Gypsy

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some mystical vibes as we spin "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac from their 1982 album Mirage! This track, penned by Stevie Nicks, is a heartfelt journey into nostalgia and loss. Nicks wrote "Gypsy" around 1979, initially considering it for her solo album Bella Donna, but she saved it for Mirage after the tragic death of her best friend, Robin Anderson, from leukemia. The song became a tribute to Anderson, with lyrics like “I still see your bright eyes” reflecting their deep bond. Nicks shared in a 2009 Montreal concert that the song harked back to her pre-Fleetwood Mac days, living in a San Francisco apartment with a mattress on the floor, inspired by a visit to The Velvet Underground, a boutique where rock icons like Janis Joplin shopped. The track’s video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, was the most expensive music video of its time, featuring elaborate forest scenes and dancers, though Nicks found the shoot grueling, as she was battling cocaine addiction and had to pause rehab for it.

Another layer to "Gypsy" is its personal toll on Nicks. She revealed in interviews that performing it was tough after Anderson’s death, especially since she briefly married Anderson’s widower, Kim, in 1983, out of duty to Anderson’s son, Matthew. The marriage lasted only eight months, but Nicks dedicated a 2015 performance to Kim, who was in the audience. The song’s B-side, “Cool Water,” is a rare gem featuring John McVie’s vocals, a cover of a 1936 Bob Nolan tune. Fans on X have celebrated "Gypsy" as a standout, with posts like @Nickslive’s 2021 anniversary nod to Mirage highlighting its chart success at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s ethereal quality, with Buckingham’s intricate guitar and Nicks’ soaring vocals, has made it Fleetwood Mac’s most performed song from Mirage, resonating across generations.

Fleetwood Mac began 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 outfit, they scored a UK #1 with “Albatross” in 1968. Green’s departure in 1970 due to health issues marked a shift, with Christine McVie joining as a keyboardist and vocalist. The band’s sound evolved dramatically in 1975 when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, a soft-rock duo from California, joined after their album Buckingham Nicks caught Fleetwood’s ear during a studio audition. This lineup, with Nicks’ charismatic stage presence and Buckingham’s pop craftsmanship, propelled Fleetwood Mac to global fame with their 1975 self-titled album, which hit #1 in 1976, followed by the iconic Rumours in 1977, one of the best-selling albums ever. Their blend of melodic soft rock and raw emotion defined their legacy, selling over 120 million records worldwide.

Stay connected with Fleetwood Mac through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Fleetwood Mac News or join communities such as the Fleetwood Mac Fan Club on Facebook. For more Stevie Nicks magic, check out Stevie Nicks Info. Zoo Freaks, keep those free-spirited vibes alive and let “Gypsy” take you back to the velvet underground!