10 Unexpected and Surprising Things Fans Don’t Know About Mick Fleetwood

Mick Fleetwood’s rock ‘n’ roll journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. He’s seen it all—wild success, financial struggles, messy love affairs (sometimes with his own bandmates), and battles with addiction. Through it all, he’s remained one of the most celebrated drummers of all time.

Fleetwood started out in the 1960s, drumming for British blues bands before co-founding Fleetwood Mac—a band that went from bluesy beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon. For over five decades, Mick and bassist John McVie have been the group’s constants, anchoring the band through lineup changes, drama, and reinvention.

Known for his extravagant lifestyle back in the day, Mick Fleetwood is as fascinating as the music he helped create. Let’s dive into some lesser-known facts about this rock legend and explore what makes him such a captivating figure in music history.

When Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks Became More Than Bandmates

Fleetwood Mac wasn’t just known for their iconic music—it was their behind-the-scenes romances and drama that fueled the tabloids. One of the band’s most infamous moments was the brief but intense love affair between Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks, which happened during the peak of their rock-and-roll lifestyle, complete with all the wild excesses of the era.

Their romance didn’t last long, but it left its mark. Reflecting on it years later, Fleetwood described it as a fleeting yet meaningful moment:

“It wasn’t an on-again-off-again relationship. It was on for the time it was on, and we know why. It was not to be, though it was a timely thing for both of us that we parted in the night.”

Despite the whirlwind, their friendship endured. As Fleetwood put it, “We were great friends before and we are great friends after, and for that, we are lucky and grateful.”

Mick Fleetwood’s $60 Million Cocaine Confession

After the runaway success of Rumours in 1977, Fleetwood Mac was living the high life—literally. Mick Fleetwood, in particular, became infamous for his extravagant partying. He once claimed his cocaine habit was so excessive that the amount he snorted could stretch “seven miles.”

The jaw-dropping cost of that lifestyle? A staggering $60 million. This shocking figure not only highlights the extreme excesses of rock stardom but also explains some of the financial hardships Fleetwood faced later on. It’s a sobering reminder of the era’s darker side.

Before Fleetwood Mac: Mick’s Bluesbreakers Beginnings

Mick Fleetwood’s career really kicked off when he joined John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, a legendary London blues band where he first crossed paths with future Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie.

Fleetwood fondly recalled those formative days, saying, “When you went around to John Mayall’s house, it was a shrine to the blues. He’d sit you down, almost like a school teacher, and bring out this vinyl—some of it Bakelite 78s that could break—and it would be early John Lee Hooker.” It was the perfect education for a blues-loving drummer on the rise.

The Time Mick Fleetwood Bought a 1,000-Acre Dream in Australia—and Went Broke

Mick Fleetwood’s most extravagant purchase? A sprawling 1,000-acre farm in Australia. Reflecting on it years later, Fleetwood told Rolling Stone, “I bought a thousand-acre farm in Australia in the early 1980s. It was this whimsical decision to start a whole new life.”

The property, complete with eight houses and a fishing lake, cost him $3 million. Fleetwood even gave up his green card and officially immigrated, envisioning it as a paradise for friends and family. But the dream quickly turned into a financial nightmare. “It was also a pipe dream that literally took me to the poorhouse. I went broke,” he admitted.

Still, Fleetwood doesn’t regret the experience. “It was beautiful, and I don’t bemoan the fact that I did it,” he said. A bold chapter in a life full of wild decisions.

The Teen Dropout Who Followed His Drumbeat

At just 15, Mick Fleetwood’s life took a dramatic turn when he was kicked out of high school. Instead of pushing him back into academics, his parents supported his decision to chase his musical dreams. Fleetwood moved to London, where he lived with his sister and mingled with some of rock’s rising stars, including Rolling Stone’s Brian Jones and The Who’s drummer Keith Moon.

Fleetwood fondly described Jones as “a special soul, in many ways far too sensitive and perceptive for this world.” Moon, on the other hand, introduced him to “a little pill called methadrin.” London’s music scene proved to be a wild but defining chapter in his journey.

The Story Behind Fleetwood Mac’s Name

While jamming with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Mick Fleetwood found instant chemistry with bassist John McVie and guitarist Peter Green. The trio eventually branched out to create their own band, and in an unconventional move, Green named the group after his rhythm section.

Fleetwood reflected on Green’s unique approach, saying, “Peter could have been the stereotypical superstar guitar player and control freak. But that wasn’t his style. He named the band after the bass player and drummer, for Christ’s sake. He was also always willing to give as much space and creative freedom to other members.” This selfless gesture set the tone for one of rock’s most iconic bands.

A Bandmate Betrayal: Fleetwood’s Wife and the Scandal

In 1970, Mick Fleetwood tied the knot with Jennie Boyd, the sister of Pattie Boyd, famous for her marriages to George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Things took a dramatic turn when it came to light that Jennie had been having an affair with Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Weston.

The fallout was swift—Weston was fired from the band, and the incident left deep scars. Fleetwood Mac eventually moved forward, bringing in Lindsey Buckingham to fill the gap. Tragically, Weston passed away in 2012 at the age of 64 after battling health issues.

From Drums to Dining: Fleetwood’s Hawaiian Escape

Mick Fleetwood calls Maui, Hawaii, home and owns a lively restaurant there—Fleetwood’s on Front Street. The spot isn’t just known for its food but also for surprise musical performances, with Mick himself often taking the stage alongside his blues side project.

One memorable moment saw Fleetwood sharing the spotlight with AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, marking Johnson’s first time singing since stepping away from the band due to hearing issues. It’s just another example of how Mick keeps the music alive, even off the main stage.

His Battle with Diabetes

In 1979, Mick Fleetwood was diagnosed with diabetes after experiencing troubling symptoms during performances. “I had been feeling burned-out,” he told People magazine. “My eyes were going wild, I started drinking like a fish, I’d hyperventilate while talking.” At first, he feared a brain tumor, but after 18 months of tests, the diagnosis was clear. Mick made lifestyle changes and adapted to the new reality of managing his condition.

Fleetwood’s Struggles with Financial Woes

Mick Fleetwood hasn’t shied away from talking about his financial troubles, especially during Fleetwood Mac’s 70s heyday when his spending habits were out of control. “I’m like Donald Trump. I think he’s been bankrupt about seven times,” he joked in an interview with The Independent.

“You pay off what debts you can. You do what you are told by your accountant. I really didn’t have much to do with it. I carried on like nothing had happened.”

Fleetwood remembers a trip to Ghana in the mid-’80s when he was broke, still rocking a flashy Rolex. “If you are going to be without money, you may as well be in Africa where nobody has any money,” he said. After getting drunk, he smashed the Rolex with a beer bottle as a symbol of letting go of his past excess.