Monday, January 20, will mark over 3 decades since Fleetwood Mac performed their 1977 hit ‘Don’t Stop’ at Bill Clinton’s Presidential Inauguration, which served as the theme song for Clinton’s presidential campaign.
This momentous performance reunited Fleetwood Mac’s classic lineup after a six-year hiatus, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most beloved rock bands.
Continuing the 25th Anniversary celebration of The Dance, a newly upgraded HD version of the music video for “Silver Springs” is available now. Subscribe to the official Fleetwood Mac YouTube channel today so you don’t miss what’s coming next! https://t.co/8QheKlk8W4 pic.twitter.com/0jhHhkiBb1
— Fleetwood Mac (@fleetwoodmac) September 2, 2022
The band was formed in London in 1967 by drummer Mick Fleetwood and guitarist Peter Green, initially gaining fame for their blues-based sound with their 1968 self-titled debut album. Green’s haunting guitar arrangements on tracks like ‘Albatross’ captivated audiences and established the band’s early identity.
Following Green’s departure in 1970, the band underwent a major transformation with the addition of American musicians Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in 1975. They joined Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Christine McVie, forming the classic lineup that would define the band’s most commercially successful and influential era.
From this era, emerged their most famous album, ‘Rumours’, in 1977, which continues to be one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. The album featured iconic tracks like ‘Go Your Own Way’, ‘Dreams’, and ‘Don’t Stop’, fusing folk-rock, pop, and soft rock with deeply personal lyrics inspired by their own turbulent relationships and internal struggles – a prime example of the 1970s rock ethos.
The band’s success soared over the following decade with the release of three more albums, featuring hits like ’Everywhere’, and ‘Little Lies’. Their ability to evolve across genres while staying true to their core sound is what has made their music both timeless and influential. However, the band was slowly unravelling, and Buckingham’s departure in 1987 marked the end to their classic lineup.
Thank you for 1 BILLION streams of “Dreams!” Listen here: https://t.co/s0sP5bX4qp pic.twitter.com/OxPEd0OINZ
— Fleetwood Mac (@fleetwoodmac) June 27, 2022
Despite this, Fleetwood Mac endured and have reunited various times including in 1993 at the Presidential Inauguration, highlighting their ability to transcend generations.
Clinton used the song ‘Don’t Stop’ as a unifying, energetic anthem of positivity, aligning with the optimistic and forward-thinking message of his campaign. Lyrics like “Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow” emphasise the positivity and progress he hoped to embody as he advocated for change and revitalisation following the economic struggles of the late 1980s.
His use of music as a campaign tool reflects a long-standing tradition in presidential elections. Throughout history, music has played a pivotal role in shaping public perception and energising supporters, evolving from simple campaign jingles to iconic pop songs.
This tradition dates back to George Washington’s campaign, where his supporters modified ‘God Save the King’ to ‘God Save Great Washington’ – mocking the anthem of their former rulers. However, the relationship between musicians and presidential candidates has not always been smooth. A notable example of this tension occurred during Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign, when the Rolling Stones threatened to take legal action in response to the use of ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ as his rallies.
Monday will see his return to the White House, with various musicians performing at the inauguration ceremony, including The Village People. The 1970s American disco group, famous for their dance-pop hits and vibrant stage personas, will perform twice at the ceremony, following the adoption of ‘Y.M.C.A’ as part of Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Fleetwood Mac’s historic performance at President Clinton’s 1993 inauguration highlights the bands enduring influence on both music and culture. ‘Don’t Stop’ encapsulates the optimism and hope of Clinton’s campaign as well as demonstrating the enduring power of music to unite and inspire.
Monday (January 20) not only marks a defining moment in modern politics with Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S President, but also serves as a reminder of the powerful connection between music and politics.
