Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album, Rumours, is a masterpiece born from heartbreak. When Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the band, they were already a couple, but their relationship wouldn’t survive the pressures of fame and close quarters. By the time they were recording their second album, both couples within the band had called it quits.
This emotional turmoil became the fuel for Rumours‘ raw and powerful songs. Tracks like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” laid bare the couple’s fractured relationship, resonating deeply with listeners. While the creative output was undeniable, the personal toll was immense.
Buckingham, however, believes the situation could have been even worse. In a surprising twist, he suggests that staying together might have caused Fleetwood Mac to implode entirely.
Fleetwood Mac Breakups and Rumours
In the lead-up to the release of Rumours, Fleetwood Mac experienced a period of significant personal upheaval. While the breakups were undoubtedly a source of pain, Buckingham believes they may have ultimately served a positive purpose.
He suggests that the emotional turmoil within the band, though difficult, helped to purge negative energy and ultimately strengthen the group’s creative output. The raw honesty poured into their best Rumours tracks resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying the album’s place as a musical masterpiece.
In Buckingham’s view, the breakups, while painful, allowed the band members to process their emotions in a way that fueled their songwriting. This raw vulnerability resonated with audiences worldwide, making Rumours one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The Enduring Bond of Fleetwood Mac
Despite the personal turmoil that fueled Rumours, Fleetwood Mac remained a band. Nicks’ acknowledgement of the band’s enduring connection highlights their shared passion for music and performing. Even amidst the emotional chaos, their dedication to their craft shone through.
This dedication was likely a key factor in the band’s long-term success. While the breakups undoubtedly caused friction, the shared love for music provided a foundation for them to navigate the challenges and ultimately create a masterpiece.
In conclusion, the personal turmoil surrounding Rumours undeniably shaped the album’s raw and powerful sound. Ultimately, Fleetwood Mac’s ability to navigate these personal struggles while remaining a band speaks volumes about their enduring bond and shared passion for music.
Buckingham’s Loneliness and Growth After the Breakup
Despite believing the breakup was necessary, Buckingham readily admitted to the initial loneliness he felt. In a 1977 interview with Rolling Stone, he confessed, “It was a little lonely there for a while. The thought of being on my own really terrified me.”
However, he found a silver lining in the solitude, stating, “being alone is really a cleansing thing…as I began to feel myself becoming more myself again.” He even expressed surprise at the relationship’s longevity, saying, “I’m surprised we lasted as long as we did.”
Buckingham eventually saw the breakup as a catalyst for personal growth. He reflected, “I feel really lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to go through some of the heartaches and s*** we’ve been through the past year. It’s had a profound effect on me.” He described feeling older and more mature, attributing this growth to taking on more responsibility within the band after the split.
The Tumultuous Reality of the Breakup
While Buckingham believed the breakup brought stability to Fleetwood Mac, his assertion wasn’t universally shared. Producer Ken Caillat, who worked with the band during the recording of Rumours, painted a vastly different picture. He described witnessing intense arguments between Nicks and Buckingham in the studio.
“I remember when we were doing background vocals, Stevie and Lindsey were having an argument,” Caillat recounted to Music Radar. “Vicious name-calling – ‘you motherf*****’ this, ‘you f***ing bastard’ that. Back and forth it went.”
However, the moment the recording started, the animosity seemingly vanished. “The tape would start rolling and they’d sing, ‘Yooooooou make loving fun,’ just beautiful, two little angels,” Caillat said. “The tape would stop and they’d be calling each other names again. They didn’t miss a beat.”