No Cage on MTV, 1992

[michelej1]

New Jersey Record

August 21, 1992:

STARTING OVER: Mick Fleetwood, a Seventies superstar as front man/drummer for Fleetwood Mac, now grouses that he can't get a video on MTV.

Fleetwood just set off on his first U.S. concert trek with his new band, The Zoo. He says he likes the excitement of a fresh beginning and doesn't mind "starting at the bottom again." But it's clear he's having to make adjustments as he presses forward with the new group.

"What bothers me is that we're sitting here with a great rock-and-roll video of 'Shakin' the Cage,'" says Fleetwood in reference to The Zoo's debut album and single, "but we can't get it on MTV. But then, bands like Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers had to have hit records before they got play on MTV."

Meanwhile, Fleetwood reports it still looks like a Christmas release for the much-anticipated 80-song Fleetwood Mac retrospective boxed set - despite the fact "we're behind schedule." Fleetwood has been rushing to wrap up recording two new Mac tunes (with Christine McVie singing lead) while preparing for his tour. He reports that Stevie Nicks will cut an acoustic number to go out with the Mac collection as well.

"John [McVie] and I have spent about a year on this retrospective," Fleetwood notes. "It's been good for me - a letting go process. Right now I very much feel that I'm laying Fleetwood Mac to rest with it."