When people think of Fleetwood Mac, the classic Buckingham/Nicks lineup usually comes to mind. But before that era, guitarist and singer Bob Welch quietly played a vital role in shaping the band’s sound and direction during a difficult transitional period. His contributions from 1971 to 1974 laid important groundwork for the band’s later global success, yet he remains underrated and often overlooked in Fleetwood Mac’s story.
From guitarist to songwriter: Filling the gap
After Peter Green’s departure in 1970 and Danny Kirwan’s increasing struggles, Fleetwood Mac faced an identity crisis. Enter Bob Welch, a Californian guitarist and vocalist who joined in late 1971. Welch’s style blended American West Coast rock with British blues-rock, bringing fresh melodic sensibilities and songwriting skills that helped the band shift from its blues roots to a more polished rock sound.
“He hit the ranks of Fleetwood Mac at a moment when we were somewhat lost musically… it was the first time since Peter Green that we truly felt we had a direction to follow.” — Mick Fleetwood
His first album with the band, Future Games (1971), showed early signs of this evolution, with Welch contributing tracks such as “Future Games”, “Lay It All Down” and contributing to the group instrumental; “What A Shame”.
Tension and transition: Kirwan, Welch and the new sound
Welch and Kirwan reportedly didn’t get on, but creatively the tension worked, at least through 1972’s Bare Trees. The album includes Welch’s “Sentimental Lady” and “The Ghost.” It’s a melancholic, autumnal album that remains a cult favourite among fans.
Penguin (1973) saw the group expand with addition of Bob Weston and Dave Walker. Welch’s contributions included “Bright Fire”, “Revelation”, “Night Watch” and “Did You Ever Love Me” (co-written with Christine McVie). The album’s overall tone was uneven, and was said to be “a symptom of too many cooks in the studio”.
Hypnotized and heroes
Fleetwood Mac regained focus with Mystery to Me (1973), a critical high point for Welch. “Hypnotized” is a standout, pairing mystical imagery with a laid-back groove. It’s one of the band’s finest deep cuts.
Other Welch-penned tracks on the album include “Emerald Eyes”, “The City”, “Keep On Going”, “Somebody”, “Miles Away”, and “Forever” (co-written with Bob Weston and John McVie).
Heroes Are Hard to Find (1974), the final Welch-era album, is arguably their most cohesive. Welch contributed seven of the eleven tracks, including “Silver Heels”, “She’s Changing Me”, and “Coming Home”. Heroes Are Hard to Find is the album that introduced many American fans to Fleetwood Mac for the first time.
The solo years
After leaving Fleetwood Mac, Welch scored with French Kiss (1977), a platinum-selling album that reimagined “Sentimental Lady” as a glossy soft-rock hit. “Ebony Eyes” and “Hot Love, Cold World” confirmed his commercial appeal. Follow-up Three Hearts went gold, with highlights including “Precious Love” and “Church.” Later albums found diminishing returns, but Welch continued recording throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
Welch took his own life in 2012 at age 66. For years, his relationship with Fleetwood Mac had been rocky. He sued the band in the ’90s over royalties and was not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside other Fleetwood Mac members in 1998. Still, he eventually reconciled with Mick Fleetwood, and the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville now includes an exhibit in his honour.
“He was a huge part of [the band’s] history which sometimes gets forgotten. Mostly his legacy would be his songwriting abilities that he brought to Fleetwood Mac, which will survive all of us. If you look into our musical history, you’ll see a huge period that was completely ensconced in Bob’s work.” — Mick Fleetwood via Reuters
Bob Welch helped save Fleetwood Mac from disappearing into the margins. His tenure was brief but pivotal. He brought vision to the band at a time when they were in a state of flux and his songwriting bridged the band’s blues beginnings and the polished, radio-friendly sound that defined Fleetwood Mac’s later years. Welch’s significant input turned out to be the missing ingredient that kept the band afloat … until the next transformation arrived.
Suggested listening
The Songs Of Bob Welch
1. What a Shame
2. Future Games
3. Lay It All Down
4. The Ghost
5. Sentimental Lady
6. Bright Fire
7. Revelation
8. Did You Ever Love Me
9. Night Watch
10. Emerald Eyes
11. Hypnotized
12. Forever
13. Keep On Going
14. The City
15. Miles Away
16. Somebody
17. Coming Home
18. Angel
19. Bermuda Triangle
20. She’s Changing Me
21. Silver Heels
22. Born Enchanter
23. Safe Harbour
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