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Band Timeline
1967
Formation of Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac was formed in July 1967 in London by guitarist and singer Peter Green after his departure from John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The band was named by combining the surnames of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, who were integral to the group's foundation. Initially, Fleetwood Mac was a British blues band, quickly gaining attention for their blues sound and musicianship. The founding members included Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie. Their early work focused on British blues traditions, earning them respect and chart success.
1968-1970
Early Success and Lineup Changes
During these years, Fleetwood Mac achieved significant success in the UK with hits like the instrumental 'Albatross' reaching number one in 1968 and other top ten songs like 'Man of the World,' 'Oh Well,' and 'The Green Manalishi.' Despite their success, the band experienced changes in membership: Peter Green left the band in May 1970, which created a major shift in the group's dynamics. Shortly after, Christine McVie, who was initially a session musician, officially joined the band as a vocalist and keyboardist, adding a new dimension to their sound. Other early key members who left by the mid-1970s included Jeremy Spencer, Danny Kirwan, and Bob Welch.
1974
Recruitment of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks
By late 1974, Fleetwood Mac was without a permanent guitarist and male singer after several members departed. Drummer Mick Fleetwood, while scouting studios in Los Angeles, encountered the folk rock duo Buckingham Nicks, made up of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Fleetwood invited Buckingham to join the band, who agreed on the condition that Nicks could also join. Their addition in December 1974 marked a pivotal turning point for Fleetwood Mac, introducing a more pop rock-oriented sound that contrasted with the band's earlier blues style. This new lineup set the stage for the band's greatest commercial success in the years to follow.
1975
Release and Success of Fleetwood Mac Album
The first album to feature Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks was the self-titled 'Fleetwood Mac,' released in 1975. This album marked a significant transformation from the band's original blues style to a more contemporary pop rock sound. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, expanding Fleetwood Mac's popularity beyond the UK and blues audiences to mainstream pop listeners. This shift not only changed the musical direction of the band but also set the foundation for their upcoming blockbuster albums.
1977
Rumours and Worldwide Acclaim
Fleetwood Mac released 'Rumours' in 1977, an album that became one of the best-selling records of all time. It topped the charts worldwide and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978. The album's success was fueled by the band's compelling songwriting, emotional depth, and harmonious blend of voices, despite the internal turmoil and complex relationships among band members. The cultural impact of 'Rumours' was profound, solidifying Fleetwood Mac's status as rock legends and influencing countless artists with their fusion of pop, rock, and personal storytelling in music.
1987-1990
Lineup Changes and Challenges
In the late 1980s, Fleetwood Mac underwent significant lineup changes signaling a period of fluctuation. Lindsey Buckingham left the band in 1987 and was replaced by guitarists Billy Burnette and Rick Vito. However, Rick Vito departed in 1990, followed by Stevie Nicks the same year. These departures marked a challenge for the band as it struggled to maintain the cohesion and success of its classic lineup, while exploring new musical directions with these changes.
1993-1997
Reunion and The Dance Album
In 1993, for the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton, the classic 1974-1987 lineup reunited for a one-off performance after six years apart. In 1997, Fleetwood Mac mounted a full reunion, resulting in the release of 'The Dance,' a live album commemorating the 20th anniversary of 'Rumours' and the band's 30th anniversary. 'The Dance' was a commercial success, reaching number one in the U.S. and reigniting interest in the band. This album also showcased the enduring chemistry and musical talent of the classic lineup.
1998
Christine McVie's Departure and Recognition
After completing 'The Dance Tour' in 1998, Christine McVie left the band, marking another significant change in personnel. That same year, Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to rock music and their enduring influence as a band. They also received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, cementing their legacy as one of the most impactful rock bands in history.
2003
Release of Say You Will
Fleetwood Mac released their final studio album, 'Say You Will,' in 2003. This album had contributions from Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, but absent was Christine McVie, who had departed earlier. 'Say You Will' represented a blend of Fleetwood Mac's traditional styles with contemporary influences, showcasing the band's ability to adapt and produce new music even after decades in the industry. Though not as commercially successful as their earlier works, it reinforced the band's creative vitality.
2014
Christine McVie's Return
After many years away from Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie rejoined the band in 2014 for their 'On With the Show' tour. Her return was welcomed by fans and critics as it restored a key element of the band's classic lineup and sound. This reunion helped to rekindle the group's dynamic and sustained their legacy in live performances, contributing to continued tours and renewed interest in the band's extensive catalog.
2018
Departure of Lindsey Buckingham and New Members
In 2018, Lindsey Buckingham was fired from Fleetwood Mac due to personal and professional differences. He was replaced by Mike Campbell, formerly of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Neil Finn from Split Enz and Crowded House. This lineup change ushered in a new era for the band's live performances and musical evolution. The replacements brought fresh perspectives while honoring Fleetwood Mac's rich history, although fans noted the absence of Buckingham's distinctive style.
2022-2024
Death of Christine McVie and the Band's Future
Christine McVie passed away in 2022, profoundly affecting the band and its future. In 2024, Stevie Nicks stated publicly that Fleetwood Mac would not continue without McVie, underscoring the deep importance of her role within the band. This declaration indicated that the iconic band's long journey might be closing, underscoring the irreplaceable nature of key members and marking the end of an era for one of rock's most influential groups.
Albums
Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac
12 tracks
1968
Mr. Wonderful
12 tracks
1968
The Biggest Thing Since Colossus
10 tracks
1969
Then Play On
14 tracks
1969
Kiln House
10 tracks
1970
Future Games
8 tracks
1971
Bare Trees
10 tracks
1972
Mystery to Me
12 tracks
1973
Penguin
9 tracks
1973
Heroes Are Hard to Find
11 tracks
1974
Fleetwood Mac
15 tracks
1975
Rumours
12 tracks
1977
Tusk
10 tracks
1979
Mirage
12 tracks
1982
Tango in the Night
12 tracks
1987
Behind the Mask
13 tracks
1990
Time
13 tracks
1995
Say You Will
18 tracks
2003
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Mick Fleetwood
1967
Percussion
Spoken vocals
Drums (drum set)
Guitar
John McVie
1967
Bass guitar
Background vocals
Neil Finn
2018
Stevie Nicks
1997
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Mike Campbell
2018
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Dave Mason
1993
1996
Guitar
Lead vocals
Taku Hirano
2003
2003
Percussion
Dave Walker
1972
1973
Harmonica
Lead vocals
Billy Burnette
1987
1995
Lead vocals
Guitar
Jeremy Spencer
1967
1971
Guitar
Piano
Lead vocals
Danny Kirwan
1968
1972
Lead vocals
Guitar
Christine McVie
1970
1998
Accordion
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Rick Vito
1987
1991
Guitar
Lead vocals
Peter Green
1967
1971
Harmonica
Lead vocals
Guitar
Bob Brunning
1967
1967
Bass guitar
Bob Welch
1971
1975
Guitar
Lead vocals
Lindsey Buckingham
1975
1987
Keyboard
Guitar
Piano
Percussion
Lead vocals
Lindsey Buckingham
1997
2018
Piano
Keyboard
Lead vocals
Guitar
Percussion
Bekka Bramlett
1993
1995
Lead vocals
Bob Weston
1972
1973
Guitar
Lead vocals
Stevie Nicks
1975
1990
Lead vocals
Story of Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey
Fleetwood Mac, the legendary British-American rock band, emerged from the London blues scene in 1967, the brainchild of guitarist and vocalist Peter Green. Green assembled a formidable lineup, recruiting drummer Mick Fleetwood, guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Spencer, and bassist Bob Brunning. John McVie quickly replaced Brunning shortly after their debut at the 1967 National Jazz & Blues Festival in Windsor. Guitarist and vocalist Danny Kirwan joined the fold in 1968. Christine Perfect, who initially contributed as a session musician, became an official member in July 1970, adding her vocals and keyboards to the mix after marrying John McVie.
In their early years, Fleetwood Mac were a driving force in the British blues scene, achieving a UK number-one single in 1968 with the instrumental "Albatross." Other UK top ten hits followed, including "Man of the World" and "Oh Well" (both 1969) and "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)" (1970).
However, the band's lineup began to shift dramatically following Green's departure in 1971. Spencer and Kirwan also left in 1971 and 1972, respectively, leading to a string of replacements: Bob Welch replacing Spencer, and Bob Weston and Dave Walker taking Kirwan's spot. By 1974, Weston and Walker had been dismissed and Welch had departed, leaving Fleetwood Mac without a guitarist or male vocalist.
Fate intervened when Mick Fleetwood, scouting studios in Los Angeles, stumbled upon the American folk-rock duo Buckingham Nicks, featuring guitarist and singer Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks. In December 1974, Fleetwood extended an invitation to Buckingham to join Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham accepted, but only on the condition that Nicks would also be welcomed into the band. This pivotal decision marked a turning point in Fleetwood Mac's history, ushering in a new era of soaring harmonies, introspective lyrics, and groundbreaking musical arrangements. The rest, as they say, is rock 'n' roll history.
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