The Forgotten Album: A Decade of Drama and Drugs
Fleetwood Mac's tumultuous history is a fascinating study in the interplay of creativity and chaos. Their 1987 album, 'Tango in the Night', is a prime example of how a band's internal struggles can both inspire and hinder their artistic output. This album, released a decade after their iconic 'Rumours', showcases a group teetering between brilliance and self-destruction.
The band's evolution, or perhaps devolution, from the iconic 'Rumours' era is striking. While 'Tango in the Night' hints at a return to form, it's a mere echo of their past glory. What makes this period particularly intriguing is the band's inability to escape their old patterns. Despite a ten-year gap, the members found themselves in a familiar whirlwind of drama and drug abuse.
A Band in Turmoil
Fleetwood Mac has always been synonymous with drama. Their early days, even before the iconic Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined, were marked by constant musical shifts and personal turmoil. The band's identity was fluid, adapting to the revolving door of members, until they found stability with Peter Green, only to have it shattered by his drug-induced breakdown.
The arrival of Buckingham and Nicks brought a new era of drama, one that would define the band's legacy. 'Rumours' became a testament to their ability to channel personal strife into musical genius. However, this success was built on a foundation of cocaine and unresolved issues.
Cocaine and Creativity
Cocaine, the unofficial sixth member of the band during 'Rumours', continued its insidious presence into the '80s. The band's attempt to rid themselves of this influence was futile, as 'Tango in the Night' reveals. Mick Fleetwood's admission that cocaine use was even more rampant during the making of this album is startling. It's as if the band couldn't escape the cycle of substance abuse, despite the passing years.
The impact of this drug-fueled environment is evident in the band's output. While 'Tango in the Night' has its moments, it lacks the raw authenticity of 'Rumours'. Personally, I believe this is a result of the band's inability to confront and resolve their personal issues. The drugs, in a twisted way, became a crutch, masking the underlying problems.
Stevie Nicks: The Ever-Present Absentee
Stevie Nicks, often portrayed as a victim in Fleetwood Mac's narrative, played a central role in this chapter. Her limited involvement in the studio during 'Tango in the Night' is telling. It's almost as if she was trying to detach herself from the band's drama, yet remained entangled in its web.
Nicks's contribution of three songs to the album, despite her minimal presence, speaks to her talent and the band's reliance on her creativity. However, it also raises questions about the band's dynamics. Were they enabling her distance, or was it a mutual decision? In my opinion, this period highlights the complex relationships within the band, where personal struggles and artistic collaboration were inextricably linked.
The Price of Success
The success of 'Rumours' was both a blessing and a curse. It set a standard that the band struggled to match in subsequent years. 'Tango in the Night' serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best course of action after a monumental success is to part ways and preserve the legacy.
The band's inability to let go of their past glory led to a replication of old patterns. The drugs, the drama, and the personal struggles remained, even as the years passed. This raises a deeper question about the nature of artistic success and the toll it takes on its creators.
In conclusion, 'Tango in the Night' is more than just an album; it's a symbol of a band's struggle to recapture their former glory amidst personal chaos. It invites us to reflect on the fine line between creativity and self-destruction, and the price artists sometimes pay for their success.
