Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1975 self-titled album — the first to feature Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks — has just reached a major milestone: it’s now certified nine-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Released 50 years ago this month, on July 11, 1975, the album is often affectionately called the “White Album” by fans. It’s packed with classics like like “Monday Morning,” “Rhiannon,” “Over My Head,” “Say You Love Me,” “Landslide,” “World Turning,” and “I’m So Afraid.” In reality, this was actually the band’s second self-titled album — the first came out in 1968.
To celebrate the golden anniversary, a special reissue is coming on August 8th as part of Rhino’s High Fidelity series. This deluxe vinyl release will be limited to just 5,000 numbered copies, with an even more exclusive version — only 2,000 copies — that includes two replica 7-inch singles: “Over My Head” backed with “Rhiannon,” and “Say You Love Me” backed with “Blue Letter.” There will also be a Blu-ray edition featuring a Dolby ATMOS mix and a 5.1 surround mix crafted by original producer Ken Caillat and Claus Trelby. For full details, fans can head over to Rhino.com.
The story of this lineup’s formation is almost as legendary as the music itself. In late 1974, Mick Fleetwood heard a track from the Buckingham Nicks album at Sound City Studios and was captivated by Lindsey’s melodic, haunting guitar style. As Fleetwood put it, “He knows what he’s doing. He understands what to do and when to do it.” Though Mick initially only wanted Lindsey, Buckingham insisted that Stevie be included too — a decision that would shape the band’s future. While their musical chemistry was undeniable, personal tensions eventually took their toll. In 2018, Stevie issued an ultimatum: either Lindsey goes, or she does. Lindsey was let go. And after Christine McVie’s passing in 2022, the curtain finally came down on Fleetwood Mac’s storied journey.
[Source: Premiere]