Go Insane

The Zoo Crew is spinning the wild vibes of “Go Insane” by Lindsey Buckingham, from his 1984 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are losing it to this trippy track! This song, a top 40 hit peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a dive into the edge of sanity, with Buckingham himself explaining in a 1984 interview that it’s about those moments we all “go insane from time to time,” walking the fine line of losing it but hopefully reeling back in. He later shared on X in 2018 that the song reflects the challenges of success and creating alongside an ex-lover—likely a nod to his breakup with Stevie Nicks—without closure. The track’s intense, electronic dance-rock vibe, as Billboard called it, is packed with odd effects and a haunting theme, yet its catchy riffs and harmonies echo Fleetwood Mac’s signature sound.

Behind the scenes, Buckingham poured his soul into “Go Insane,” using the cutting-edge Fairlight CMI, an early digital sampling keyboard, to craft its wild soundscape, as he noted on X in 2018. The song’s music video was a creative explosion, earning four nominations at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards for its experimental style, special effects, editing, and cinematography, though it didn’t take home a win. Buckingham shared on X in 2024 that filming the video was one of his favorite experiences, and fans can check out the HD version online. Live performances of the song have varied, from a stripped-down acoustic fingerstyle version during his 1992–1993 Out of the Cradle tour to a darker, warped electric-acoustic take fans raved about on Reddit. The album was dedicated to his former girlfriend Carol Ann Harris, who told Rolling Stone in 1984 that the title track, possibly about her, left her feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and love.

Lindsey Buckingham, born October 3, 1949, in Palo Alto, California, kicked off his musical journey as a kid, strumming along to his brother’s 45 records on a Mickey Mouse guitar. His parents spotted his talent and snagged him his first real guitar for $35, a steal that set the stage for a legendary career. Buckingham, who doesn’t read music, honed his craft through raw talent and ear, joining The Fritz Rabyne Memorial Band from 1966 to 1971 with his then-girlfriend Stevie Nicks. The duo later dropped the 1973 album Buckingham Nicks under Polydor Records, but it flopped, and they were dropped from the label. Luck turned when Mick Fleetwood heard their work and invited them to join Fleetwood Mac in 1974, launching Buckingham into stardom as the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist, shaping hits like Rumours and Tusk with his innovative production and intricate guitar work.

Zoo Freaks can keep up with Lindsey Buckingham through his official website, where you’ll find tour updates and discography details. Connect with him on social media via his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares insights like his love for reworking “Go Insane” acoustically or tech tidbits about the Fairlight CMI. Fans also gather at sites like Fleetwood Mac UK, a tribute hub with articles and fan Q&As, or join discussions in Fleetwood Mac Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees swap stories and celebrate Buckingham’s solo and Mac legacy. Dive into these spaces to vibe with fellow freaks and keep the “Go Insane” spirit alive!