Identifying Fleetwood Mac: Rock’s boldest case of identity theft
Fleetwood Mac, one of the most iconic rock bands in music history, found themselves at the center of an audacious identity theft scheme in 1974 that nearly destroyed their legacy. This scheme involved a group of session musicians posing as Fleetwood Mac on tour, causing confusion and chaos amongst fans and promoters alike.
The roots of this deception can be traced back to Fleetwood Mac’s tumultuous 1973 tour, led by guitarist Bob Welch. The band was grappling with internal strife, particularly drummer Mick Fleetwood’s wife, Jenny Boyd, who was having an affair with lead guitarist Bob Weston. The discovery of this betrayal during the tour led to Weston’s immediate dismissal, causing the band to cancel the remaining dates and retreat to England.
Their manager, Clifford Davis, saw an opportunity amidst the financial losses from the cancelled shows. Claiming ownership of the name ‘Fleetwood Mac,’ Davis assembled a new lineup of musicians to continue touring under the band’s moniker. This ‘Fake Mac’ included singer Elmer Gantry and guitarist Kirby Gregory, among others, who were fed the false promise that Mick Fleetwood would join them on tour to lend legitimacy.
However, when the deception was uncovered at the first show in Pittsburgh, tensions escalated between the promoter and Davis. The situation deteriorated further in New York, where the audience erupted in anger upon realizing they had been duped. The band struggled through a performance marred by boos and discontent, culminating in a disastrous tour for the impostor Fleetwood Mac.
The real Fleetwood Mac fought back, eventually winning a legal battle over the name and severing ties with Davis. They relocated to California, where they took control of their careers and set the stage for their legendary ‘Rumours’ album in 1977. Meanwhile, the members of the ‘Fake Mac’ formed a new band called Stretch, finding success with their hit single ‘Why Did You Do It?’ – a scathing message directed at Mick Fleetwood for abandoning them.
This incident of identity theft within the music industry was not unique to Fleetwood Mac. Bands like The Beach Boys, Guns N’ Roses, and Pink Floyd have all faced legal battles over their names, leading to fractures and disputes among band members. In the competitive world of rock music, securing the rights to one’s name is essential for maintaining artistic integrity and preserving a band’s legacy.
Despite the turmoil and betrayal that Fleetwood Mac endured during the ‘Fake Mac’ scandal, the band emerged stronger and more determined than ever. Their resilience and creativity propelled them to new heights, solidifying their status as one of the greatest bands in rock history. The ‘Fake Mac’ may have been a dark chapter in their story, but it ultimately led to their rebirth and enduring success.