A new biography, Dreams: The Many Lives Of Fleetwood Mac, by Mark Blake, dives into the colorful saga of Fleetwood Mac, capturing the complexities of their journey from the late '60s to recent years. Set to be published on September 12, 2024, this book promises an engaging exploration of one of rock's most famously tumultuous bands.
Blake, a celebrated writer for MOJO, presents a narrative that chronicles Fleetwood Mac's rich and entangled history, marked by dramatic highs and lows. The author segments the band's story into seven parts, examining each era while highlighting pivotal figures, songs, and events, such as guitarist Jeremy Spencer's abrupt departure to join a cult in 1971 and the band’s connections to contemporary artists like Harry Styles.
The book doesn’t shy away from the speculative myths surrounding the band, including whether Fleetwood Mac once thanked their cocaine dealer on the Rumours album cover—an entertaining anecdote that exemplifies the wild narratives Blake navigates. Notably, he investigates the personal dynamics that shaped the band's legendary records, particularly the psychic trauma behind their iconic albums, Rumours and Tusk.
Beyond just music, Blake explores Fleetwood Mac's influence on pop culture. The narrative intertwines fantastical stories involving notable personalities and events, alongside candid insights into the relationships among the band members. The demise of Christine McVie in 2022 forms a poignant backdrop as Blake contemplates the band's legacy and its ongoing impact on rock music.
For those interested in a comprehensive examination of Fleetwood Mac, Dreams: The Many Lives Of Fleetwood Mac is available for pre-order through various retailers including Amazon, Rough Trade, and Waterstones.
This compelling biography offers an insightful look at the personal and professional threads that intertwine in the narrative of Fleetwood Mac, providing readers with the depth of understanding that the band's convoluted history deserves.