Fleetwood Mac’s journey from a British blues band to global rock icons is filled with drama, musical genius, and timeless hits. From the founding members in London to the classic 1970s lineup, their legacy remains unparalleled in rock history. Explore the lesser-known stories and milestones behind one of music’s most enduring bands.
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac originated in London in July 1967 by Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, Jeremy Spencer, and Bob Brunning.
The band’s name combines the surnames of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie.
John McVie replaced the original bassist Bob Brunning just two months after the band formed.
Christine McVie, John’s wife, officially joined the band as a keyboardist and vocalist in 1970.
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined the band in 1974, creating the legendary classic lineup.
Their 1977 album Rumours is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide.
Peter Green, the original founder and guitarist, left the band in 1970 due to mental health struggles.
Jeremy Spencer famously left the band during a US tour in 1971 to join a religious cult called The Children of God.
Danny Kirwan, a guitarist who contributed greatly to the band’s early sound, was fired in 1972 after a backstage incident.
Bob Welch replaced Spencer and Kirwan in the early 1970s, helping keep the band going before the classic era.
The band’s lineup has seen multiple changes, with drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie as the only constant members.
Their hit song “Go Your Own Way” was written by Lindsey Buckingham during a difficult breakup with Stevie Nicks.
Christine McVie passed away in 2022, and Stevie Nicks stated the band would not continue without her.
In 2018, Mike Campbell (from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and Neil Finn (from Crowded House) joined Fleetwood Mac.
The band joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, celebrating their legendary influence on rock music.
