Landslide (Live 1975)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hauntingly beautiful "Landslide (Live 1975)" by Fleetwood Mac, recorded for the King Biscuit Flower Hour at the University of Connecticut on October 25, 1975, and Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the emotional weight of this classic. Written by Stevie Nicks in 1973, the song captures a pivotal moment of self-reflection and determination. Nicks penned "Landslide" in Aspen, Colorado, while looking out at the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, contemplating whether to return to school or pursue music with her then-boyfriend, Lindsey Buckingham. She has shared in interviews, like one with Performing Songwriter, that the song was her decision to keep going, singing, “When you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills,” inspired by the avalanche-like challenges she faced. The lyrics, with lines like “Can I handle the seasons of my life,” resonate with listeners, as evidenced by fans on Facebook who share stories of the song marking personal milestones, from weddings to losses, calling it “the song of a million meanings.”

Another layer of trivia comes from Nicks’ own words in a 1998 Yahoo! Chat, where she expressed delight that Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins covered “Landslide,” noting how pleasing it is for a songwriter to see others embrace their work. The song’s live 1975 performance, featured in the King Biscuit Flower Hour broadcast, showcases Nicks’ tender vocals alongside Buckingham’s acoustic guitar, a raw contrast to the polished studio version from Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. Fans on X have praised this rendition for its intimacy, with one 2018 post from the band’s official account highlighting an early demo as a glimpse into its raw emotion. The song’s enduring appeal is clear, having been covered by artists like The Chicks and Miley Cyrus, and even inspiring the 2021 novel Landslide by Susan Conley, which opens with its lyrics.

Fleetwood Mac began in London in 1967, founded by guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and guitarist Jeremy Spencer, with bassist John McVie joining soon after, as detailed in their Wikipedia bio. Named after Fleetwood and McVie, the band started as a British blues act, scoring a UK number-one hit with “Albatross” in 1968. The early years saw multiple lineup changes, with Green, Spencer, and later Danny Kirwan departing by 1974. Christine McVie, John’s wife, joined in 1970, adding keyboards and vocals. The band’s pivotal shift came in 1975 when Fleetwood, after hearing Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work on the Buckingham Nicks album, invited him to join. Buckingham insisted Stevie Nicks come along, transforming the band into its most iconic lineup. Their 1975 self-titled album, featuring “Landslide,” hit number one in the US, marking their rise to global fame.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Fleetwood Mac through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates and throwbacks like the 2018 “Landslide” demo post keep the legacy alive. Fans also gather on sites like Stevie Nicks Info, a dedicated fan page with detailed song histories, and Fleetwood Mac Wiki, a fandom hub for trivia and discographies. On Facebook groups like “Fleetwood Mac Fans,” enthusiasts share concert memories and rare recordings, fostering a vibrant community for the band’s timeless music.