Big Love (Live 1997)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some vibes as we spin "Big Love (Live 1997)" by Fleetwood Mac from their iconic live album The Dance! This track, performed solo by Lindsey Buckingham, is a standout from the band’s 1997 reunion concert at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California. Originally written by Buckingham for his solo album in 1985, "Big Love" was repurposed for Tango in the Night when Fleetwood Mac reunited. The live version from The Dance showcases Buckingham’s raw talent, as he delivers a passionate acoustic performance with intricate guitar work. Fans on Reddit have called it “one of the best live performances ever,” with one user noting, “The man sounds like a band, all by himself.” The song’s provocative “oh-ahh” vocals, often mistaken for Stevie Nicks, are actually Buckingham’s voice, sampled and altered through a variable speed oscillator to mimic a female tone, a fact that surprised fans when revealed on Songfacts.

Another cool tidbit comes from Buckingham himself, who described "Big Love" in a 2005 interview as a song about “a lonely guy on a hill in a house, kind of hanging out by himself.” By the time he performed it in 1997, he noted the irony, as he was still living on that same hill but now with a family, giving the song a new perspective. The The Dance performance, recorded for an MTV special, marked the reunion of the classic Fleetwood Mac lineup after a decade apart, and the energy was electric. A YouTube commenter shared how their dad played this concert daily on YouTube, sparking nostalgia for many. The song’s intensity is so gripping that during a 2015 Fleetwood Mac show at The O2 Arena, NME reported drops of blood on Buckingham’s guitar from his fierce playing. Zoo Crew knows this track brings the heat!

Fleetwood Mac started in London in 1967, founded by guitarist Peter Green, who named the band after drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie. Initially a British blues band, they scored a UK number-one single with “Albatross” in 1968. Green’s departure in 1970 and the addition of Christine McVie, John’s wife, shifted their sound. The real game-changer came in 1975 when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined, propelling the band to global fame with their self-titled album, featuring hits like “Rhiannon” and “Say You Love Me.” Their 1977 album Rumours, born amid personal turmoil including divorces and breakups, became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. Fleetwood Mac’s ability to blend blues, rock, and pop, paired with their dramatic interpersonal dynamics, cemented their legacy as one of the best-selling bands, with over 120 million records sold.

Stay connected with Fleetwood Mac through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at Fleetwood Mac News, a dedicated fan site with updates and tour info. Join the vibrant Fleetwood Mac Fan Club on Facebook or check out the r/FleetwoodMac subreddit for discussions with fellow Zoo Freaks. The band’s enduring magic keeps the love big, just like this track!