FLEETWOOD MAC

British blues band that evolved into the hugely popular Anglo-American pop-rock group whose 1977 album Rumours was one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. The original members were Mick Fleetwood (b. June 24, 1947, Redruth, Cornwall, England), John McVie (b. November 26, 1945, London, England), Peter Green (original name Peter Greenbaum; b. October 29, 1946, London), and Jeremy Spencer (b. July 4, 1948, West Hartlepool, Durham, England). Later members included Danny Kirwan (b. May 13, 1950, London), Christine McVie (original name Christine Perfect; b. July 12, 1943, Birmingham, West Midlands, England), Bob Welch (b. July 31, 1946, Los Angeles, California, U.S.), Stevie Nicks (b. May 26, 1948, Phoenix, Arizonia, U.S.), and Lindsey Buckingham (b. October 3, 1947, Palo Alto, California). Begun in 1967 by ex-members of John Mayall's Bluesbreakersguitarist Green, drummer Fleetwood, bassist John McVieand slide guitarist Spencer, Fleetwood Mac found instant success during the British blues boom with its debut album and the hit single Albatross (1968). Thereafter the band experienced more moderate success while undergoing multiple personnel changes (including Green's departure and the addition of McVie's wife, keyboardist-vocalist-songwriter Christine). A move to the United States in 1974 and the addition of singer-songwriters Nicks and Buckingham (the latter an accomplished guitarist) infused the group with a pop sensibility that resulted in the multimillion-selling Fleetwood Mac (1975) and Rumours. Evocatively reflecting the simultaneous breakups of the McVies' marriage and Buckingham and Nicks's relationship, Rumours epitomized the band's accomplished songwriting, arresting vocal chemistry, and rock-solid rhythm section. Following the idiosyncratic Tusk (1979), group members began pursuing solo careers, and the band produced the noteworthy Mirage (1982) and Tango in the Night (1987) before the departure of Buckingham. Further lineup changes followed. In 1997 Fleetwood, John and Christine McVie, Buckingham, and Nicks reunited for an album (The Dance) and tour, and in 1998 Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.