The Chain: 50 Years of Fleetwood Mac

by PETE CHRISP

Fifty years later, as they prepare for their gigantic farewell world tour throughout 2018, they remain one of the biggest bands of all time – a position they have held since 1977 when, with the help of John’s wife, Christine McVie, and two virtually unknown American musicians called Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, they released an LP titled Rumours that went on to become the world’s best-selling album. That, in itself, is a remarkable story. Now consider the highs and lows, the successes and failures, the personal turmoil, tragedy and heartbreak through which this band has journeyed over the last 50 years … and the story of Fleetwood Mac becomes one of pure drama. The greatest ever rock ‘n’ roll soap opera

Genres: Music

112 pages, Hardcover

Published November 6, 2018

Reviews

[Angy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuánto drama chacho

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing has to be said – unofficial pop music books have definitely improved since I first started reading them in the 1980s. I doubt the huge fan of F-Mac will learn a lot here, but for the curious there is a fine summary of the entire career of the band, from the earliest pub blues efforts up to the slicker worlds of "Rumours" and "Tango". It does of course have to include all the personal shenanigans as well, although the personalities (and Brit Awards presentations) are set off to one side, in favour of reporting about the output. After the book ends in 2017, just before the Christine McVie/Lindsey Buckingham album dropped, we get the weaker section, as the author begins an album-by-album summary, which veers from the flaw of just repeating what we've already been told, to the flaw of being too opinionated. But before then it's a brightly produced and very pictorial guide to these excellent musicians and at times dubious characters. So yes it does sit in that uncomfortable middle ground of preaching to the converted at the same time as offering little new, but I found it entertaining to read. A slightly generous four stars.

[Vincent Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have liked Fleetwood Mac for many years and it was interesting to read about the history of the band. I'm too young to remember the Peter Green years but what a guitar player! Amazing to think this is the same band that transformed to produce Rumors and Tusk many years later. The book takes us through the eras of Fleetwood Mac's development and relationships. At the end it reviews their albums and personnel changes. Well worth a read to find out about the band.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I love Fleetwood Mac, I have never actually read a book about them so this was a first. A good informative read with bios on all the members and all the albums. I did spot a minor error or two (if you call the Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie album being released in June 2107 a minor error?) but overall a quick and easy read.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Fleetwood Mac like I do, you will find this a fun read. I have read tons on the band and Stevie Nicks, and there were many new and interesting facts that I learned, especially about Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac - and the many years before Stevie and Lindsay joined the band. And there was ALWAYS drama in this band, from the get-go! And this book provides that history. There is also a wonderful recap of all the albums in the back which motivated me to get a hold of some older Fleetwood Mac vinyl that I had yet to hear. I read it in one night - that is how much I enjoyed it. Definitely pick it up if you love the Mac!