Fleetwood Mac was originally formed in London in 1967 by guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and bassist John McVie—whose name was later combined to create the band’s title. The original lineup also included slide guitarist Jeremy Spencer, with Danny Kirwan joining shortly afterward in 1968. Initially rooted in British blues, the early Fleetwood Mac found success with songs like “Albatross,” “Black Magic Woman,” and “Oh Well.” Peter Green, a former member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, was the creative driving force in these formative years, known for his soulful playing and introspective songwriting.
This incarnation of Fleetwood Mac was markedly different from the polished pop-rock version that would emerge in the mid-1970s. The band’s early sound was raw, emotional, and blues-heavy, reflecting Green’s influence and the era’s musical landscape. Despite growing popularity, internal tensions and Peter Green’s declining mental health—exacerbated by heavy LSD use—led to his departure in 1970. Spencer left abruptly in 1971 to join a religious group, and Kirwan was dismissed the following year due to erratic behavior. While the band would go on to experience massive success with new members, the original Fleetwood Mac remains a revered chapter in blues-rock history.
