55 Years Ago: Fleetwood Mac's First Number-One Hit
30 Jan 2024
This week in 1969, Fleetwood Mac soared to new heights as their instrumental masterpiece 'Albatross' ascended to the top of the UK Singles Chart, becoming the band's first number-one hit. See below for details of a special subscriber offer celebrating the song's 55th anniversary.
Composed by the gifted Peter Green, 'Albatross' marked a departure from conventional blues. Instantly captivating listeners with its ethereal melody and Green's enchanting lead guitar work, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood added a pulsing rhythm and the sounds of waves using timpani mallets.
Fleetwood Mac played a tour with B.B. King. We played 'Albatross' at one of the rehearsals and when we finished B.B. applauded us and said, 'That's beautiful, Peter.' - Peter Green
'Albatross' marked the start of a shift in direction for Fleetwood Mac, an evolution in the band that would include now legendary changes in musical styles and line-ups. In Love That Burns, Mick Fleetwood elaborates:
Fleetwood Mac got famous so quickly; we were still playing small clubs even as we were becoming pop stars. Our aptly named first number-one hit, 'Albatross', wasn't understood by our hardcore blues fans. They thought we'd sold out, judging it a little light in the loafers for their taste. The song is beautiful but also carries a huge sadness on closer listening. It was Peter stretching himself beyond the blues. The burden of our success haunted him. After all, he had created this, the very thing he wanted to avoid. I knew the mantle became too heavy to bear, the albatross around his neck, if you like. The responsibility of keeping the giant bird in the air would eventually be too much for Peter, a haunting story in itself. - Mick Fleetwood
Subscriber Offer - £55 OFF with ALBATROSS
For the next five days, use the discount code
ALBATROSS to receive
£55 OFF when ordering Mick Fleetwood's signed limited edition,
Love That Burns: A Chronicle of Fleetwood Mac. This is a very special opportunity to acquire this classic Genesis limited edition. Offer lasts until midnight on Sunday 4th February, subject to availability.
For the full terms and conditions of this offer, please see below.
Love That Burns
Mick Fleetwood
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
Terms & Conditions
- The ALBATROSS gift code is valid on all new orders of Love That Burns placed from today until midnight Sunday 4th February.
- The ALBATROSS gift code must be entered at checkout during the offer period.
- This offer is made subject to availability, while stocks last.
- Gift Codes cannot be combined with other codes, offers, or discounts.
- Gift Codes cannot be resold, redeemed, refunded for cash, or used towards previous purchases.
