FLEETWOOD MAC 101
Lesson Six: The Solo Fliers
After starting off with the success of "Fleetwood
Mac," followed by the
phenomenon of "Rumours," the critics'
disappointment of "Tusk," and the
"Live" album, the band members were in dire need of a break when the
"Tusk"
tour ended in 1980.
This break was an opening for Stevie and Lindsey to try some solo work.
Each released an album in 1981.
Lindsey's "Law and Order" sparked the Top Ten hit 'Trouble.'
His album went
as high as 32 on the Billboard Charts.
This was good news for Lindsey, as he enjoyed being able to produce his own
albums and to have a hit in his own right.
Stevie's solo album sparked a huge controversy, and
the future of Fleetwood
Mac was in jeopardy.
Stevie's album "Bella Donna" was a smashing
success.
It produced four hits:
'After the Glitter Fades' went to number 32.
'Edge of Seventeen' (which would become a fan favorite and Stevie classic)
went to number 11.
'Leather and Lace,' a duet with Don Henley went to number 6 and
'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around,' a duet with Tom
Petty went to number 3.
The album went to Number 1 on the Billboard Charts.
This left a very bittersweet taste in the mouths of the members of Fleetwood
Mac.
While on one hand, they were happy for Stevie's
success. On the other hand,
Stevie's success put the band in danger. If
Stevie became successful as a
solo artist, she might leave the band. If she failed, she might hurt the
band, and people may not want to hear her music anymore.
Critics proclaimed that the solos would be the end of the band. Lindsey's
modest success, Stevie's huge success, even Mick had
a solo album!!
Christine spent time with her Beach Boy boyfriend Brian Wilson, and John
went sailing. Life was good for the five members. Would they want to come
back to make another album? Could Stevie and Lindsey put any
effort in to
Fleetwood Mac since they were successful on their own? Was John willing
to
give up his calm life on the water? Would the band be able to come back
after the "disappointment" of "Tusk?" Could they put
together an album that
could measure up to "Rumours?"
Questions circled about the future of Fleetwood Mac.
"Is it over now, do you know, pick up the pieces and go home?"
That is where we will pick up next time.