Fleetwood Mac's Turbulent History: A Reflection on the Early 70s

Fleetwood Mac's co-founder has recently reflected on the band's tumultuous history, particularly highlighting the chaotic period from the departure of original frontman Peter Green in 1970 to the arrival of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in 1975. This era, while marked by internal strife, lacks the musical acclaim of both the band's earlier and later successes. Many fans regard the original Fleetwood Mac as the pinnacle of British blues, asserting that the band's trajectory declined after Green's exit, despite the commercial triumphs of albums like *Rumours* and *Tango in the Night*. The early 70s albums, including *Kiln House*, *Future Games*, and *Bare Trees*, are often overshadowed and remain lesser-known despite the band's efforts to promote them. The late Christine McVie championed the 1973 album *Mystery to Me*, while co-founder Mick Fleetwood has pushed for the inclusion of songs from this era in contemporary performances. However, tracks like 1971's *Tell Me All the Things You Do* have not resonated with audiences, often leading to a dip in interest during live shows. Among the notable tracks from this period is *Dragonfly*, which showcases a blend of soothing soundscapes and harmonious vocals reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Other songs, such as *Hypnotized* and *Bad Loser*, reveal the band's evolving sound, with McVie’s contributions highlighting both the musical experimentation and the underlying tensions within the group. Despite the challenges, these early works remain a testament to Fleetwood Mac's complex legacy.