Watch: Fleetwood Mac Legend Stuns Fans With Surprise ‘Tusk’ Performance at USC Halftime Show
via @CFBONFOX / X (Twitter)
A Legendary Return to “Tusk”
Mick Fleetwood surprised fans with an unexpected live performance of “Tusk” during halftime at the University of Southern California’s football game against Northwestern on Friday, Nov. 7. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer joined forces with the USC Trojan Marching Band, bringing a classic collaboration back to life for a new generation of fans.
Originally recorded by Fleetwood Mac in 1979, “Tusk” has deep roots with USC. At Fleetwood’s request, 112 members of the Trojan Marching Band were invited to join the band to record the track at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The session produced one of the most iconic moments in both rock and marching band history, merging two musical worlds in perfect rhythm.
Revisiting an Iconic Collaboration
Over the years, the Trojan Marching Band and Fleetwood Mac have reunited multiple times, including at The Forum (now the Kia Forum) and for the recording of the group’s 1997 live album The Dance. The song originally reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding its position for three weeks and becoming one of the band’s most recognizable hits.
Now 78, Fleetwood sat behind the drums throughout the entire halftime show, donning a gold Trojan-inspired helmet that delighted both students and fans alike. His energy and precision on stage showed that decades later, the rhythm of Tusk remains as powerful as ever.
Fans Celebrate Fleetwood’s Surprise Appearance
Reactions poured in across social media as clips of the performance spread online. One fan wrote, “He’s so in his element when he’s playing the drums. Honestly aspirational finding something you can immerse yourself in so completely.” Another added, “My marching band nerd heart is soaring seeing Mick in that Trojan helmet on the field with the band!!!! 🔥🔥🤘🏻.”
Fleetwood will also appear at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 8, where he was announced as one of the presenters and performers. Inducted himself in 1998 as a member of Fleetwood Mac, his return to the stage marks another milestone in a career still filled with surprises.
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will stream live on Disney+ at 8 p.m. EST, with a primetime special airing Jan. 1, 2026, on ABC and Hulu the following day.
