Fleetwood Mac is a band that defied the odds in every sense. From lineup changes to personal conflicts, they still managed to create some of the most enduring music in rock history.
Selling over a hundred million records and performing alongside world leaders, their success is undeniable. Yet, behind the scenes, things weren’t as harmonious as their melodies.
Despite their incredible resilience, even Fleetwood Mac couldn’t escape the internal struggles that would ultimately tear them apart. So, what really ended the band?
Fleetwood Mac’s Early Days Were a Whole Different Band
Fleetwood Mac began in 1960s London, looking very different from the band we know today. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie were the rhythm section, and guitarist Peter Green joined them after leaving The Blues Breakers. Green even suggested the band’s name.
The band saw early success with blues songs like “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman.” But things quickly changed. In 1970, Peter Green left, overwhelmed by LSD use and inner struggles. He vanished from the public eye.
Then in 1971, Jeremy Spencer also disappeared—literally. He failed to show up for a performance and reappeared days later, having joined the Children of God cult. Though his life remained mysterious, he eventually reunited with Fleetwood Mac for their Hall of Fame induction.
Danny Kerwin’s Short-Lived But Impactful Role in Fleetwood Mac
Danny Kerwin joined Fleetwood Mac in the late ’60s, just as Peter Green began to drift away. At only 18, Kerwin quickly became Green’s protégé, bringing a fresh and unique sound to the band. Peter Green even credited Kerwin for the success of “Albatross.”
Kerwin helped Fleetwood Mac move beyond their blues roots. With songs like “Man of the World” and “Somebody’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked in Tonight,” he embraced the band’s evolving rock sound. His contributions kept Fleetwood Mac in the spotlight.
But Kerwin’s personal struggles began to show. By 1972, alcoholism had taken its toll, leading to a major breakdown before a performance. Mick Fleetwood described it as one of the saddest moments in the band’s turbulent history.
Fleetwood Mac’s California Reinvention
By the mid-70s, Fleetwood Mac had relocated to California and brought in Christine McVie as a songwriter. The band had a solid fan base but was navigating unfamiliar territory with only one guitarist and managing themselves. They needed something—or someone—new.
That something came in the form of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Mick Fleetwood discovered Buckingham while he was recording demos and invited him to join the band. Lindsey agreed, but only if his partner, Stevie Nicks, could join as well. In a matter of weeks, Fleetwood Mac had transformed once again.
Soon after, Stevie introduced “Rhiannon,” a song she wrote before joining, and it became a defining moment for the band. In 1976, their magical chemistry was on full display during a performance that landed them on The Midnight Special, cementing their place as music royalty.
The Turmoil Behind Fleetwood Mac’s Musical Success
We like to think our favorite bands get along as well as they perform. Early on, Fleetwood Mac seemed close-knit. John McVie played alongside his wife, Christine, adding a touch of harmony.
But things quickly unraveled. Stevie Nicks, who was with Lindsey Buckingham, began an affair with Mick Fleetwood. Christine McVie had her own affair with the band’s lighting director, despite being married to John. Tensions were running high.
The pressure to release hits only made things worse. The band turned to drugs to cope, often joking by humming the theme from Chariots of Fire when it was time for another fix. The chaos behind the scenes grew with their success.
Stevie Nicks’ Struggle with Addiction
Stevie Nicks battled severe cocaine addiction during her time with Fleetwood Mac. She’s openly admitted to spending over a million dollars on the drug. At one point, she even carried a gram of cocaine in her boot at all times.
Her addiction took a toll not just on her wallet but on her health. Nicks experienced frequent blackouts and nosebleeds. A doctor once warned her that one more hit could be fatal due to the damage done to her nose. The risk of a slow, painful death became very real.
In response, Nicks entered rehab, but her struggles didn’t end there. She soon turned to Klonopin, a tranquilizer, for psychiatric treatment, extending her battle with addiction into new territory.
Fakewood Mac and Their Manager’s Betrayal
Fleetwood Mac faced trust issues with their manager, Clifford Davis. During the chaotic 1974 American tour, things went from bad to worse. Davis made a shocking move by hiring a fake version of Fleetwood Mac.
Davis’s scheme was to profit from having two bands performing at two different venues. This deceptive strategy led to one of the many lawsuits in music history over the power dynamics between bands and their managers.
Despite their artistic success, Fleetwood Mac found themselves entangled in legal battles. This incident highlighted how being the face of the music industry doesn’t always protect musicians from exploitation.
Fleetwood Mac’s Music as a Reflection of Their Drama
Even with Fleetwood Mac’s efforts to hide their drama, it often seeped into their music. Songs like “Go Your Own Way” reflected Lindsey Buckingham’s troubled relationship with Stevie Nicks, while “Don’t Stop” showed Christine McVie’s way of moving on from her past with John McVie.
Christine’s personal renewal was celebrated in “You Make Loving Fun,” a song about her fresh start. The band also channeled their collective turmoil into “The Chain,” a powerful reminder of their promises and struggles. This song captured their complex dynamics, emphasizing that despite everything, they were still bound together.
Despite the chaos, Christine recalls Mick Fleetwood as a stabilizing force. He urged everyone to stay mature and work through their issues, showing how the band used their music both as a coping mechanism and a reflection of their tumultuous journey.
The Band’s Innovative Recording Techniques
Fleetwood Mac’s music was as eclectic as their recording process. “Never Going Back Again” is a prime example, showcasing the band’s commitment to perfection. Sound engineer Ken Caillat, who co-produced their Grammy-winning album Rumours, had Lindsey Buckingham restring his guitar every 20 minutes to capture the perfect sound.
In contrast, songs like “Secondhand News” featured inventive percussion, including a faux leather chair and a spatula against a lamb chop. The band’s creativity extended to using whatever was at hand to achieve unique sounds, reflecting their willingness to experiment.
“Go Your Own Way” also highlighted their innovative spirit, but with more traditional drum beats. Mick Fleetwood’s dyslexia influenced his unique approach to rhythm, creating a drumming style that fascinated and baffled other musicians. This blend of ingenuity and improvisation defined Fleetwood Mac’s recording era.
Fleetwood Mac’s Turbulent Relationships and Lineup Changes
Fleetwood Mac faced major hurdles in the 1990s. Their 1990 album Mask didn’t perform well, partly due to Lindsey Buckingham’s limited involvement. Stevie Nicks left to focus on her solo career but later rejoined for successful reunion tours.
Returning to the band was not smooth. Nicks and Buckingham’s relationship was fraught with tension. Their history included arguments and personal issues, with allegations of abuse from Buckingham, as noted by biographer Steven Davis.
In 2018, the band fired Buckingham after Nicks issued an ultimatum. Buckingham sued for lost tour earnings, but the personal rift remained. Despite everything, Nicks reached out to Buckingham a year later, expressing concern for his health after his heart surgery.