lampoon's Vacation" soundtrack.

11. Christine McVie's Stage Fright:

Despite her success, Christine McVie has battled stage fright throughout her career, often finding performing to be a challenging experience.

12. Buckingham's Guitar Tuning Technique:

Lindsey Buckingham developed a unique guitar tuning method, creating the distinctive sound heard in many Fleetwood Mac songs.

13. Stevie Nicks' Love of Shawls:

Stevie Nicks is known for her love of shawls, which she often wears during performances. Each shawl has its own story and significance to her.

14. Fleetwood Mac's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:

The band was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979, recognizing their immense contribution to the music industry.

15. Mick Fleetwood's Autobiography:

In 1990, Mick Fleetwood released his autobiography, "Fleetwood: My Life and Adventures with Fleetwood Mac," providing an intimate look into the band's journey.

16. The Buckingham-Nicks Era:

Before joining Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks were a duo, releasing an album titled "Buckingham Nicks" in 1973.

17. Bob Welch's Futuristic Vision:

Bob Welch's solo work often delved into futuristic and science fiction themes, showcasing his diverse musical interests.

18. Fleetwood Mac's Guinness World Record:

The band holds a Guinness World Record for the "Most Sold-Out Shows at the Los Angeles Forum" during their 1982 Mirage Tour.

19. Rumours Revisited:

In 2013, Fleetwood Mac released a deluxe edition of "Rumours," featuring unreleased tracks and demos that provided insight into the album's creative process.

20. Global Impact:

Fleetwood Mac's influence extends beyond Western audiences; they have a significant fan base in unexpected places like India and South America.

Conclusion:

Fleetwood Mac's journey is as intriguing as their music, filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. From cult affiliations to chart-topping success, the band's story is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity. As we continue to enjoy their timeless classics, let's remember these bizarre and little-known facts that have contributed to the mystique of Fleetwood Mac.