Disgraceland Podcast Summary: Fleetwood Mac Pt. 2: Going to #1, and Going Your Own Way

Introduction

In the second installment of the Fleetwood Mac saga, Disgraceland delves deeper into the tumultuous journey of one of rock's most iconic bands. Titled "Fleetwood Mac Pt. 2: Going to #1, and Going Your Own Way," this episode explores the creation of their legendary album Rumours, the intricate personal dynamics within the band, their descent into excess, and the challenges they faced amidst the rising tide of new musical movements in the late 1970s.

The Making of Rumours

The episode sets the stage by highlighting the release of Rumours on February 4, 1977, marking the beginning of one of the most successful sales runs in music history. Jake Brennan, the host, notes, "That was the day Fleetwood Mac's album Rumours was released, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most successful sales runs of any pop record from any time in music history" (00:55).

Fleetwood Mac's decision to record their second album outside Los Angeles, in Sausalito, was a strategic move to escape the chaos and excess that plagued them in LA. This relocation was partly motivated by the deteriorating personal relationships within the band: Christine and John McVie's marriage had fallen apart, and Mick Fleetwood's marriage with Jenny Boyd was also on the rocks.

Band Dynamics and Personal Struggles

The integration of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks into Fleetwood Mac brought both creative genius and intense interpersonal conflict. Buckingham and Nicks shared a romantic relationship that profoundly influenced the band's dynamics. Jake Brennan narrates, "Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks were never married, but given the closeness of their romantic relationship and importance of their partnership, that went back far beyond joining Fleetwood Mac" (03:10).

The band members were grappling with their personal issues while trying to create music. Mick Fleetwood's disinterest in the music being produced, coupled with the pervasive drug use, created a tense and unproductive environment. Brennan describes a scene where Mick Fleetwood discusses his cocaine usage: "How much cocaine do you think I've snorted in my entire life?" (05:20).

Descent into Excess and Drug Use

Drug use, primarily cocaine, was rampant within the band. The episode vividly portrays a moment where Mick Fleetwood estimates his cocaine consumption, claiming, "an eight ball every day for the past decade or so," which he metaphorically compares to "seven miles of cocaine" (07:15). This excessive use became the last refuge for the band members, further deepening their personal rifts and affecting their creative output.

Stevie Nicks, in particular, found herself overwhelmed by the chaos. Brennan recounts her struggles, stating, "Stevie Nicks's excessive use of the drug had exposed her to the very real danger of losing her voice, her looks, and quite possibly her life" (10:05). Her unique persona and "special knowledge" became both her strength and burden, attracting intense fan devotion that added to her stress.

Creation and Success of Rumours

Despite the internal turmoil, Rumours emerged as a masterpiece born from pain and emotional duress. The album's universal themes and emotional depth resonated with listeners worldwide. The host emphasizes, "There's a universal truism to the album, the depths of which could only be carved by writers and musicians experiencing and working through such intense feelings together" (10:50).

Key tracks like "Dreams" and "You Can Go Your Own Way" became anthems, capturing the essence of the band's fragmented relationships. Stevie Nicks's "Dreams" not only topped the charts but also endured, reappearing as the number one iTunes song in 2020 due to a viral meme (09:30).

The Rise of New Wave and Tusk

As Rumours soared, the music landscape was shifting. New wave and punk were emerging, challenging the established rock paradigms. Lindsey Buckingham, influenced by contemporaries like Elvis Costello and David Byrne, sought to steer Fleetwood Mac towards this edgier, rawer sound. Brennan explains, "He stopped wearing unbuttoned blouses and opted for bespoke Armani suits" (15:00).

This shift culminated in the creation of Tusk, an album that diverged significantly from the polished pop of Rumours. Buckingham's obsession with authenticity led to a disjointed and underwhelming record, reflecting the band's internal conflicts rather than unified creativity. "Tusk sounds disconnected, random and flat," Brennan critiques, highlighting the album's struggle to capture the magic of its predecessor (18:00).

Band Turmoil and Legacy

The pressure to innovate amidst changing musical trends and personal strains took a heavy toll on Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham's relentless work ethic and the band's inability to reconcile their differences led to burnout and creative stagnation. The episode details Buckingham's dramatic transformation and eventual burnout, portraying him as a "Hollywood vampire" driven by the need to keep the band relevant (22:30).

Despite the challenges, Fleetwood Mac's legacy endured. The episode touches on their continued relevance, mentioning President Bill Clinton's adoption of "Don't Stop" as his 1992 campaign song, which reintroduced the band to a new generation (24:00). Mick Fleetwood’s reflections underscore the enduring nature of rumors and the band's ability to persist despite numerous internal and external obstacles.

Conclusion

Fleetwood Mac Pt. 2: Going to #1, and Going Your Own Way offers a comprehensive and riveting exploration of the band's peak era, highlighting the intricate interplay between personal struggles and creative achievements. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Disgraceland captures the essence of Fleetwood Mac's journey, emphasizing their enduring impact on music history despite the chaos that surrounded them.

Notable Quotes

• Jake Brennan [00:55]: "That was the day Fleetwood Mac's album Rumours was released, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most successful sales runs of any pop record from any time in music history."

• Jake Brennan [05:20]: "How much cocaine do you think I've snorted in my entire life?"

• Jake Brennan [10:05]: "Stevie Nicks's excessive use of the drug had exposed her to the very real danger of losing her voice, her looks, and quite possibly her life."

• Jake Brennan [15:00]: "He stopped wearing unbuttoned blouses and opted for bespoke Armani suits."

• Jake Brennan [18:00]: "Tusk sounds disconnected, random and flat."

• Jake Brennan [22:30]: "He worked harder than he ever had. Day and night, he collapsed. He worked more, crashed, worked some more, kept obscene hours, became a real life Hollywood vampire."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Disgraceland masterfully intertwines the glitz and glamor of Fleetwood Mac's rise with the dark undercurrents of their interpersonal conflicts and substance abuse. It provides listeners with an intimate look at how personal turmoil can fuel both artistic brilliance and destructive behaviors, ultimately shaping the legacy of one of rock music’s most fascinating bands.