Most Accurate Bios By People Who Were There

[singertobe]

So I've read pretty much every interview with this band from '75 onward, I've read Carol Ann's memoir, and I just got Mick's first autobiography for my birthday. But I still want to know more about this band. So in you's guys' opinion, which books on the Mac are the most accurate? I prefer writings from people who were actually there and witnessed what was going on which is why I got Storms and My Life and Adventure with Fleetwood Mac. Do you think these 2 books are accurate enough? Are there others out there that are better?

Also, I'm aware that Pattie Boyd has a memoir. Seeing as she's Mick's first wife's sister, does she have anything to say about the band?

[David]

The only band-authorized "official" bio was Samuel Graham's Authorized History of Fleetwood Mac, but that's primarily a marketing artifact.

The band's very first, interim bassist, Bob Brunning, also wrote a couple of books.

Ken Caillat's book on the studio experience is I'm sure authoritative.

The best thing any fan can do is to plow through the Penguin's Blue Letter Archives right here.

[HomerMcvie]

I believe 95% of Carol Ann's book. I mean, there are always three versions of the truth. What happened in each party's own eyes, but the actual truth is somewhere in the middle of both of those versions.


However, Mick is a drama queen, and I'd say about half of his book is true.

[lovethemac1]

Carol Anns book was a fun, light read, interesting, and I'm sure the gist of it is true. I know there are some things that have been proven untrue though, for instance, her writing of the AMA awards and who helped Lindsey up the stairs. So I'm in no position to say how much is true or untrue. But it was fun to read.

Bob Brunnings book was pretty boring, IMO.

As was Cath Carrolls book (can't think of the name right now), it was just a bunch of well known regurgitation.

Ken's book was interesting, if you want a little bit about the social aspect of the band, and lot's about the recording of Rumours technically.

Micks 2 books were basically repeats of each other, with only some new additions in the 2nd one. But I take what he says with a grain of salt, as he told me he couldn't remember the 70's AT ALL during a meet n greet. And he's full of you know what...........

Richard Dashuts overviews of people on Facebook are extremely interesting, and my guess is that they are pretty accurate.

Mike Evans book is really pretty (Fleetwood Mac: A Definitive History), has great photos, but not a lot of meat, or any good tidbits. A nice coffee table book with the whole history of the band.

[singertobe]

Originally Posted by lovethemac1

Carol Anns book was a fun, light read, interesting, and I'm sure the gist of it is true. I know there are some things that have been proven untrue though, for instance, her writing of the AMA awards and who helped Lindsey up the stairs. So I'm in no position to say how much is true or untrue. But it was fun to read.

Bob Brunnings book was pretty boring, IMO.

As was Cath Carrolls book (can't think of the name right now), it was just a bunch of well known regurgitation.

Ken's book was interesting, if you want a little bit about the social aspect of the band, and lot's about the recording of Rumours technically.

Micks 2 books were basically repeats of each other, with only some new additions in the 2nd one. But I take what he says with a grain of salt, as he told me he couldn't remember the 70's AT ALL during a meet n greet. And he's full of you know what...........

Richard Dashuts overviews of people on Facebook are extremely interesting, and my guess is that they are pretty accurate.

Mike Evans book is really pretty (Fleetwood Mac: A Definitive History), has great photos, but not a lot of meat, or any good tidbits. A nice coffee table book with the whole history of the band.

I remember when I was at the M&G I told Mick that I'd gotten his autobio and he responded with "Oh dear, you know too much."

[dreamsunwind]

Pattie Boyd doesn't say much about FM in her book, I think just mentions them once but doesn't say anything about it.
Ken's book was alright but he always comes off so pretentious and it rubs me the wrong way.
Carol Ann is a nutcase but her book is probably the best one for depictions of personalities, settings, overall environment etc. Her perspective regarding herself is probably skewed but I think everything else is likely quite accurate.

[elle]

Ray Lindsey wrote a book last year - The Care and Feeding of Fleetwood Mac and Other Species: A Wildlife Guide. it is very matter of fact, nice fast read. there are few anecdotes about the band in there we haven't heard before.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GD7W5CQ...ng=UTF8&btkr=1

[FuzzyPlum]

Ken's book is about the best I've read, though obviously it only covers a short period of time.
Overall I thought Bob Brunning's book was good- a lot of detail regarding certain events that isn't found anywhere else.
Sadly I found Ray Lindsey's book a bit dull; too much about touring in general and not a lot about Fleetwood Mac specifically.
I thought Carol Ann's book was entertaining (once you learn to live with her writing style and constant self pity) and believe most of what she writes.

[singertobe]

Originally Posted by FuzzyPlum

Ken's book is about the best I've read, though obviously it only covers a short period of time.
Overall I thought Bob Brunning's book was good- a lot of detail regarding certain events that isn't found anywhere else.
Sadly I found Ray Lindsey's book a bit dull; too much about touring in general and not a lot about Fleetwood Mac specifically.
I thought Carol Ann's book was entertaining (once you learn to live with her writing style and constant self pity) and believe most of what she writes.

I actually really enjoyed her writing style. I like how she compared everything to being a fairytale. Very Stevie-like actually. I guess Lindsey has a thing for whimsical girls.

[bombaysaffires]

Originally Posted by elle

Ray Lindsey wrote a book last year - The Care and Feeding of Fleetwood Mac and Other Species: A Wildlife Guide. it is very matter of fact, nice fast read. there are few anecdotes about the band in there we haven't heard before.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GD7W5CQ...ng=UTF8&btkr=1

yes, he gives some interesting insights into the very early days of FM and paints a picture of LB as a very mentoring person (as does Dashut)