Why Mick and Stevie?

[Villavic]

Has anybody ever read about WHY they chose Mick and Stevie to appear at the Rumours cover? I mean why just those two, why not Mick and John again, or why not the 5 members, or Mick and the girls, or Mick and Chris (that would be again a Fleetwood and a Mac, like in the previous album).

Mick's book describes the cover but not the story behind it.

The cover depicted me and Stevie in our stage clothes, she in black chiffon and ballet shoes, me with my wooden balls hanging. In my left hand I hold the same crystal ball juggled by McVie on the cover of Fleetwood Mac.

[louielouie2000]

My guess is because they're the most dramatic personalities in the band, and it was a drama filled album. Mick and Stevie also wore the most flamboyant clothing. Their height difference is also equally dramatic. Stevie wasn't a road tested or well known band member in '75 for her to warrant an album cover... but she was a rising star by '77. My guess is the powers at be realized her unique sex appeal and decided it'd be smart to put her on the album cover. Putting Mick and Stevie on the cover also cemented the marriage of new and old Fleetwood Mac. So it was probably a combination of several things which got Mick and Stevie on the cover of Rumours.

[johnnystorms]

My guess is because they're the most dramatic personalities in the band, and it was a drama filled album. Mick and Stevie also wore the most flamboyant clothing. Their height difference is also equally dramatic. Stevie wasn't a road tested or well known band member in '75 for her to warrant an album cover... but she was a rising star by '77. My guess is the powers at be realized her unique sex appeal and decided it'd be smart to put her on the album cover. Putting Mick and Stevie on the cover also cemented the marriage of new and old Fleetwood Mac. So it was probably a combination of several things which got Mick and Stevie on the cover of Rumours.

works for me!

[HomerMcvie]

My guess is because they're the most dramatic personalities in the band, and it was a drama filled album. Mick and Stevie also wore the most flamboyant clothing. Their height difference is also equally dramatic. Stevie wasn't a road tested or well known band member in '75 for her to warrant an album cover... but she was a rising star by '77. My guess is the powers at be realized her unique sex appeal and decided it'd be smart to put her on the album cover. Putting Mick and Stevie on the cover also cemented the marriage of new and old Fleetwood Mac. So it was probably a combination of several things which got Mick and Stevie on the cover of Rumours.

Dude, that's deep. Keep it up, and you just might make it here as a mod, someday.....oh, wait!:o

[chriskisn]

Well I guess Mick just loves being on everything. You'll notice how Mick pops up everywhere throughout FM history. He's on several album covers (always in a theatrical if not downright silly pose). Personally I'm surprised he didn't have his head poking out of the dustbin (trash can for the Americans) on the dog & dustbin cover from '68.

Plus he pops up during Bob Welch's solo work and during Stevie's solo work (if anyone can explain the point of his appearance on the Red Rocks video then please do so). It was to be expected that he would pop up here too. John never did seem to crave the attention as much.

Oh and Stevie? Well she was hotter than Christine. What more can I say?

:lol:

[TrueFaith77]

My guess is because they're the most dramatic personalities in the band, and it was a drama filled album. Mick and Stevie also wore the most flamboyant clothing. Their height difference is also equally dramatic. Stevie wasn't a road tested or well known band member in '75 for her to warrant an album cover... but she was a rising star by '77. My guess is the powers at be realized her unique sex appeal and decided it'd be smart to put her on the album cover. Putting Mick and Stevie on the cover also cemented the marriage of new and old Fleetwood Mac. So it was probably a combination of several things which got Mick and Stevie on the cover of Rumours.

You broke it down. :)

Also, they were f***ing.

[fumidesigns]

My guess is because they're the most dramatic personalities in the band, and it was a drama filled album. Mick and Stevie also wore the most flamboyant clothing. Their height difference is also equally dramatic. Stevie wasn't a road tested or well known band member in '75 for her to warrant an album cover... but she was a rising star by '77. My guess is the powers at be realized her unique sex appeal and decided it'd be smart to put her on the album cover. Putting Mick and Stevie on the cover also cemented the marriage of new and old Fleetwood Mac. So it was probably a combination of several things which got Mick and Stevie on the cover of Rumours.

Nicely put! I totally agree with this!!!

[fumidesigns]

You broke it down. :)

Also, they were f***ing.

Lol @ that sextape!

[louielouie2000]

You broke it down. :)

Also, they were f***ing.

:laugh:

I don't think that happened until after Rumours was released... otherwise I woulda added it to the list! :lol:

[Villavic]

:laugh:

I don't think that happened until after Rumours was released... otherwise I woulda added it to the list! :lol:

In his book, Mick told it was during the Rumours tour, between Australia and New Zealand

[TrueFaith77]

:laugh:

I don't think that happened until after Rumours was released... otherwise I woulda added it to the list! :lol:

Well... Destiny Rules... the Mac exist outside time/space constraints ;)

But also I would propose: Mick IS the Secret Love.

[michelej1]

Well I guess Mick just loves being on everything. You'll notice how Mick pops up everywhere throughout FM history. He's on several album covers (always in a theatrical if not downright silly pose). Personally I'm surprised he didn't have his head poking out of the dustbin (trash can for the Americans) on the dog & dustbin cover from '68.

Plus he pops up during Bob Welch's solo work and during Stevie's solo work (if anyone can explain the point of his appearance on the Red Rocks video then please do so).

He's on Lindsey's solo work too. He's in the Trouble video. He's one of the few portrayed drummers who is actually a drummer.

Michele

[fumidesigns]

Well... Destiny Rules... the Mac exist outside time/space constraints ;)

But also I would propose: Mick IS the Secret Love.

HmmmmmmmmMmmmmmmmmm interesting.........

[michelej1]

Well... Destiny Rules... the Mac exist outside time/space constraints ;)

But also I would propose: Mick IS the Secret Love.

But why would it be a secret now? I think she would just say, "Oh, that was about Mick," in much the same way as "If You Ever Did Believe" is admittedly about him.

May have been a clandestine secret then, but by now it's like, "have fun tell the world." I think the secret is about someone she still has not been revealed to have been linked with back then.

Michele

[michelej1]

:laugh:

I don't think that happened until after Rumours was released... otherwise I woulda added it to the list! :lol:

But Mick has said that there was always something between him and Stevie, from the time they met and even Lindsey hazily saw it, between tokes.

So, that covert and budding attraction probably did contribute to them being on the cover together.

Cover's not iconic to me. I think it's stupid. I would never let that thing see the light of day anywhere in my home. I hide it.

Michele

[TrueFaith77]

But why would it be a secret now? I think she would just say, "Oh, that was about Mick," in much the same way as "If You Ever Did Believe" is admittedly about him.

May have been a clandestine secret then, but by now it's like, "have fun tell the world." I think the secret is about someone she still has not been revealed to have been linked with back then.

Michele

There's no telling at exactly which point those involved (Mick's wife at the time, Lindsey) can handle knolwedge of this relationship. I mean, if we're talking real early it would fit into my theory that Mick asked them to join with the intention of seducing Stevie. I D K might be too much for Lindsey's ego to take--or Stevie's perception of her hold on his heart (one of my best friends called her statements about Lindsey's regrets "deluded").

...or just to sustain the mystery. Yes, it could have been a LOT of guys (folks?) but I feel Mick. Does he play drums on it? If he does, I'm sold. :lol:

But Mick has said that there was always something between him and Stevie, from the time they met and even Lindsey hazily saw it, between tokes.

So, that covert and budding attraction probably did contribute to them being on the cover together.Cover's not iconic to me. I think it's stupid.

I would never let that thing see the light of day anywhere in my home. I hide it.

Michele

TOTALLY agree. That's a less vulgar way of saying what I had meant, based on the information we definitively do have.

I think you have to admit that the album cover is iconic even if it's stupid, like the Michael Jackson Thriller video (which is a dank uninspired affair, compared to those of his sister's videos and his own videos from the Bad album onward).

[fumidesigns]

But Mick has said that there was always something between him and Stevie, from the time they met and even Lindsey hazily saw it, between tokes.

So, that covert and budding attraction probably did contribute to them being on the cover together.

Cover's not iconic to me. I think it's stupid. I would never let that thing see the light of day anywhere in my home. I hide it.

Michele

No an iconic cover? What!? Ive never heard anyone say that!!!

[michelej1]

I think you have to admit that the album cover is iconic even if it's stupid, like the Michael Jackson Thriller video (which is a dank uninspired affair, compared to those of his sister's videos and his own videos from the Bad album onward).

Yes, objectively iconic. Part of music history. But from my own perspective, it means nothing. I think more about the Tusk dog than I do of that cover.

As for Thriller, the "story" may be trite, but I think the dance segments condensed are as solid as Beat It, Bad, etc., even counting the Frankenstein moves.

Michele

[TrueFaith77]

Yes, objectively iconic. Part of music history. But from my own perspective, it means nothing. I think more about the Tusk dog than I do of that cover.

As for Thriller, the "story" may be trite, but I think the dance segments condensed are as solid as Beat It, Bad, etc., even counting the Frankenstein moves.

Michele


Yes, I agree with you about Thriller's dance moves but I was referring to it as a work of video art--just as great dancing poorly shot (it's dank) & edited is still poorly shot, edited dancing. Wouldn't you rather watch Bergman's The Magic Flute than a 3 camera set up of The Magic Flute on PBS--even with the same cast? Though either way, at some level, it's STILL Mozart.

As for the album cover, I do agree. For some reason it feels unspectacular to me. I feel that the back cover "motion picture" is far more interesting/expressive. Meanwhile, the Tusk cover is WAY more beautiful and ponderable. I love the flakes of color and texture in the cover surrounding that haunting dog photo. It makes palpable, tactile some of the ideas and feelings expressed in the album in ways that the Rumours album doesn't quite.

[michelej1]

As for the album cover, I do agree. For some reason it feels unspectacular to me. I feel that the back cover "motion picture" is far more interesting/expressive. Meanwhile, the Tusk cover is WAY more beautiful and ponderable. I love the flakes of color and texture in the cover surrounding that haunting dog photo. It makes palpable, tactile some of the ideas and feelings expressed in the album in ways that the Rumours album doesn't quite.

Even though the band was only 10 years old at the time, the album contained nice self-referential touches, which I would have appreciated had I been a long time fan.

Artistically though, it does seem to lack the complexity of even the FM covers that preceded it and feels amateurish. Regarding the ideas you mentioned, a couple of years earlier, perhaps if they were releasing Landslide as a single and needed a picture for it, then I think the Rumours cover might have been quite evocative in that smaller context.

Michele

[Villavic]

But why would it be a secret now? I think she would just say, "Oh, that was about Mick," in much the same way as "If You Ever Did Believe" is admittedly about him.

May have been a clandestine secret then, but by now it's like, "have fun tell the world." I think the secret is about someone she still has not been revealed to have been linked with back then.

Michele

Then the secret love is Christine :laugh::laugh:

[David]

My guess is because they're the most dramatic personalities in the band, and it was a drama filled album. Mick and Stevie also wore the most flamboyant clothing. Their height difference is also equally dramatic. Stevie wasn't a road tested or well known band member in '75 for her to warrant an album cover... but she was a rising star by '77. My guess is the powers at be realized her unique sex appeal and decided it'd be smart to put her on the album cover. Putting Mick and Stevie on the cover also cemented the marriage of new and old Fleetwood Mac. So it was probably a combination of several things which got Mick and Stevie on the cover of Rumours.All possible, Louie. But I kinda think that the cover was somebody's vague idea -- maybe somebody's dream, like the cover of Bella Donna. Herb Worthington himself may have thought it all up on his own. We should Ask Stevie!

Somebody once told me that if you look at silhouette of Mick & Stevie, you see a shape resembling fallopian tubes. Think of what that might mean.

[darklinensuit]

For all we know they were the only two members still speaking to each other & willing to pose on that particular day. :lol: (I imagine even Stevie & Chris had their spats.)

- Jake

[jellyman10]

I D K might be too much for Lindsey's ego to take--or Stevie's perception of her hold on his heart (one of my best friends called her statements about Lindsey's regrets "deluded").


The only problem with your friend's theory is the dozens of statements from Lindsey Buckingham over the years about how devastated he was when Stevie left him, how it took him at least a decade to even begin to get closure, and how her spectre wrecked his subsequent relationships.

Apart from that, yes, I'm sure she's deluded. :thumbsup:

[fumidesigns]

The only problem with your friend's theory is the dozens of statements from Lindsey Buckingham over the years about how devastated he was when Stevie left him, how it took him at least a decade to even begin to get closure, and how her spectre wrecked his subsequent relationships.

Apart from that, yes, I'm sure she's deluded. :thumbsup:

10 yrs!?!?! Damn Stevie!

[fumidesigns]

Well this has got me thinking......

So jellyman10 says it took like a decade for lindsey to get over stevie. At first i was like "wtf!? Damn she was the bomb lol" but actually i can see how it could take a toll on him, or anyone in a relationship for that matter. I'll explain:

You have someone that totally believes in you and makes huge sacrafices, not only for your dreams together, but for you so you can become absolutely amazing.....which he did become. The woman cooks, cleans, washes your clothes, sexes u.....totally adores you. U guys make it, u celebrate, u love eachother and then here come the vulchers! Now even tho she loves you and she knows u love her, she takes a look around and realizes that shes given u a lot and needs to break away.

Now u go off and deal with these other heffas who dont compare. You have to see her everyday. Shes gorgeous! And all these guys are flocking to her and shes entertaining it! Your ego is DONE!

I can see how that can cast a dark cloud over him! We've all been thru it! We've either played the saint or the fool!

[TrueFaith77]

The only problem with your friend's theory is the dozens of statements from Lindsey Buckingham over the years about how devastated he was when Stevie left him, how it took him at least a decade to even begin to get closure, and how her spectre wrecked his subsequent relationships.

Apart from that, yes, I'm sure she's deluded. :thumbsup:

Oh he's crazy too, though! :laugh:

I think my friend's point was that a family/kids really does change a person.

[jellyman10]

I think my friend's point was that a family/kids really does change a person.

No question about that. I think Stevie is the one who has regrets about leaving him, because of how he's turned out. And while I can understand her not wishing to dwell on what it was that drove her away, I sometimes wonder if it would help her to move on if she actually did remember better how badly he treated her?

(Just more of my presumptuous armchair psychology about someone I've never met and who doesn't know I'm alive.:D)

[jellyman10]

Now u go off and deal with these other heffas who dont compare.

Best description ever of Carol Ann Harris.:lol:

[fumidesigns]

Best description ever of Carol Ann Harris.:lol:

*curtsey* lol

[michelej1]

The only problem with your friend's theory is the dozens of statements from Lindsey Buckingham over the years about how devastated he was when Stevie left him, how it took him at least a decade to even begin to get closure, and how her spectre wrecked his subsequent relationships.

Apart from that, yes, I'm sure she's deluded. :thumbsup:

Oh, I'll disagree in part. I don't think Lindsey has made dozens of statements like that over the years. Of course, the fact that he doesn't dramatize like Stevie doesn't mean he feels any more or less than she does, but he doesn't obsessively discuss their past like she does and when he is asked about things like Don Henley sending her flowers or the "confession" that Mick and Stevie made to him about their affair, I do get the impression that Stevie has deluded herself about his jealousy or wanted his reaction to be more than it was.

Typically, for about 20 years he didn't talk about their romantic relationship much at all, except to discuss the need to compartmentalize emotions while working in the band. Then, after The Dance he did start talking. He seemed to be overcome with nostalgia at that point. He said she was more like the girl he used to live with. He told Mojo that he was devastated when she left, when asked about the New Zealand incident that he did not recall.

As you said, he mentioned the "spectre" of Stevie and even his wife was asked to comment on that for BTM, but I don't think he mentioned it more than once. Of course, introducing the song on the tour he did often say that he wrote Say Goodbye for Stevie when he left the band in 1987. So, yes, I would be with you in concluding that it took him 10 years to get to full closure, which goes along with her saying that it was during the Tango fight that they really broke up.

Usually, though, Lindsey's interviews are devoid of those kind of romantic observations and they don't prove that Stevie is not somewhat deluded to me. I can read much more of his feelings for Stevie into his Under The Skin song lyrics than I can in anything he has said in interviews.

As for her reaction to the family life he has now, she has said that seeing him with his children reminds her of the sweet person he used to be when she first knew him. But I think she was romanticizing their broken relationship long before he became a family man.

Michele

[PenguinHead]

For all we know they were the only two members still speaking to each other & willing to pose on that particular day. :lol: (I imagine even Stevie & Chris had their spats.)

- Jake

That's a funny thought! I can picture the photographer sitting and waiting for the band, and only Stevie and Mick show up. So he just says "this is all I have to work with? Alright...let's shoot this!"

[ragrsrocalot]

Whatever the reason was, it worked.

[fumidesigns]

Whatever the reason was, it worked.

true, true! i love that damn album cover!

[Villavic]

true, true! i love that damn album cover!

I think it actually became one of the cover icons of the 70s, along with others people usually recognize, like the Saturday Night Fever cover, Breakfast in America, Dark side of the moon, etc..

[fumidesigns]

I think it actually became one of the cover icons of the 70s, along with others people usually recognize, like the Saturday Night Fever cover, Breakfast in America, Dark side of the moon, etc..

yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup!

[Ghost_Tracker]

Has anybody ever read about WHY they chose Mick and Stevie to appear at the Rumours cover? I mean why just those two, why not Mick and John again, or why not the 5 members

I think this is one of those questions that actually has
a very simple answer:

Mick's the leader of the band, Stevie's gorgeous.
As in, terminally pretty.
Simple as that. ;)

[fumidesigns]

I think this is one of those questions that actually has
a very simple answer:

Mick's the leader of the band, Stevie's gorgeous.
As in, terminally pretty.
Simple as that. ;)

I CAN DIG IT!

[Tango]

Maybe Ken will know something. What stands out is just the extreme difference in heights. Stevie's tiny anyhow (5' 1"?), but next to Mick, she's particularly short. It's sort of a follow up to the white album--John is NOT as short as the cover makes him out to be, but he looks dwarf-like. Maybe it's just to accent Mick's height. Anyone know why that cover was done like that?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ogatjtlggHo/SeG7ngYYziI/AAAAAAAAAsk/sdw2E9sS05Q/s320/mac.jpg

It's every bit as odd as Rumours to me.

[michelej1]

It's every bit as odd as Rumours to me.

I think it's more odd and unique.

Michele

[Morgana]

Maybe Ken will know something. What stands out is just the extreme difference in heights. Stevie's tiny anyhow (5' 1"?), but next to Mick, she's particularly short. It's sort of a follow up to the white album--John is NOT as short as the cover makes him out to be, but he looks dwarf-like. Maybe it's just to accent Mick's height. Anyone know why that cover was done like that?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ogatjtlggHo/SeG7ngYYziI/AAAAAAAAAsk/sdw2E9sS05Q/s320/mac.jpg

It's every bit as odd as Rumours to me.

Oooooo thats some really deep symbolism there in the imagry. I never noticed John being so short before. And I remember buying that album back in the day when it came out, guess :shrug:I never looked close or else I am getting like Stevie & not remembering! :lol:

[starshine]

I don't mind the Rumours cover but I do like the outtakes more than what was chosen as the cover. I esp like the pictures of Stevie with the Top hat on. I think those are better. Someone mentioned the back cover photos of all the band. Those are great too. I wished there has been a poster like that. If there was I've not ever seen one. I do have the group inside poster though. Just not the back LPCover poster at all. Not crazy about Tusk with the dog esp with all the cool outtake photos from the Tusk era feels like a let down and the blurry photo on the 'Live' cover is horrible. I also like the outtake photos to Mirage better than what was chosen too. Another LP with many outtakes never seen and NO tourbook either--stupid. Don't like Tango or Mask covers either. I don't like the Tango era anyway. Mask should've had the whole band on it esp after Lindsey's left. One way to show the new band members more. GHits from '88 not crazy about either. I do like the back photo though. I guess I don't like many of the covers really. Oh well, to each his own.:shrug::D

[michelej1]

Oooooo thats some really deep symbolism there in the imagry. I never noticed John being so short before. And I remember buying that album back in the day when it came out, guess :shrug:I never looked close or else I am getting like Stevie & not remembering! :lol:

Yes, he appears to have his knees in his shoes.

Michele

[michelej1]

I don't mind the Rumours cover but I do like the outtakes more than what was chosen as the cover. I esp like the pictures of Stevie with the Top hat on. I think those are better. Someone mentioned the back cover photos of all the band. Those are great too. I wished there has been a poster like that.

Thinking of back photos, I always loved the story that Herbie told of John approaching Lindsey and Lindsey being a bit wary because he didn't know what John was going to do. So, Lindsey tensed up when John came for him, but John actually hugged him when he got there. And Lindsey relaxed and hugged him back. That got to me.:nod:

[David]

the blurry photo on the 'Live' cover is horrible. I want you to apologize to me for saying that, Sue, or I'll yell at you & call you names.

[Villavic]

I think this is one of those questions that actually has
a very simple answer:


Well my original question was Has anybody ever read about WHY...
So all replies (very welcome) were the idea we have, including myself, but nobody recalled an article about it (well this would include any TV or radio interview). I guess nobody ever asked a member about it. So we are speculating. Good theories, by the way.

I also wonder how they defined the Mirage cover.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Possibly they just liked the symbolism and the look on her face? :p


http://rockalittle.com/the_simpsons_do_rumours.jpg

[Ghost_Tracker]

Well my original question was Has anybody ever read about WHY...

I also wonder how they defined the Mirage cover.


That has an optical illusion in it, do you know about that?

I think maybe it's supposed to look like the face of an old woman.

[Villavic]

That has an optical illusion in it, do you know about that?

I think maybe it's supposed to look like the face of an old woman.

Yes, I knew it. Though never read if they confirmed it was about it, or just a coincidence. Anyway that would explain the title "Mirage". But how they chose the songwriters to appear there, and not the 5 members? Only The Dance (and Live, though fuzzy) shows the 5 mac members.

[Ghost_Tracker]

Yes, I knew it. Though never read if they confirmed it was about it, or just a coincidence. Anyway that would explain the title "Mirage". But how they chose the songwriters to appear there, and not the 5 members? Only The Dance (and Live, though fuzzy) shows the 5 mac members.


I hate to say it but I think maybe at that particular point in time it was whoever
happened to show up and managed to be in the same room as the others without
involving the Fire or Police Departments. . . . :shocked:

[Villavic]

I hate to say it but I think maybe at that particular point in time it was whoever
happened to show up and managed to be in the same room as the others without
involving the Fire or Police Departments. . . . :shocked:

Make sense.. then at Tango it was so impossible that they chose a paint

[kick.inside]

I once had a dream that the cover was Chris and Stevie holding each other's hands and doing a tango type thing. Stevie had the same outfit as she actually does on the cover, and Christine was basically dressed like Mick is, but with a floaty black skirt down to her calves and tall black suede boots.
It was really interesting.

[McTrouble]

I hate to say it but I think maybe at that particular point in time it was whoever
happened to show up and managed to be in the same room as the others without
involving the Fire or Police Departments. . . . :shocked:



Not to mention the Paramedics :laugh:

[starshine]

I want you to apologize to me for saying that, Sue, or I'll yell at you & call you names.Why should I apologize. Its how I feel about that 'Live' cover. Yes, everyone(maybe??) at that time would've known who the Mac was but its just NOT a nice picture. Its not my favorite. If you like it thats fine with me. So I guess you can call me 'names' if you want but its OK if I don't like it and to me its OK if you do like it. Whatever really. Let the names begin I guess. Go for it. I'm just saying with all the wonderful , beautiful photos they've had taken this is what was chosen??????? It truly boggles the mind. At least mine that is. Maybe I'm the only one and maybe not.:shrug: