Sara

Alright, Zoo Freaks, it’s your favorite hippie DJs from The Zoo Crew, spinning the groovy vibes here at THE ZOO radio station! We’re diving into the dreamy haze of Fleetwood Mac’s “Sara” from their wild 1979 album Tusk. This track is a lush, emotional ride, and it’s got some juicy stories behind it. Written by Stevie Nicks, “Sara” was born during a chaotic time in her life. Stevie revealed in a 2014 Billboard interview that the song partly reflects her brief affair with bandmate Mick Fleetwood, who was married at the time, and her deep connection to her friend Sara Recor, who later became Mick’s wife in 1988. The line “great dark wing” is a nod to Mick, inspired by his loud red Ferrari, as Stevie shared in a YouTube video where she discussed the song’s personal layers. But there’s more—Don Henley of The Eagles claimed in a 1991 GQ interview that “Sara” was also about an unborn child Stevie might have named Sara, though she’s said it’s not the full story. This song’s a tapestry of love, loss, and betrayal, and it’s no wonder it hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100!

Here’s a cool tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: “Sara” started as a sprawling 16-minute demo, as noted on Stevie Nicks Info. Stevie recorded it at home, with her friend Sara Recor keeping the coffee flowing and swapping out cassettes during a long night. The studio version was trimmed to about six and a half minutes for Tusk, but there’s a nine-minute “cleaning lady” version—named for Stevie’s playful outburst at the start of the demo—that’s a fan favorite, released on the 2004 remastered Tusk. Reddit fans on the r/FleetwoodMac subreddit rave about its ethereal, dreamy vibe, calling it one of the band’s most unique tracks. Stevie herself has said, in a 1983 Arizona Living Magazine interview, that “Sara” is “the love of my life,” and she still performs it live, with fans on @Nickslive sharing clips of her belting it out as recently as 2023. The song’s recording was a labor of love, too—Stevie played tack piano, and Mick used brushes instead of drumsticks to match her fluid timing, as detailed in Wikipedia.

Let’s rewind and talk about how Fleetwood Mac got their start, because this band’s journey is a wild ride. Formed in London in 1967 by guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and bassist John McVie, the band was rooted in British blues, named after Mick and John’s surnames. Early hits like “Albatross” showcased their raw, soulful sound, but the lineup was a revolving door. By the early 1970s, Peter Green left, and the band went through several guitarists and vocalists, including Christine McVie, who joined in 1970 after marrying John. The game-changer came in 1974 when Mick, while scouting a studio in Los Angeles, heard Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’ duo album. He invited Lindsey to join, and Stevie came along as part of the package, as chronicled in Mick’s autobiography, Fleetwood: My Life and Adventures in Fleetwood Mac. This lineup—Stevie, Lindsey, Christine, John, and Mick—dropped the self-titled 1975 album, which exploded with hits like “Rhiannon” and “Landslide.” Their 1977 masterpiece Rumours cemented them as rock royalty, selling over 40 million copies worldwide, despite the band’s infamous romantic entanglements and personal turmoil.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Fleetwood Mac on their official website, where you’ll find tour updates and merch. Follow them on Facebook for throwback photos and news, like their recent documentary announcement. Their Instagram is a vibe, with vintage shots and fan love, though it’s currently set to private. On X, they share clips and interact with fans, celebrating milestones like Tusk’s 45th anniversary in 2024. For Stevie-specific content, check out Stevie Nicks Info, a fan site packed with song details and tour info. Join the Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac Fan Group on Facebook to connect with other fans sharing memes and rare live videos. The Fleetwood Mac News site is another gem for updates on band members’ solo projects and archival releases. So, crank up “Sara,” let its magic wash over you, and stay tuned for more from The Zoo Crew!