The story of Fleetwood Mac is one of evolution, featuring numerous changes in both lineup and musical direction. While founding members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie have remained the band’s backbone, the most significant turning point came in 1975 with the addition of Lindsey Buckingham. His immense talent and innovative approach were key to Fleetwood Mac’s resurgence, culminating in their greatest success with the album Rumours.
Fleetwood Mac’s Troubled Past and the Introduction of Lindsey Buckingham
Before Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, the band was at a crossroads. Despite surviving numerous setbacks—including the departure of original frontman Peter Green and guitarist Jeremy Spencer’s decision to join a cult—things had reached a breaking point in 1974. Legal disputes with former manager Clifford Davis over the unauthorized use of the band’s name and mounting financial difficulties left Fleetwood Mac struggling to regain momentum.
It was in the midst of this turmoil that drummer Mick Fleetwood stumbled upon Buckingham’s work. While at Sound City Studios, engineer Keith Olsen played Fleetwood a track called “Frozen Love” from Buckingham’s previous project, Buckingham Nicks. Impressed by the guitarist’s unique style, Fleetwood extended an invitation for Buckingham to join Fleetwood Mac. However, Buckingham accepted on the condition that his musical partner and then-girlfriend, Stevie Nicks, also be included. This decision proved to be a turning point that would define the band’s most successful era.
The Revival of Fleetwood Mac with Buckingham and Nicks
Buckingham’s arrival, alongside Nicks, injected new life into Fleetwood Mac. The duo’s fresh songwriting and vocal harmonies provided the band with the creative boost it desperately needed. Buckingham’s guitar work, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping the sound of the self-titled Fleetwood Mac album released in 1975. With hits like “Rhiannon” and “Landslide,” the album marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band. Though it took over a year to gain traction, the record eventually reached number one on the charts, saving Fleetwood Mac from the brink of collapse.
Lindsey Buckingham’s Unrecognized Genius
Despite the vocal prowess of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie, it was Lindsey Buckingham’s contributions that laid the foundation for Fleetwood Mac’s success during this period. His mastery of both electric and acoustic guitar, combined with his keen ear for production, allowed the band to explore a range of genres from rock to folk with unprecedented depth. Buckingham’s distinctive fingerpicking style and innovative tunings brought a unique texture to Fleetwood Mac’s music that set them apart from their peers.
Buckingham’s work on Rumours, Fleetwood Mac’s best-selling album to date, exemplifies his importance to the band. Tracks like “Second Hand News” showcase his upbeat Americana rhythm, while his emotive slide guitar on “Dreams” complements the heartbroken lyrics of his former partner, Nicks. His ability to shift between delicate acoustic picking and powerful electric solos, as seen in the iconic track “The Chain,” solidified his status as a guitar hero capable of operating in both sonic environments with equal finesse.
The Pivotal Role of Buckingham’s Guitar on Rumours
Throughout Rumours, Buckingham’s guitar served as the linchpin that held the album’s diverse sound together. His playing is more prominent on the record than that of any other band member, driving the energy of songs like “Second Hand News” and providing the emotional backbone for ballads like “Songbird,” where his sparse acoustic accompaniment enhances the melancholy of Christine McVie’s vocals. His searing electric solo on “The Chain” remains one of the most memorable moments in Fleetwood Mac’s catalog, demonstrating his ability to blend technical skill with raw emotion.
Without Buckingham’s creative direction, Rumours would have lost much of its passion and strength. His contributions were instrumental in elevating Fleetwood Mac to global stardom, and the album’s success—both commercially and critically—cemented the band’s place in music history.
Post-Rumours Evolution: Buckingham’s Influence on Tusk and Beyond
Following the triumph of Rumours, Buckingham continued to push the boundaries of Fleetwood Mac’s sound. On the 1979 album Tusk, his style became even more refined and experimental. Buckingham’s willingness to explore new sonic landscapes helped shape the band’s shimmering, heady sound that carried them through the 1980s. Though Tusk did not achieve the same level of commercial success as Rumours, it remains a testament to Buckingham’s artistic vision and his determination to avoid being pigeonholed by the band’s past achievements.
Lindsey Buckingham’s Lasting Legacy in Fleetwood Mac
While Lindsey Buckingham’s contributions to Fleetwood Mac may not always receive the recognition they deserve, his influence on the band’s success is undeniable. His ability to seamlessly blend intricate fingerpicking with dynamic electric guitar work, combined with his skills as a producer and songwriter, made him a vital force behind Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic albums.
Even after his departure from the band in later years, Buckingham’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with Fleetwood Mac’s history. His work on Rumours and Tusk continues to inspire generations of musicians, and his role in the band’s revival in the mid-1970s stands as one of the most pivotal moments in rock history.
