Sisters of the Moon

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the mystic energy of Fleetwood Mac’s “Sisters of the Moon” from their groundbreaking 1979 album Tusk! This track, penned and sung by the ethereal Stevie Nicks, is a haunting gem that captures her raw emotional depth. In a 1979 radio interview with Jim Ladd, Stevie revealed the song’s origins, sharing how she saw herself in a mirror during a grueling 1975 tour, looking frail and sick, feeling like she was “fading away.” She described herself as a “poor sad little thing” who “must be dying,” channeling her physical and mental exhaustion into the song’s gothic imagery. The lyrics, with lines like “Her black robes trailing, Sister of the moon,” evoke a dark, introspective persona, possibly Stevie confronting her own stage image or inner struggles.

The song’s creation was a band effort, born from a jam session at Village Recorder in Los Angeles, a rare collaborative moment for Tusk, which was often dominated by Lindsey Buckingham’s solo experiments. Drummer Mick Fleetwood called it one of “the greatest ‘band moments’ in our career,” praising its moody intensity. The recording process was meticulous—Stevie sang in a stained-glass vocal booth, Lindsey played a distorted Fender Stratocaster through a Marshall stack, and the band even paused to recite Robert Frost’s poetry to reset their focus. They adjusted the tempo by two beats per minute after analyzing Mick’s drum tracks, showcasing their perfectionism. Live performances, especially during the 1982 Mirage Tour, stretched the song beyond eight minutes, with Lindsey’s searing guitar solo and Stevie’s commanding stage presence making it a fan favorite, as seen in posts on r/FleetwoodMac.

Fans have long speculated about the song’s meaning. Some, as noted on buckinghamnicks.net, see it as Stevie grappling with her public persona versus her true self, with the line “The people, they love her, And still they are the most cruel” hinting at the pressures of fame and harsh critics. Others, in discussions on SongMeanings, interpret it as a nod to her “witchy” image, fueled by 1970s rumors of witchcraft, which Stevie countered by wearing pastel colors and softening her stage antics. A 2024 Reddit post on r/FleetwoodMac highlighted the alternate version’s intense vocals, with fans debating whether it outshines the original. The live Tusk Tour version, incorporating lyrics like “Where have the white birds flown,” possibly from a poem called “Cecilia,” adds another layer of mystique.

Fleetwood Mac began in London in 1967 as a British blues band, founded by guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and bassist Bob Brunning, with John McVie soon replacing Brunning. Named after Fleetwood and McVie, the band initially focused on blues covers and originals, with Green’s soulful guitar defining early hits like “Albatross.” Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan joined as guitarists, expanding their sound. By 1970, after Green’s departure due to mental health struggles, the band evolved with the addition of keyboardist Christine Perfect (later McVie), who married John McVie. The pivotal shift came in 1975 when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined, bringing a pop-rock edge that propelled the band to global fame with albums like Fleetwood Mac (1975) and Rumours (1977). Their blend of blues roots, intricate harmonies, and personal drama—fueled by romantic entanglements—created a timeless sound.

Stay connected with Fleetwood Mac through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates and nostalgic vibes. Stevie Nicks also shares her solo journey on her official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s legacy on Fleetwood Mac News or join discussions in the Fleetwood Mac Fans Facebook group and r/FleetwoodMac. For Stevie enthusiasts, Stevie Nicks Info and buckinghamnicks.net offer rich archives. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew, and let the moonlit magic of “Sisters of the Moon” carry you away!