FLEETWOOD MAC

There have been at least three different versions of the band Fleetwood Mac over the years.

This rare video captures the short lived ’71-72 line up with rhythm guitarist Bob Welch on lead vocal, lead guitarist Danny Kirwin and keyboardist Christine McVie on back up vocals, and the band’s founders, Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass. Here they are playing a live “Moses (Lay It All Down)” from the 1971 album Future Games – one of my faves. You will want an original UK LP with yellow cover for best sound.

Most fans are familiar with the later (’75-87) Buckingham/Nicks lineup that produced the muti-platinum pop album Rumors. The Bob Welch years (’71-74) are equally impressive, though album sales were miniscule in comparison. Even earlier came the first incarnation of FM including the legendary Peter Green, along with slide guitar maniac Jeremy Spencer. This initial version of the band was an all UK group seeped in Chicago blues – arguably one of the best to rise from the late sixties British revival. The albums they produced from ’68-70 are highly recommended and worth seeking out, especially on the original Blue Horizon UK vinyl (UK Reprise for Then Play On and later).