Fleetwood Mac had already experienced multiple setbacks by the time they reached the mid-1970s. Even though they were once among the most sought-after blues acts of the late 1960s, their numerous lineup changes resulted in the musicians leaving the group quickly, going their separate ways, or developing rifts with one another. However, fists quickly began flying as soon as the band appeared to be clicking with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
In the beginning, Buckingham and Nicks intended to perform as a duo, frequently refining each other’s songs for their first album, “Buckingham Nicks.” Mick Fleetwood believed that Buckingham would be the ideal replacement for former guitarist Bob Welch after learning about his abilities behind the fretboard.
Although Buckingham was willing to accept the invitation, he would later stipulate that Nicks would need to stay with him. This meant the group would now consist of five members for their 1975 self-titled album. Nicks’s song “Rhiannon” and Christine McVie’s “Say You Love Me” made the album a huge hit. However, tensions between them began once they entered the studio to record a follow-up.
The band went into the studio to write Rumours while songs like “Over My Head” were still leading the charts and the members were splitting up. Throughout the sessions, Buckingham and Nicks were in conflict. They famously got into a furious argument while recording the backing vocals for McVie’s “You Make Loving Fun,” despite John and Christine McVie going through a protracted divorce.
The songwriters expressed their heartbreak in their songs because they had plenty of time to process their loss. Buckingham turned sour on “Go Your Own Way,” while Nicks adopted a dignified tone on “Dreams.” Nicks was upfront about how much the lyrics to “Go Your Own Way” bothered her, but there was one particular song that she felt went too far.
Initially out as “Strummer,” “Second Hand News” would go on to become the first song on Rumours, with Buckingham singing about Nicks treating her like trash. Buckingham tried to keep the lyrics from Nick. Once he began to sing the last few words, things became heated.
Many of Lindsey’s lyrics sparked fights with Stevie, as producer Ken Callait told MusicRadar. He added that Nicks was forced to walk out on her bandmates during the song’s recording. Words were flying around, especially Lindsey’s, about their breakup, but I had no idea exactly what was going on. Lindsey’s slight literalness was something Stevie detested. The moment Stevie left unexpectedly and Lindsey began singing his lyrics, the session came to an end.
In the studio, Stevie Nicks wasn’t the only one who wasn’t feeling comfortable around Buckingham. Recognized for his cautious nature, Buckingham would control the majority of the band’s compositions. The destruction of one of his guitar solos nearly led him to strangle Callait.
The band would go on to produce one of the greatest albums ever recorded during the sessions. The lyrics ultimately took a toll on their souls.
