Flashback: Fleetwood Mac Reunite for Bill Clinton’s Inauguration

When it came time to book the headlining act for Bill Clinton’s 1993 Inaugural Ball, there was really only one choice: Fleetwood Mac. Their 1977 hit “Don’t Stop” was the theme song of his campaign, and it played virtually anywhere he went during that hectic year. The only problem was that the Rumours-era lineup of the band hadn’t played together in years, and Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood had just gotten into a nasty spat in the press.

Despite all the drama, it proved very tough to turn down an invitation from Bill Clinton, and the Rumours lineup put aside their differences for one night to play “Don’t Stop” at the Inaugural Ball. The song wrapped up with the First Family taking the stage alongside Michael Jackson, Chuck Berry, Warren Beatty, Sally Field and tons of other special guests. 

500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Fleetwood Mac, Rumours

It was the most attention that Fleetwood Mac had received in years, but it didn’t lead to a permanent reunion. A few years later, the group reached a real low when they opened up for REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar on an American tour. By that point, only Mick Fleetwood and John McVie remained from the classic lineup.

The group seemed to be headed for an eternity on the state fair circuit, but suddenly fellow 1970s vets the Eagles and KISS reformed their old lineups and found themselves back in stadiums. Even Jimmy Page and Robert Plant brought the old Led Zeppelin catalog back to arenas in exchange for a small fortune. The temptation was too great, so suddenly Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were willing to let bygones be bygones. They’ve been touring every three or so years ever since, though Christine McVie retired shortly after the first reunion tour.