Fleetwood Mac Band Members’ Halloween Costumes from 1978 Documented in New Book
In October 1978, Fleetwood Mac took a break from recording their album Tusk at Village Recorders in Los Angeles to attend a Halloween costume party together. The band members’ costumes, as documented in the book ‘Get Tusked: The Inside Story of Fleetwood Mac’s Most Anticipated Album,’ featured a range of eccentric and controversial themes. Lindsey Buckingham dressed as a priest in a dark clerical frock and collar. Stevie Nicks wore a dramatic blonde wig, heavy white face makeup, and a white gown, evoking her ‘Rhiannon’ persona. Christine McVie chose an Aunt Jemima-inspired costume in blackface, while John McVie wore a Nazi officer uniform. According to Mick Fleetwood’s autobiography, John McVie’s choice was based on his personal interest in collecting Third Reich memorabilia rather than political alignment, though both costumes are widely viewed as unacceptable by modern standards. Mick Fleetwood also participated in the event with elaborate attire. The party occurred during a critical period in the band’s recording of Tusk, an ambitious follow-up album to their successful ‘Rumours.’ The book ‘Get Tusked’ provides detailed insights into the band’s creative process and the cultural context of their work during this era. The costumes reflect the band’s eccentric personalities and the era’s fashion trends, though some elements are now considered highly offensive. The documentation of these costumes offers a glimpse into the band’s personal lives and the historical context of their music-making process. The event highlights the contrast between the band’s artistic achievements and the problematic cultural references present in their personal choices during that time.
