Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac
Company type	Private
Industry	Music
Founded	1 July 1967; 59 years ago in London, England
Founder	Peter Green
Headquarters	London, United Kingdom / United States
Products	Music albums, singles
Number of employees	Not specified

Fleetwood Mac is a rock group with British-American roots, established in London in 1967 by vocalist and guitarist Peter Green. The band's name merges the last names of drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, both of whom have been the band's steady members through numerous personnel shifts. With over 120 million records sold globally, Fleetwood Mac ranks among the top-selling music acts worldwide.

Originally formed as a British blues outfit, Fleetwood Mac found chart success in the UK with the 1968 instrumental track "Albatross" along with popular singles such as "Man of the World" and "Oh Well". After Green's exit in 1970, Christine McVie became a full-time member, contributing significantly to the band's vocals and keyboard arrangements. Early influential members included Jeremy Spencer, Danny Kirwan, and Bob Welch. By 1974, these guitarists had all departed, leaving the band without a male lead singer or guitarist.

While exploring studios in Los Angeles, Fleetwood encountered the American folk rock duo Buckingham Nicks, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks. Buckingham joined in December 1974 on the condition that Nicks would also become part of the band. Their arrival steered Fleetwood Mac toward a pop rock direction, with their 1975 album Fleetwood Mac reaching the top spot on the US Billboard 200 chart. The subsequent album, Rumours (1977), achieved global chart-topping success and earned the 1978 Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

This iconic lineup went on to produce three additional studio albums before internal conflicts prompted lineup changes. Buckingham departed in 1987, succeeded by Billy Burnette and Rick Vito, although both Vito and Nicks had left by 1990. A notable reunion took place at President Bill Clinton's first inauguration in 1993, followed by a comprehensive reunion in 1997 that resulted in The Dance, a live album commemorating their anniversaries which reached number one in the US. Christine McVie exited in 1998 but returned to touring in 2014. Their last studio album, Say You Will, was released in 2003. In 2018, Buckingham was replaced by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn. After Christine McVie's passing in 2022, Nicks stated in 2024 that the band would not continue without her presence.

Fleetwood Mac has received considerable industry accolades including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, and the prestigious Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2018, they were honored with the MusiCares Person of the Year award recognizing both artistic accomplishments and philanthropic efforts.

1967–1970: Formation and early years

In July 1967, Peter Green founded Fleetwood Mac in London after departing from John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Green had taken over from Eric Clapton in Mayall’s band and had previously collaborated with drummer Mick Fleetwood in earlier groups. When Mayall’s drummer left, Green recommended Fleetwood as his replacement. The Bluesbreakers’ lineup then featured Green, Fleetwood, bassist John McVie, and Mayall himself. Mayall provided Green with complimentary studio time which Green, Fleetwood, and McVie utilized to record five tracks; one instrumental was titled "Fleetwood Mac" after its rhythm section.

Green and Fleetwood intended to establish a new band including McVie but initially enlisted bassist Bob Brunning temporarily. The group’s debut performance occurred on 13 August 1967 at the National Jazz and Blues Festival under the name "Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac featuring Jeremy Spencer." Shortly thereafter, McVie became a permanent member. Their self-titled debut album was issued in February 1968 via Blue Horizon and reached number four on UK charts despite having no singles released. Later that year, singles such as "Black Magic Woman" and "Need Your Love So Bad" entered the UK top forty.

Their second release, Mr. Wonderful (August 1968), was recorded live with a horn section present and featured Christine Perfect—later known as Christine McVie—on keyboards. Soon after this, teenage guitarist Danny Kirwan joined at age eighteen, expanding the group to five members. Kirwan had previously played with Boilerhouse and was invited after unsuccessful auditions for rhythm section replacements.

In November 1968, with Kirwan now part of the lineup, Fleetwood Mac released "Albatross," an instrumental led by Green and Kirwan that became their first European number-one single. Early in 1969, they recorded Fleetwood Mac in Chicago alongside blues legends at Chess Records Studio; this marked their final recordings focused solely on blues before transitioning toward rock influences. That same year saw their departure from Blue Horizon to Immediate Records with subsequent release of "Man of the World," another hit single.

Although The Beatles expressed interest in signing them to Apple Records, manager Clifford Davis opted for Warner Bros. Records through Reprise Records—a label under which Fleetwood Mac continues to be signed. Under Reprise’s banner, they released Then Play On (September 1969), which showcased an expanded musical palette beyond pure blues with most compositions by Green and Kirwan. Spencer did not contribute songwriting but issued a solo album early in 1970 supported by band members.

By late 1969, Green experienced deteriorating mental health following a negative LSD incident during a European tour stopover in Munich. Manager Davis identified this event as critical to Green’s decline. German filmmaker Rainer Langhans confirmed that Green attended a drug-laced party connected to a failed open-air festival project involving Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones.

Green’s final studio work with Fleetwood Mac included "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)" along with its B-side "World in Harmony," recorded during their third US tour in April 1970. Released as a single in May, it reached number ten on UK charts. Earlier live renditions were captured at Boston Tea Party concerts in February 1970; these were later compiled into Live in Boston. As his instability worsened—he proposed donating all band income to charity—Green departed from Fleetwood Mac after finishing their European tour, performing his last show on 20 May 1970.

1970–1973: Period of Transition

Following Green's exit, Fleetwood, McVie, Spencer, and Kirwan collaborated on their subsequent album. In September 1970, the group unveiled their fourth studio effort, Kiln House, which was met with favorable critiques. Kirwan's compositions steered the band toward a more melodic rock sound, while Spencer introduced elements influenced by country music. Christine McVie (formerly Perfect), who had stepped back after releasing a solo album, contributed uncredited backing vocals and keyboard parts on Kiln House and also created its artwork. As the band's style progressed, she was invited to join officially, making her live debut in August 1970 in New Orleans.

Early in 1971, the band put out the non-album single "Dragonfly," written by Kirwan; it received positive reviews but achieved limited commercial impact. CBS Records issued a compilation titled The Original Fleetwood Mac, featuring previously unreleased tracks from 1967 to 1968.

During a U.S. tour in February 1971, Jeremy Spencer unexpectedly left the group to join the religious movement Children of God. Peter Green temporarily filled in for Spencer during the remaining shows but declined a permanent return. Consequently, the band began searching for a new guitarist.

In the summer of 1971, auditions took place at their countryside residence "Benifold," acquired alongside manager Davis for £23,000. Judy Wong recommended Bob Welch, who was residing in Paris; after reviewing his demo tape, the band hired him without an in-person audition.

September 1971 brought the release of Future Games, signaling a departure from blues rock toward melodic rock enriched with vocal harmonies. Although it failed to chart in the UK, it broadened their audience in the United States. That same year, CBS issued their first European Greatest Hits compilation.

In 1972, Bare Trees was released, primarily written by Kirwan and including Welch’s track "Sentimental Lady," which later became a solo success. Christine McVie’s "Spare Me a Little of Your Love" became a regular feature in live performances.

Despite achievements in the studio, touring presented challenges. Kirwan developed issues with alcohol and began distancing himself from his bandmates. In August 1972, prior to a U.S. concert, he smashed his guitar and refused to perform; this incident led to his dismissal following a breakdown under pressure.

The group then added slide guitarist Bob Weston and vocalist Dave Walker (formerly of Savoy Brown and Idle Race). Weston was known from touring with Long John Baldry; Savoy Brown’s road manager John Courage also joined their team. This lineup recorded their seventh studio album, Penguin, which was released in January 1973. After touring with this formation, Walker was dismissed due to stylistic differences.

The remaining five members recorded their eighth album, Mystery to Me, featuring Welch’s song "Hypnotized," which received significant radio airplay and earned RIAA Gold status. However, internal strain increased as Christine and John McVie’s marriage deteriorated amidst continuous collaboration and John's struggles with alcohol.

In 1973, Weston's affair with Fleetwood’s wife Jenny Boyd resulted in his termination during a U.S. tour and led to cancellation of the final 26 shows. The last performance took place on October 20, 1973, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Subsequently, the band announced an effective dissolution.

1973–1974: Dispute over the name and the "impostor Fleetwood Mac"

Following the collapse of their US tour in late 1973, manager Clifford Davis was left with significant touring obligations but no band to fulfill them. With Fleetwood Mac having "temporarily dissolved" and its members going their separate ways, Davis asserted his control over the 'Fleetwood Mac' name and claimed authority to assemble the lineup. He enlisted musicians from Legs, another group under his management, to perform in the United States during early 1974 using the name "The New Fleetwood Mac." This ensemble included Elmer Gantry on vocals and guitar, Kirby Gregory on guitar, Paul Martinez handling bass, John Wilkinson on keyboards, and Australian drummer Craig Collinge. They were led to believe that Mick Fleetwood would join to lend authenticity to the tour; however, Fleetwood later denied consenting to this arrangement.

The tour by this "New Fleetwood Mac" commenced on 16 January 1974 in Pittsburgh and initially garnered favorable crowd responses. Nevertheless, once it became apparent that this was not the original band, opposition intensified—some shows were canceled, the keyboardist departed, and after a particularly hostile performance in Edmonton, the tour disintegrated.

The legal battle over rights to the "Fleetwood Mac" name resulted in the genuine band entering a nearly year-long hiatus. Warner Bros. Records initially refrained from clarifying ownership issues. The conflict was eventually resolved out of court four years later through an equitable settlement. Mick Fleetwood has since acknowledged that this lawsuit influenced the band’s decision to relocate to California.

None of the substitute members joined the official Fleetwood Mac lineup; however, some collaborated with Danny Kirwan’s studio project. Gantry and Gregory went on to form Stretch, whose 1975 UK hit "Why Did You Do It?" alluded to this incident. Additionally, Gantry contributed to the Alan Parsons Project, while Martinez performed with Paice Ashton Lord and as part of Robert Plant’s backing ensemble.

1974: Revival of the genuine Fleetwood Mac

During the period when the impostor Fleetwood Mac was touring, Welch remained in Los Angeles consulting with entertainment lawyers. He recognized Warner Bros.’ neglect of Fleetwood Mac and championed moving the band’s base from England to America—a proposal that received unanimous support from band members. The presence of a counterfeit Fleetwood Mac complicated these efforts. Promoter Bill Graham communicated with Warner Bros., affirming that the authentic group consisted of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, and Bob Welch. Despite ongoing legal disputes, the band resumed recording under the Fleetwood Mac name. Choosing not to engage external management, they became one of the few prominent rock bands to manage themselves.

In September 1974, Fleetwood Mac renewed their contract with Warner Bros., continuing under the Reprise label. That same month saw the release of their ninth studio album, Heroes Are Hard to Find, notable for featuring only a single guitarist for the first time. During touring, they briefly incorporated keyboardist Doug Graves—who had worked as an engineer on Heroes Are Hard to Find. By 1980, Christine McVie reflected that Graves was brought in to augment her contributions but was dismissed after a few performances due to stylistic differences. Robert ("Bobby") Hunt, previously associated with Bob Welch in Head West (1970), replaced Graves for the remaining concerts but did not become a permanent member. By concluding their tour on 5 December 1974 at Cal State University, Heroes Are Hard to Find had reached their highest US chart position up until that point.

1974–1987: Buckingham and Nicks Join, Leading to Worldwide Acclaim

After completing the Heroes are Hard to Find tour, Bob Welch observed a creative slump and waning energy within the group. Feeling drained by the pressures of songwriting, touring, and interpersonal conflicts, Welch contemplated departing the band.

In the fall of 1974, Mick Fleetwood came across Lindsey Buckingham’s composition "Frozen Love" while at Sound City Studios. Impressed by Buckingham’s talent, Fleetwood extended an invitation for him to join Fleetwood Mac, stipulating that Buckingham’s musical partner and girlfriend, Stevie Nicks, also become members. Subsequently, Welch opted to leave and pursue a solo career. Buckingham and Nicks officially became part of the band on New Year’s Eve 1974.

Their revamped lineup released the self-titled tenth studio album in 1975, which marked a major commercial breakthrough by reaching No. 1 in the United States and selling in excess of seven million copies. Notable singles included Christine McVie’s "Over My Head" and "Say You Love Me", along with Stevie Nicks’ hit "Rhiannon". The album also featured "Landslide", which went on to become a timeless favorite.

By 1976, escalating personal difficulties paralleled the band’s growing fame: John and Christine McVie finalized their divorce; Buckingham and Nicks ended their long-standing relationship; and Fleetwood was navigating a divorce while involved with Nicks. These strains, combined with increased substance use, intensified creative tensions within the group.

Their eleventh studio effort, Rumours (1977), encapsulated this internal discord yet garnered widespread critical praise and commercial success. The album earned the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and produced four top-ten singles: Buckingham’s "Go Your Own Way", Nicks’ US chart-topper "Dreams", alongside Christine McVie’s "Don't Stop" and "You Make Loving Fun". By 2003, Rumours had sold over 19 million copies domestically (achieving RIAA diamond status) and 40 million globally, ranking it as the eighth best-selling album worldwide. The band supported this success with a highly profitable tour.

On October 10, 1979, Fleetwood Mac was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of their significant contributions to music.

For their twelfth studio album Tusk (1979), Buckingham advocated for a more adventurous musical direction. This ambitious double album contained 20 tracks including hits such as Buckingham’s title track "Tusk"—which featured the USC Trojan Marching Band and reached No. 8 in the US charts—Christine McVie’s "Think About Me" (US No. 20), and Nicks’ "Sara" (US No. 7). Original guitarist Peter Green made an uncredited contribution on "Brown Eyes". Although Tusk received favorable reviews from critics, it sold approximately four million copies worldwide, falling short of expectations partly due to early radio airplay encouraging home taping.

The band embarked on an extensive eleven-month global tour promoting Tusk, performing across North America, Australia, Japan, Europe, and sharing stages with artists like Bob Marley in Germany. During this period, they recorded their inaugural live album which was released at the end of 1980.

Their thirteenth studio release, Mirage (1982), represented a return to a more traditional sound following solo projects by Nicks (Bella Donna), Fleetwood (The Visitor), and Buckingham (Law and Order). Produced by Richard Dashut at Château d'Hérouville in France, Mirage aimed to replicate the commercial success of Rumours, featuring singles such as Christine McVie’s "Hold Me" and "Love in Store", Nicks’ "Gypsy", and Buckingham’s UK Top 10 hit "Oh Diane". The band conducted a brief US tour consisting of eighteen cities and headlined the inaugural US Festival, earning $500,000. Mirage achieved double platinum certification in the United States.

Following the release of Mirage, Fleetwood Mac entered a hiatus as members focused on solo endeavors—Nicks released two additional albums; Buckingham launched Go Insane; Christine McVie produced a self-titled album that yielded several Top 10 hits. During this interval, Fleetwood declared bankruptcy; Nicks sought treatment for substance abuse; John McVie experienced a seizure linked to addiction—reflecting challenges tied to their high-profile lifestyles. Speculation about disbandment arose but Buckingham expressed dissatisfaction with concluding their journey after Mirage.

In 1987, the classic ensemble reunited to create their fourteenth studio album Tango in the Night, initially envisioned as a Buckingham solo project before evolving into a full-band collaboration. This release became their most successful since Rumours, particularly dominating UK charts multiple times. With sales reaching three million copies in the US alone, it featured four prominent hits: Christine McVie’s "Little Lies" and "Everywhere" (co-written with her husband Eddy Quintela), Sandy Stewart and Nicks’ "Seven Wonders", along with Buckingham’s "Big Love". Additional singles included "Family Man" and Christine McVie’s "Isn't It Midnight".

1987–1995: Buckingham and Nicks Exit the Band

Despite plans for a ten-week tour, Buckingham withdrew unexpectedly at the last moment, attributing his decision to creative dissatisfaction. On 7 August 1987, a meeting at Christine McVie's residence intensified existing tensions, reportedly culminating in a physical confrontation between Buckingham and Nicks. Buckingham departed the group the following day. To fill his role, Fleetwood Mac brought in guitarists Billy Burnette and Rick Vito, both joining without undergoing auditions.

Billy Burnette, son of Dorsey Burnette and nephew to Johnny Burnette of The Rock and Roll Trio, had previously collaborated with the band on various projects. Rick Vito, an admirer of Peter Green, brought a wealth of experience from working with musicians such as Bonnie Raitt and John Mayall, and had previously worked alongside John McVie.

The newly formed lineup debuted during the 1987–88 "Shake the Cage" tour, which achieved sufficient acclaim to prompt the release of a concert video titled Tango in the Night, recorded at San Francisco's Cow Palace.

Capitalizing on the success of Tango in the Night, Fleetwood Mac issued a Greatest Hits compilation in 1988 that featured singles spanning from 1975 to 1988 alongside two fresh tracks: "No Questions Asked" penned by Nicks and Kelly Johnston, and "As Long as You Follow" co-written by Christine McVie and Quintela. The latter track reached number one on the US Adult Contemporary charts but achieved only moderate success elsewhere. The compilation peaked at number three in the UK and number fourteen in the US, eventually selling more than eight million copies in America; it was dedicated to Buckingham, with whom the band reconciled.

In 1990, Fleetwood Mac released their fifteenth studio album, Behind the Mask, which leaned towards an adult contemporary sound under producer Greg Ladanyi’s guidance. The album yielded one Top 40 hit—Christine McVie’s "Save Me"—earned Gold certification in the US while reaching number eighteen on the Billboard 200 and topped the UK Albums Chart. Critical reception was mixed; some reviewers regarded it as a low point without Buckingham’s full involvement—though he did contribute to the title track—while Rolling Stone praised Vito and Burnette for revitalizing the group’s sound. The supporting tour included sold-out performances at London’s Wembley Stadium; Buckingham made a guest appearance during the final show in Los Angeles. Both McVie and Nicks announced this would be their last tour with Fleetwood Mac, although they planned to continue recording with the band. In 1991, Nicks and Vito exited the group.

In 1992, Fleetwood Mac released a comprehensive 4-CD box set titled 25 Years – The Chain, chronicling their extensive career and including highlights such as "Silver Springs", a Nicks composition from the Rumours sessions that had not previously appeared on an album. Disputes over this song’s inclusion contributed to Nicks’ departure in 1991. The box set also introduced new material: "Paper Doll" by Nicks and Vito produced by Buckingham and Richard Dashut; Christine McVie’s "Heart of Stone" and "Love Shines" (the latter released as a single); plus Buckingham’s "Make Me a Mask". Accompanying this release was a deluxe hardcover book titled My 25 Years in Fleetwood Mac, featuring rare photographs and detailed history.

The classic lineup from 1974 to 1987 briefly reunited in 1993 to perform at US President Bill Clinton's inaugural ball; Clinton had famously used their song "Don't Stop" during his campaign. Despite enthusiasm surrounding this event, it was not intended to signal a permanent reunion.

Following renewed interest, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, and Billy Burnette recorded another album with Bekka Bramlett (from Fleetwood’s Zoo) joining as vocalist. Dave Mason—originally from Traffic and who had worked with Bramlett’s parents Delaney & Bonnie decades prior—also became part of this lineup.

During this time, Christine McVie took a break from touring but remained an official member contributing to studio recordings. The remaining five members toured extensively in 1994 opening for Crosby, Stills & Nash, and again in 1995 supporting REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar. Their setlists spanned classic Fleetwood Mac songs throughout their history. In Tokyo during 1995, former member Jeremy Spencer made a guest appearance.

On 10 October 1995, Fleetwood Mac released their sixteenth studio album entitled Time. Commercially it underperformed—briefly entering the UK Top 50 but failing to chart on the US Billboard Top 200—a notable decline for a band that had consistently charted there before. Soon after its release, Christine McVie announced her decision to cease touring; subsequently, Bramlett and Burnette formed the country duo Bekka & Billy.

1995–2007: Reunion Efforts and Christine McVie's Exit

Shortly after Fleetwood Mac disbanded, Mick Fleetwood reconnected with Lindsey Buckingham; they were later joined by John and Christine McVie. Stevie Nicks also collaborated with Buckingham on a soundtrack track. In May 1996, core members performed privately in Louisville, Kentucky—with Steve Winwood filling in for Buckingham—which led to their contribution of "Twisted," a duet by Nicks and Buckingham featuring Fleetwood on drums for the Twister soundtrack. This collaboration paved the way for an official reformation of the Rumours era lineup in March 1997.

The reunited group played a live concert at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California on 22 May 1997. Buckingham remarked on their strong chemistry during interviews around this time. This performance was recorded for both an album and video release titled The Dance, which returned them to number one on US charts for the first time in ten years. The album contained new songs such as "Bleed to Love Her" and "Temporary One" and eventually achieved five million units sold according to RIAA certification. Throughout 1997—the twentieth anniversary of Rumours—the band toured extensively with additional musicians supporting them. This tour marked Christine McVie's final appearance with this classic lineup for sixteen years.

In 1998, Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognizing members from both their early period (1968–1970) and their peak Rumours era lineups. Notably absent was Bob Welch despite his significant contributions during the early ’70s when he helped sustain the band. The Rumours lineup performed at both their induction ceremony and that year’s Grammy Awards. They also received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music shortly afterward. Soon after these honors, Christine McVie officially left Fleetwood Mac.

In 2002, The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac was issued as a single CD in the UK and as a double CD edition in the US. With McVie no longer part of active touring or recording, Buckingham and Nicks assumed primary songwriting duties on their seventeenth studio album Say You Will (2003), though McVie contributed guest backing vocals and keyboards. The album debuted at number three on Billboard 200 (number six UK) producing hits like "Peacekeeper" along with its title track. Their subsequent world arena tour grossed $27.7 million placing it twenty-first among top-grossing tours worldwide in 2004.

Between 2004 and 2005 speculative reports emerged about reuniting Fleetwood Mac’s original lineup including Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer; however both remained reluctant to participate. In April 2006 bassist John McVie expressed willingness toward such a reunion if Green and Spencer agreed but doubted Danny Kirwan would join.

During late-2006 interviews promoting his solo effort Under the Skin, Buckingham mentioned plans for a possible reunion tour in 2008 but noted recording sessions were paused pending further developments. By September 2007 Nicks publicly stated she would only continue working with Fleetwood Mac if Christine McVie rejoined.

2008–2013: Touring Without Christine McVie

In March 2008 discussions about collaborating with Sheryl Crow took place but ultimately did not materialize. By March 2009 Fleetwood Mac embarked on their Unleashed tour without Christine McVie, presenting greatest hits alongside select tracks from various albums. Stevie Nicks premiered a new song inspired by Hurricane Katrina during this tour; this track later appeared on her solo album In Your Dreams released in 2011. The band toured Europe between October and November 2009 before continuing through Australia and New Zealand in December of that year. Meanwhile, the UK saw a reissue of their 2002 compilation The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac, which climbed to number six on UK Albums Chart. A BBC One documentary titled Fleetwood Mac: Don't Stop aired that November featuring candid interviews from band members.

The Unleashed tour wrapped up with sold-out concerts across New Zealand by December 2009 grossing $84.9 million worldwide—ranking thirteenth among global tours that year—and included an exclusive private performance for TPG in Arizona during October 2010.

In May 2011 Fox's television series Glee aired an episode covering six songs from Rumours, sparking renewed interest that propelled the album back onto Billboard’s Top 200 at number eleven simultaneously with Nicks's solo release In Your Dreams debuting at number six—a remarkable sales increase of nearly two thousand percent for Rumours, one of highest legacy album re-entries ever recorded.

Original bassist Bob Brunning passed away in October 2011; former guitarist Bob Weston died January 2012; ex-member Bob Welch died by suicide in June that same year.

Fleetwood Mac's extensive tour throughout 2013 covered thirty-four cities starting April where they introduced new songs "Sad Angel" and "Without You". They also issued their first new recording project in ten years—an EP titled Extended Play released April 2013—which peaked at number forty-eight on US charts featuring lead single "Sad Angel". Christine McVie made guest appearances during London concerts that September.

In October that year Australian and New Zealand dates were canceled due to John McVie's cancer diagnosis; meanwhile Stevie Nicks appeared on television series American Horror Story: Coven. Later in late-2013 Christine McVie expressed willingness to return full-time given John’s improving health outlook.

2014–Present: Departure of Buckingham & Passing of Christine McVie

On 11 January 2014 Mick Fleetwood confirmed Christine McVie's official return to Fleetwood Mac membership. Their North American On with the Show tour commenced September that year followed by rapid sell-outs across UK arenas during early-2015 prompting additional dates including a leg through Australia.

By January 2015 Lindsey Buckingham suggested that both forthcoming album work and touring might represent Fleetwood Mac's final chapter together; Mick Fleetwood noted completion depended heavily upon Stevie Nicks's involvement.

By August 2016 most recorded material lacked input from Nicks while contributions came predominantly from Buckingham alongside Christine McVie who had returned again by then; Nicks cited reluctance toward enduring recording conflicts or touring demands as reasons behind her hesitance.

Buckingham teamed up with Christine McVie releasing an eponymous collaborative album June 2017 supported by an extensive thirty-eight date tour concluding November same year while Fleetwood Mac prepared another major tour slated for summer-2018 headlining prominent venues like Dodger Stadium as well as Citi Field.

In January 2018 Fleetwood Mac received MusiCares Person of the Year accolade performing live at Grammy gala event shortly thereafter; April saw “Dreams” re-enter music charts fueled by viral social media exposure causing streaming figures along with sales of Rumours to surge dramatically once again.

April also marked Lindsey Buckingham's departure amid disagreements regarding setlist focus emphasizing newer material over classics; Mick Fleetwood confirmed this split stemmed from unresolved conflicts over tour direction though declined using term “fired”. Subsequently Buckingham filed breach-of-contract lawsuit settled confidentially out-of-court.

Replacing him were Mike Campbell (formerly Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) along with Neil Finn (Crowded House) who joined for touring purposes plus future recordings alike launching "An Evening with Fleetwood Mac" tour beginning September at iHeartRadio Music Festival.

Former guitarist Danny Kirwan passed away June 2018; his composition "Tell Me All the Things You Do" featured prominently within new setlist arrangements.

May 2020 saw Neil Finn release charity single “Find Your Way Back Home” featuring vocals by Nicks alongside Christine McVie benefiting Auckland City Mission.

Founding member Peter Green died July that year aged seventy-three.

October witnessed another resurgence when viral TikTok videos pushed “Dreams” back into Billboard top ten resulting in over thirty million streams within one week boosting continued sales success for classic album Rumours once more.

Christine McVie passed away on 30 November 2022 aged seventy-nine; by February following year Mick Fleetwood indicated band activity was likely concluded as surviving members pursued separate endeavors though interviews late-2023 through mid-2024 revealed Stevie Nicks had no intention to continue without her longtime collaborator whereas Mick remained open toward future reunions should circumstances permit.

Tours

Early gigs (1967)
First Tour (1968)
Mr. Wonderful Tour (1968–1969)
Then Play On Tour (1969–1970)
Kiln House Tour (1970–1971)
Future Games Tour (1971)
British Are Coming Tour (1972)
Bare Trees Tour (1972)
Penguin Tour (1973)
Mystery to Me Tour (1973)
Heroes Are Hard to Find Tour (1974)
Fleetwood Mac Tour/Summer Tour '76 (1975–1976)
Rumours Tour (1977–1978)
Tusk Tour (1979–1980)
Mirage Tour (1982)
Shake the Cage Tour (1987–1988)
Behind the Mask Tour (1990)
Another Link in the Chain Tour (1994–1995)
The Dance Tour (1997)
Say You Will Tour (2003–2004)
Unleashed Tour (2009)
Fleetwood Mac Live Tour (2013)
On with the Show Tour (2014–2015)
An Evening with Fleetwood Mac Tour (2018–2019)

Band members

Final lineup

Mick Fleetwood – drums, percussion (1967–1995, 1997–2022)
John McVie – bass guitar (1967–1995, 1997–2022)
Christine McVie – keyboards, vocals (1970–1995, 1997–1998, 2014–2022; deceased)
Stevie Nicks – vocals (1974–1990, 1997–2022)
Mike Campbell – lead guitar, vocals (2018–2022)
Neil Finn – vocals, rhythm guitar (2018–2022)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Fleetwood Mac (1968; also known as Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac)
Mr. Wonderful (1968)
Then Play On (1969)
Kiln House (1970)
Future Games (1971)
Bare Trees (1972)
Penguin (1973)
Mystery to Me (1973)
Heroes Are Hard to Find (1974)
Fleetwood Mac (1975)
Rumours (1977)
Tusk (1979)
Mirage (1982)
Tango in the Night (1987)
Behind the Mask (1990)
Time (1995)
Say You Will (2003)

Grammy Awards

Year	Category	Work	Outcome
1978	Album of the Year	Rumours	Template:Won
	Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group	Rumours	Template:Nominated
	Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices	"Go Your Own Way"	Template:Nominated
1998	Best Pop Vocal Album	The Dance	Template:Nominated
	Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group	"Silver Springs"	Template:Nominated
	Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group	"The Chain"	Template:Nominated
2003	Grammy Hall of Fame Award	Fleetwood Mac (self-titled album)	Template:Won

Sources

Berkery, Patrick. "The Return of the Mac Daddy: Mick Fleetwood". Modern Drummer, September 2015.
Brunning, Bob. Blues: The British Connection. Helter Skelter Publishing.
Brunning, Bob. The Fleetwood Mac Story: Rumours and Lies. Omnibus Press.
Caillat, Ken & Steifel, Steve. Making Rumours: The Inside Story of the Classic Fleetwood Mac Album.
Harris, Carol Ann. Storms: My Life with Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac.
Hjort, Christopher. Strange Brew: Eric Clapton and the British Blues Boom.
Heckstall-Smith, Dick. The Safest Place in the World: A Personal History of British Rhythm and Blues.
Evans, Mike. Fleetwood Mac: The Definitive History.
Fancourt, L., British Blues on Record.
Fleetwood, Mick et al., My Twenty-Five Years in Fleetwood Mac.
Celmins, Martin. Peter Green – Founder of Fleetwood Mac.

External links

Official website
Fleetwood Mac at the Internet Archive