Time Tour

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Lore & Background

Fans often recall this era as a transitional period where the band experimented with new voices and styles, but internal tensions limited the tour's reach. Christine McVie opted not to tour, citing insomnia and her inability to sleep in 'strange beds night after night.' Dave Mason believed the lineup would have had more credibility if McVie had accompanied them on the road. Steve Thoma covered keyboards on the tour. A notable moment came during the Tokyo performance, where original guitarist Jeremy Spencer joined the group on stage. The only songs from *Time* performed were 'Blow by Blow' and 'Dreamin' the Dream'—the latter co-written by Bekka Bramlett and Billy Burnette soon after they began a romantic relationship.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed as Mick Fleetwood took his place behind the drum kit, launching into a set that balanced classic hits with new material from *Time*. Bekka Bramlett, who had joined the band after being approached by Fleetwood following a performance with her father Delaney Bramlett, brought a country-infused energy to the stage. Dave Mason, recruited after Fleetwood jokingly threatened to make him join the band, added his signature guitar work. The tour's highlight came in Tokyo when Jeremy Spencer—one of the band's original guitarists—joined them on stage, a rare reunion that delighted longtime fans. Yet the absence of Christine McVie was felt; she had notified the band she would not tour, and the setlist reflected her absence, with only two new songs making the cut.

Reader's Guide

The tour spanned from July to December 1994 and again from April to September 1995, with the band supporting Crosby, Stills & Nash during their 25th anniversary tour in 1994. The following year, they performed on the same bill as Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, and Orleans. Steve Thoma covered keyboards on the tour, which was titled the Another Link in the Chain Tour. Only two songs from *Time* were performed: 'Blow by Blow' and 'Dreamin' the Dream'. The band also performed 'The Chain' and 'Oh Well' at the 1994 World Cup launch concert. Notable incidents included Jeremy Spencer joining the group on stage for their Tokyo performance. The band did not tour after the album's release in October 1995, with the exception of a New Year's Eve performance.

Did You Know?

• The tour was called the Another Link in the Chain Tour.
• Christine McVie did not tour because of insomnia and her inability to sleep in 'strange beds night after night.'
• Original guitarist Jeremy Spencer joined the band on stage for their Tokyo performance.
• Only two songs from *Time* were performed live: 'Blow by Blow' and 'Dreamin' the Dream'.
• In 1994, the band supported Crosby, Stills & Nash during their 25th anniversary tour.

Origins and Early Turmoil

Formed in London during July 1967, Fleetwood Mac began as a blues-rock ensemble featuring Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, Mick Fleetwood, and Bob Brunning. The group's early years were defined by significant instability; bassist John McVie replaced Brunning shortly after formation, while Danny Kirwan joined later to expand the guitar sound. Tragedy struck in 1970 when founding member Peter Green abruptly departed due to severe mental health struggles and drug abuse issues. Following his exit, Christine McVie officially joined on keyboards and vocals, bringing stability before Jeremy Spencer vanished during a US tour in 1971 to join the Children of God organization. The mid-1970s saw further chaos as Danny Kirwan was fired after a drunken backstage altercation, followed by the dismissal of replacement Bob Weston due to personal misconduct involving Fleetwood's wife. This volatile period set the stage for the band's eventual transformation into a global supergroup.

The Classic Era and Breakthrough

Settling legal disputes with former management in late 1974 allowed the band to return as a four-piece, but the lineup shifted decisively on New Year's Eve when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined, replacing Bob Welch. This new group—Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Nicks, and Buckingham—defined Fleetwood Mac for over twelve years, delivering a string of massive albums and tours that locked in their rock history status. Internal friction eventually pushed Buckingham out in August 1987, ending the golden era. Billy Burnette and Rick Vito stepped in afterward, but both Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie retired from touring once the 1990 Behind the Mask Tour wrapped, shifting the band away from its most famous lineup.

Reunions and Final Chapter

The band experienced several attempts at resurrection following the disbandment of the classic lineup. A notable reunion occurred in January 1993 when the original five members performed together at President Bill Clinton's inauguration. Following this event, personnel shifted again with Bekka Bramlett and Dave Mason joining before the release of the 1995 studio album Time, which featured contributions from Christine McVie and a returning Billy Burnette. Although the group disbanded shortly after that album, they reformed within a year to tour in 1997, releasing the live album The Dance. Christine McVie left again in 1998 but returned sixteen years later in January 2014. In April 2018, Lindsey Buckingham was fired following touring disagreements and replaced by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn, creating a final lineup that included Fleetwood, both McVies, Nicks, Campbell, and Finn.

Legacy and the End of an Era

Christine McVie's death in 2022 cast a shadow over Fleetwood Mac's future. In October 2023, Stevie Nicks made it clear she wouldn't continue without her longtime friend and collaborator, effectively closing the book on a group that had weathered decades of lineup shifts, tragedies, and musical changes since starting in 1967. From Peter Green's blues roots to late-seventies pop-rock dominance and the final run with Neil Finn, the band managed it all; yet with Christine gone, Nicks confirmed there would be no going forward without her.