Monday Morning

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Monday Morning" from Fleetwood Mac's 1975 self-titled album! This upbeat track, written and sung by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, was the perfect opener for the album that introduced Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to the band. Originally penned for a second Buckingham Nicks LP that never materialized after their label, Polydor Records, dropped them, "Monday Morning" found its home with Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham shared in an interview with Nile Rodgers that the song captures the emotional rollercoaster of his relationship with Nicks, reflecting how things could feel great on Monday but unravel by Friday. It’s a snapshot of the personal tensions that would later define the band’s dynamic, especially during the recording of their iconic album, Rumours.

The song’s creation story is just as intriguing. Buckingham recorded "Monday Morning" as a demo on a 4-track tape machine before presenting it to Fleetwood Mac. Drummer Mick Fleetwood was instantly hooked, but bassist John McVie was hesitant, wary of straying from the band’s blues roots. Despite this, the track’s buoyant energy and pop craftsmanship won over the band, with critics like Matthew Greenwald from AllMusic calling it a "brilliant opening to a brilliant album." Paste magazine ranked it number 30 on their list of the 30 greatest Fleetwood Mac songs, praising Buckingham’s bold contribution. Fun fact: during the 2018–2019 An Evening with Fleetwood Mac tour, Neil Finn, who replaced Buckingham, sang "Monday Morning" and found its quirky lyrics and vocal demands challenging, describing it as a "strange song" that strained his voice live.

Let’s dive into how Fleetwood Mac got started. Formed in London in 1967 by guitarist Peter Green, the band was named after drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, both formerly of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Green, along with slide guitarist Jeremy Spencer, kicked things off as a British blues band, scoring a UK number-one hit with the instrumental "Albatross" in 1968. The early years saw multiple lineup changes, with Green leaving in 1970 after a mental health struggle, followed by the addition of keyboardist-vocalist Christine McVie, John’s wife, who brought a new dimension to the band. The pivotal moment came in 1974 when Buckingham and Nicks joined, shifting Fleetwood Mac toward a pop-rock sound that led to their 1975 album and global fame. With over 120 million records sold, the band’s evolution from blues to chart-topping rock is one of music’s wildest journeys.

Stay connected with Fleetwood Mac through their official website and social media: follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can also join the Fleetwood Mac Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks and share their love for the band. For more fan-driven content, check out Fleetwood Mac News, a dedicated fan site with tour updates, album news, and band stories. Keep those vibes high, and let’s keep spinning the classics!