Full-Page 'Very Best Of' Ad in Billboard

[Johnny Stew]

(*** Be sure to check out the 8th message posted beneath this, for the scan.***)



I don't have a chance to scan it at the moment, but I wanted to let everyone know that the current issue of Billboard (Sept. 7th, 2002), has a full-page ad for the 'Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac,' on the back cover.

Text from the ad:

The Year Of Fleetwood Mac
begins October 15, 2002 with the release of
The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac
And it doesn't stop.
Fleetwood Mac's first new studio
album in 15 years arrives Spring 2003

The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac is an all-hits retrospective spanning 1975-1997: 36 classics on 2 CDs featuring "Go Your Own Way," "Don't Stop," "Dreams," "You Make Loving Fun," "Rhiannon," The Chain" and many more.
Enhanced CD includes rare live performances, interviews, music videos, and a link to exclusive footage of the band making their new 2003 album.
National TV campaign begins 3 weeks before release.

All this, AND a 2003 worldwide tour

The center of the ad features the cover of the 'Very Best Of' set, and at the very bottom, right-hand corner of the ad, is the little orange blossom from the cover of 'Greatest Hits,' and the URL, www.fleetwoodmac.com

As expected, it looks like Reprise is really going to go all-out promoting this, in order to build advance notice for the upcoming release.
I know a lot of people are disappointed with all of this, but it makes very sound business sense, and it will work to Fleetwood Mac's best advantage.

I'm sure some people will (rightfully) grumble about the "first new studio album in 15 years" statement, but keep in mind that this compilation only covers songs that feature Christine, Stevie or Lindsey... and the main marketing push is to promote Stevie and Lindsey's presence on the upcoming release.

And fans outside of the US should take note that the ad states the tour is planned to be "worldwide."

(By the way, if you follow the link to www.fleetwoodmac.com, the site has been updated, and features most of the text from the Billboard ad.)


Johnny Stew