Fleetwood Mac’s Tango in the Night is often celebrated as one of the band’s finest albums, yet its creation was anything but smooth. While Fleetwood Mac is widely recognized for defining the quintessential sound of 1970s California with hits that became classics, they are also known for the intense personal and professional conflicts that plagued their journey. The band’s name has become synonymous with rock and roll dysfunction, navigating hedonism, romantic entanglements, and creative differences that few could rival.
Although 1977’s Rumours stands as Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved album and one of the era’s most influential records, the tumultuous circumstances under which Tango in the Night was created in 1987 were even more intense. Former guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, who played a pivotal role in both albums, described Tango in the Night as the band’s most “dysfunctional” album, surpassing even Rumours in terms of the personal and collective struggles the band faced.
The Creation of Tango in the Night
Released a decade after Rumours, Tango in the Night emerged as a significant achievement despite—or perhaps because of—the chaotic environment in which it was recorded. The album, which features standout tracks like “Little Lies,” “Everywhere,” and “Seven Wonders,” was produced by Buckingham and the band’s longtime collaborator Richard Dashut. The production process was fraught with challenges, as Buckingham was often left to drive the creative process while his bandmates grappled with their own issues.
Buckingham had recently released his second solo album, Go Insane, in 1984, and during the production of Tango in the Night, he channeled his creative energy into incorporating more synth and electronic elements into the band’s sound. Despite the hard-partying lifestyle that characterized the band members at the time, Buckingham found himself taking the lead, as his bandmates were often too preoccupied to contribute significantly.
The Dysfunction Behind the Music
The recording sessions for Tango in the Night were marked by heavy drug use and personal turmoil, reminiscent of the chaos that surrounded the making of Rumours. According to Buckingham, he was the only band member who wasn’t deeply affected by the destructive habits that had taken hold of the group. He recalls that Stevie Nicks, who had become famously associated with the song “Dreams” from Rumours, was only present in the studio for a few weeks during the entire year-long recording process. Meanwhile, drummer Mick Fleetwood isolated himself by living in a trailer in his front yard, too frazzled to even drive home at night.
Despite these extreme circumstances, Buckingham found a sense of empowerment in the dysfunction. With the other band members often too strung out to offer much input, Buckingham had more creative control, which allowed him to shape the album in his vision. This control, however, came at a personal cost. By the time the album was released in April 1987, Buckingham realized he could no longer continue working under such intense pressure. His departure from the band later that year was a direct result of the overwhelming stress and dysfunction he endured during the making of Tango in the Night.
The Legacy of Tango in the Night
Despite the turmoil that characterized its creation, Tango in the Night became a massive success, solidifying its place in Fleetwood Mac’s legacy. The album not only produced some of the band’s most memorable songs but also highlighted their ability to deliver exceptional music even in the face of overwhelming personal and professional challenges.
Fleetwood Mac’s Tango in the Night stands as a testament to the band’s resilience and creative brilliance, even when surrounded by dysfunction. The album’s success is a reflection of Buckingham’s dedication and vision, proving that even in the most difficult circumstances, great art can emerge.
