Fleetwood Mac is a legendary British-American rock band formed in London in 1967. The group was initially led by guitarist Peter Green and drummer Mick Fleetwood, with John McVie joining shortly after on bass guitar, solidifying the band’s name. They gained early success with blues-influenced hits like “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman.” The band’s lineup saw significant changes over the years, with the addition of Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham in the 1970s marking a pivotal transformation in their sound and commercial success.

Fleetwood Mac members

Their 1977 album, “Rumours,” is one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring timeless hits such as “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “The Chain.”

The only Fleetwood Mac hit that all five members worked on during the recording of the album “Rumours” is “The Chain.” This song is unique because it was the only track on the album credited to all five key members: Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood.

Fleetwood Mac has had many changes in its members, but Mick Fleetwood and John McVie have been there from the beginning.

In 1998, Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including former members Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, and Danny Kirwan. The band continues to inspire new generations, recently being a major influence behind the best-selling book and hit TV show “Daisy Jones and the Six.” This fictional story is loosely based on the members of Fleetwood Mac and their complex relationships.

Find out what the members of Fleetwood Mac are doing now by checking recent news about them.

List of Fleetwood Mac members

Fleetwood Mac is a legendary rock band formed in London in 1967. The band has had several members over the years, contributing to its unique sound and enduring popularity.

Here’s the list of Fleetwood Mac members.

Peter Green

Peter Green

Peter Green, a co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, left the band in 1970 due to mental health issues exacerbated by heavy drug use, particularly LSD. His departure marked the end of an era for the band, which he had significantly influenced with his bluesy guitar style and songwriting. Tracks like “Albatross,” “Black Magic Woman,” and “Oh Well” are among his notable contributions.

Green’s mental health issues included a diagnosis of schizophrenia, leading to several stays in psychiatric hospitals and treatments such as electroshock therapy. His struggles with mental health and drug abuse came to a head in 1977 when he was arrested after threatening his accountant with a gun over royalty payments. Despite these challenges, Green made a return to music in the late 1970s and 1980s, forming the Peter Green Splinter Group and continuing to perform sporadically until the early 2010s.

Peter Green passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 25, 2020. His legacy continues to be celebrated, most notably with a tribute concert organized by Mick Fleetwood in early 2020, which featured artists like Steven Tyler, Billy Gibbons, and Pete Townshend performing Green’s music. This concert highlighted Green’s profound impact on the music world and his pivotal role in Fleetwood Mac’s early success.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Peter Green was a founding member and the primary guitarist of Fleetwood Mac.
• His expressive guitar playing and songwriting were pivotal to the band’s early blues sound.
• Green’s notable songs include “Albatross,” which reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1969, and “Black Magic Woman,” later made famous by Santana.

Departure:

• Green’s struggle with mental health, exacerbated by drug use, led to his departure in 1970.
• Despite his short tenure, his creative vision and musical genius left an indelible mark on Fleetwood Mac’s identity.

Jeremy Spencer

Jeremy Spencer

Jeremy Spencer, one of the original members of Fleetwood Mac, left the band in a dramatic and mysterious fashion in February 1971. Spencer, known for his slide guitar skills and dynamic stage presence, abruptly disappeared in Los Angeles just before a scheduled concert. He left the band’s hotel to supposedly buy groceries and never returned. Days later, he was found with the Children of God, a controversial religious cult, having cut his hair and donated all his money to the group. Spencer decided to join the cult, leaving behind his music career and family without notifying his bandmates​.

Spencer had shown interest in religion even during his time with Fleetwood Mac, and his departure was a culmination of growing dissatisfaction with the rock lifestyle and a desire for spiritual fulfillment. Despite his sudden exit, Spencer continued to make music within the Children of God, releasing the album “Jeremy Spencer and the Children” in 1972. His involvement with the group, now known as The Family International, has been controversial, with allegations of child abuse surfacing over the years. These accusations resurfaced in 2014 when he canceled a planned U.S. tour due to health issues and the backlash from the allegations​.

After leaving Fleetwood Mac, Spencer lived in various countries, including Brazil, Italy, the Philippines, and India, often performing music and engaging in charity work. He resumed his solo music career in the 2000s, releasing several albums, including “Precious Little” in 2006 and “Bend in the Road” in 2012. Despite his past controversies, he continues to be recognized for his contributions to Fleetwood Mac’s early success and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 along with other members of the band.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Jeremy Spencer was known for his slide guitar work and blues influence in Fleetwood Mac’s early years.
• He played a critical role in shaping the band’s initial sound, contributing to albums like “Fleetwood Mac” (1968) and “Mr. Wonderful” (1968).

Departure:

• In 1971, Spencer abruptly left the band to join the Children of God religious group, shocking the music industry.
• His unique slide guitar technique and stage presence had a lasting impact on Fleetwood Mac’s early music.

Danny Kirwan

Danny Kirwan, an influential guitarist and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac, joined the band in 1968 at the age of 18. His unique guitar style and songwriting significantly contributed to the band’s evolution from their blues roots to a more diverse so

Danny Kirwan

und. Kirwan played on several key albums, including “Then Play On,” “Kiln House,” “Future Games,” and “Bare Trees”​.

Kirwan’s tenure with Fleetwood Mac was marked by his prodigious talent and increasing personal struggles. His heavy drinking and erratic behavior, exacerbated by mental health issues, led to conflicts with his bandmates. The tipping point came in 1972 during a US tour when Kirwan had a meltdown, smashing his guitar and refusing to perform. This incident resulted in his dismissal from the band.

After leaving Fleetwood Mac, Kirwan attempted a solo career, releasing three albums in the 1970s. However, his ongoing struggles with mental health and alcoholism hindered his success. By the late 1980s, he was reportedly living homeless in London. Despite his challenges, Kirwan’s contributions to Fleetwood Mac were acknowledged when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, although he did not attend the ceremony​.

Danny Kirwan passed away on June 8, 2018, at the age of 68. His legacy lives on through the music he created during his time with Fleetwood Mac, which remains influential and beloved by fans worldwide.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Danny Kirwan joined Fleetwood Mac as a guitarist and songwriter, bringing a more rock-oriented sound to the band.
• His lyrical and emotional guitar playing was featured on albums like “Then Play On” (1969) and “Bare Trees” (1972).

Departure:

• Kirwan’s personal struggles and alcohol abuse led to his departure in 1972.
• Despite his brief time with the band, Kirwan’s contributions were crucial to Fleetwood Mac’s musical evolution.

Bob Welch

Bob Welch

Bob Welch, a significant yet often overlooked member of Fleetwood Mac, joined the band in 1971 during a tumultuous period marked by the departures of founding members Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer. Welch’s arrival marked a stylistic shift for the band, moving them away from their blues roots towards a more melodic and arena-friendly sound. He played a crucial role in the band’s revival and was instrumental in their relocation to the United States, which set the stage for their later success with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks​.

Despite his contributions, Welch left Fleetwood Mac in 1974 due to a combination of creative burnout and personal issues, including marriage difficulties. His departure came after the recording of the album “Heroes Are Hard to Find”​ (Grunge)​​ (Grunge)​. Welch’s post-Fleetwood Mac career saw initial success with his solo album “French Kiss,” which included the hit “Sentimental Lady.” However, his career later faced challenges, including legal disputes over royalties with his former bandmates, which strained his relationship with them​.

Tragically, Bob Welch died by suicide on June 7, 2012, after struggling with health issues following spinal surgery. His death was a significant loss, and tributes poured in from his former bandmates, acknowledging his contributions to the band and his talents as a musician.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Bob Welch brought a rock-oriented style to Fleetwood Mac during a transitional period.
• He contributed significantly to the band’s sound, with notable songs like “Sentimental Lady” from the album “Bare Trees” (1972).

Departure:

• Welch left the band in 1974 but his influence helped steer Fleetwood Mac away from their blues roots, paving the way for future success.

Christine McVie

Christine McVie

Christine McVie, a key member of Fleetwood Mac, left the band in 1998 primarily due to her developing fear of flying, which made it difficult for her to handle the band’s extensive touring schedule. In a 2015 interview, McVie confirmed that this phobia was the main reason for her departure. Despite this, she deeply missed the band and its music, leading to her return in 2014 after a 16-year hiatus​.

During her time with Fleetwood Mac, McVie was known for writing and singing some of the band’s most beloved songs, such as “Don’t Stop,” “Little Lies,” “Everywhere,” and “Songbird.” Her contributions helped define Fleetwood Mac’s sound and success throughout their career​.

Christine McVie passed away on November 30, 2022, at the age of 79, after a brief illness. Her death was mourned by her bandmates and fans worldwide, with tributes highlighting her exceptional talent and the profound impact she had on the band’s music.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Christine McVie, as the band’s pianist and vocalist, played a key role in Fleetwood Mac’s iconic lineup.
• Her hits include “Don’t Stop” and “You Make Loving Fun,” both from the critically acclaimed “Rumours” album (1977).
• “Rumours” sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Return:

• After a 16-year hiatus, McVie rejoined Fleetwood Mac in 2014, much to the delight of fans and critics alike.

Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Buckingham, a pivotal member of Fleetwood Mac, has left the band multiple times, most notably in 1987 and again in 2018. His latest departure was marked by significant tension within the band, primarily between Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. In 2018, Buckingham was informed by the band’s manager that Nicks had given the band an ultimatum: either he would leave, or she would. This was reportedly due to an incident where Buckingham allegedly smirked during Nicks’ acceptance speech at an awards ceremony​.

Buckingham has expressed disappointment over the manner of his departure, feeling that it damaged the legacy they had built over 43 years. Despite this, he holds no ill feelings towards his bandmates and remains open to rejoining the band to “heal” their story and end on a more amicable note​.

Since his departure, Buckingham has continued his solo career, releasing a self-titled album and a box set titled “20th Century Lindsey” in June 2024. He has also faced significant health challenges, including a heart attack and major surgery, which he has overcome with resilience​.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Lindsey Buckingham’s sophisticated guitar work and vocal contributions shaped Fleetwood Mac’s style, especially on albums like “Rumours” and “Tusk” (1979).
• His songs, including “Go Your Own Way” and “The Chain,” are among Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved tracks.

Departure and Return:

• Buckingham left the band in 1987 due to creative and personal conflicts but returned in 1997, contributing to the live album “The Dance,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
• His final departure in 2018 underscored the complex dynamics within the band.

Stevie Nicks

Lindsey Buckingham

Stevie Nicks, a central figure in Fleetwood Mac, has had a complex relationship with the band over the years. Nicks first joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, contributing significantly to the band’s success with her distinctive voice and songwriting.

Nicks left Fleetwood Mac in 1991 to focus on her solo career and due to personal tensions within the band. She returned in 1997 for “The Dance” tour and continued to be an active member until recent years​.

In 2018, tensions resurfaced, primarily between Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Reports suggest that Nicks issued an ultimatum to the band, leading to Buckingham’s departure. Nicks cited his behavior at an awards ceremony as a final straw, among other longstanding issues. Despite Buckingham’s openness to returning to the band, Nicks has expressed that she does not see a reunion happening, especially after the death of Christine McVie in 2022​.

Currently, Stevie Nicks is actively touring and has added new dates to her 2024 tour. She continues to perform both Fleetwood Mac classics and her solo hits, maintaining a strong connection with her fans worldwide​.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Stevie Nicks’ enchanting voice and mystical songwriting became essential to Fleetwood Mac’s success.
• Her iconic songs include “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” and “Dreams”—the latter of which became a viral hit again in 2020, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10.
• Nicks’ solo career is also notable, with hits like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Stand Back,” further establishing her as a rock legend.

John McVie

John McVie

John McVie, the bassist and a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, has had a crucial role in the band’s history. He joined the band shortly after its formation in 1967 and has been a constant presence alongside drummer Mick Fleetwood. The “Mac” in Fleetwood Mac is derived from his last name.

John McVie’s departure from Fleetwood Mac has not been permanent; rather, he has taken breaks due to health issues. In 2013, McVie was diagnosed with cancer, leading to the cancellation of the band’s tour dates in Australia and New Zealand. His treatment and recovery were the primary reasons for these interruptions, though he has since returned to perform with the band on several occasions​.

In recent years, the future of Fleetwood Mac has become uncertain, especially after the death of Christine McVie in 2022. This loss has significantly impacted the remaining members, with Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood expressing doubts about continuing without Christine. John McVie has largely remained out of the public eye, focusing on his health and personal life​.

For the latest updates, McVie is not actively involved in any new Fleetwood Mac projects, and the band’s future remains in question. The remaining members, including Lindsey Buckingham, have shown some interest in potentially reuniting, but there are significant challenges to overcome, including health concerns and the recent losses within the band.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• As Fleetwood Mac’s bassist, John McVie’s steady and precise basslines have been a cornerstone of the band’s sound.
• His work can be heard on every Fleetwood Mac album, providing a consistent musical foundation through the band’s various lineup changes.

Enduring Presence:

• McVie’s ongoing presence has been integral to Fleetwood Mac’s longevity and success, contributing to the band’s ability to adapt and evolve musically over decades.

Mick Fleetwood

Mick Fleetwood

Mick Fleetwood, the drummer and co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, has been a pivotal member throughout the band’s long and storied history. Over the years, Fleetwood Mac has experienced numerous lineup changes, breakups, and reunions, but Mick Fleetwood has remained a constant presence.

Fleetwood’s most recent challenges include coping with the death of Christine McVie in November 2022. Both he and Stevie Nicks have expressed that Fleetwood Mac as a band cannot continue without her. In an interview, Fleetwood mentioned that the loss of McVie was a significant blow and that it felt “unthinkable” to continue the band without her. Nicks echoed this sentiment, stating there is “no chance of putting Fleetwood Mac back together” without Christine McVie​.

Despite the band’s uncertain future, Mick Fleetwood remains active in the music scene. He has participated in tribute performances and continued to play music, although the full-scale reunion of Fleetwood Mac seems unlikely at this point. There have been talks of possible reunions involving former members, but health issues and the dynamics within the band make this a complex proposition​.

Musical Contributions and Impact:

• Mick Fleetwood, co-founder and drummer, has been the driving force behind Fleetwood Mac for over five decades.
• His unique drumming style and leadership have guided the band through numerous musical shifts and personnel changes.
• Fleetwood’s vision and persistence have been crucial to maintaining the band’s cohesion and success.

Leadership:

• Aside from his drumming, Fleetwood has been a stabilizing force, ensuring the band’s survival through various eras and helping to navigate their numerous transitions.

Who is Fleetwood Mac?

Fleetwood Mac is a renowned British-American rock band that was formed in London in 1967. Initially, the band was founded by guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and guitarist Jeremy Spencer. Bassist John McVie joined shortly after the band’s inception, completing the core lineup that the band’s name reflects.

How successful was ‘Rumours’?

The album “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac is one of the most successful albums in music history. Released on February 4, 1977, it achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart for 31 non-consecutive weeks and produced four U.S. Top 10 singles: “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” “Don’t Stop,” and “You Make Loving Fun.” “Rumours” has sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.

What happened to Fleetwood Mac after ‘Rumours’?

After the success of “Rumours,” Fleetwood Mac faced both triumphs and challenges. The band released several albums and underwent numerous lineup changes.

Conclusion 

Fleetwood Mac is a famous rock band with many hits and lots of history. They started with Peter Green and became very popular with the album “Rumours” when Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined. The band has had many changes, and some members left and came back. They have sold over 120 million albums and are one of the best-selling bands ever. Even though they have faced many problems, including losing Christine McVie, their music still makes people happy all over the world.

Fleetwood Mac members – Complete List- FAQs

Who is the most popular Fleetwood Mac member?

Determining the most popular Fleetwood Mac member is subjective. Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham are often considered iconic and influential members due to their songwriting contributions and distinctive performances.

Which Fleetwood Mac member left?

Fleetwood Mac has experienced multiple lineup changes over the years. Notably, Lindsey Buckingham left the band in 2018, leading to a lineup adjustment.

Who is the leader of Fleetwood Mac?

Mick Fleetwood, the drummer and co-founder, is often considered the leader of Fleetwood Mac due to his central role in the band’s formation and continued presence.

Who joined Fleetwood Mac last?

In recent lineup changes, Neil Finn and Mike Campbell joined Fleetwood Mac in 2018, filling the void left by Lindsey Buckingham.

Why did Fleetwood Mac end?

Fleetwood Mac has not officially ended. The band has faced lineup changes, disagreements, and brief hiatuses, but they continue to perform and create music.

Why is Fleetwood Mac so popular?

Fleetwood Mac’s popularity can be attributed to their timeless music, versatile style blending rock and pop, impactful songwriting, and the unique chemistry between members. Iconic albums like “Rumours” and captivating live performances also contribute to their enduring appeal.

Why is it called Fleetwood Mac?

The band is named after its rhythm section, Mick Fleetwood (drums) and John McVie (bass). They were the initial core members around whom the band formed in 1967. The addition of guitarist Peter Green led to the creation of the full band known as Fleetwood Mac.