December 19 marks a homecoming and history-making night for Fleetwood Mac.
FROM LEFT: Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac circa 1977. The band recorded its best-selling Rumours album at Criteria Studios in North Miami.
Miami is known for its unique blend of music featuring elements of Latin beats and pop rhythms. Seventies rock ’n’ roll? Not so much. But that doesn’t stop potentially 50,000 or so people from seeking out the classic genre when Fleetwood Mac comes to town on December 19.
Not surprisingly, Fleetwood Mac is one of the most iconic bands to come out of that generation and has bridged the gap between the Baby Boomers and Millennials. With their emotionally charged music and charismatic stage presence, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine and John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood have captivated audiences for years despite their numerous breaks.
After being on hiatus since 2009, Fleetwood Mac left many South Floridian fans disappointed when the group canceled their much-anticipated June 2013 concert at the BB&T Center—one of a number of called-off shows due to John McVie’s battle with cancer. But like the hook of a great song, the band caught the ear of fans when they announced Christine McVie would be returning to the group after her 15-year leave to help headline their 2014 On With the Show tour. And their one stop in Sunrise is sure to make up for the years of built-up anticipation as the original members featured on the band’s best-selling Rumours album return to the stage. “This is something we never thought we’d see again,” says Miami music critic Howard Cohen. “The Rumours-era lineup hasn’t played these parts since 1997, and Christine was adamant about no more music or touring.”
Not only will this performance be historical, but it also acts as a homecoming of sorts. Fleetwood Mac recorded parts of the classic Rumours album at the famed Criteria Studios in North Miami in 1976, and it was that album that made music history. It spent 31 weeks at number 1 through most of 1977—which is a record-setting run for a rock band’s album that remains intact to this day. It was also the first pop/rock album to score four Top 10 singles from one album, something unheard of in that era. “Criteria was a well-regarded studio,” says Cohen. “Stars liked recording in the sunny heat of South Florida rather than chilly New York and liked the getaway from California.”
While Miami may be better known as a vacation destination than a rock ’n’ roll mecca, the Magic City’s appreciation for music still draws crowds. Says Cohen, “It is impressive that a group that formed as a British blues band in England in 1967 can still get thousands of South Floridians off the beach into a sports arena.” Fleetwood Mac performs Friday, December 19, at 8 pm at BB&T Center, 1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise