Mick Fleetwood’s 75th Birthday

Photo by Fin Costello/Getty Images

Today Mick Fleetwood, the legendary drummer of Fleetwood Mac, turns 75-years-old. Fleetwood cofounded the band in 1967 and has remained the only constant member since its formation. Fleetwood has experienced all different eras of Fleetwood Mac from the Peter Green blues sound, the Bob Welch era, and the most popular mainstream success with Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.

To celebrate the birthday of Mick, here are some fun facts you might not have known about the drummer:

1. Fleetwood was a member of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers where he met future Fleetwood Mac bandmate John McVie.
2. He once spontaneously bought a 1,000 acre farm in Australia.
3. He was kicked out of high school at age 15 and then he began seriously pursuing music.
4. Peter Green decided to name the band Fleetwood Mac after his incredible rhythm section consisting of bassist John McVie and Mick Fleetwood.
5. Fleetwood was married to Jennie Boyd, sister of Pattie Boyd who married and divorced both George Harrison and Eric Clapton.
6. He owns a rock ‘n’ roll restaurant in Hawaii called Fleetwood’s On Front Street.
7. Fleetwood never had any lessons and completely taught himself how to play drums at the age of 9.
8. He has gone bankrupt several times.
9. Fleetwood had a short-lived love affair with Stevie Nicks, but they remained friends after.
10. He helped Fleetwood Mac keyboardist Christine McVie conquer her severe fear of flying.

Watch Mick Fleetwood perform Oh Well with Fleetwood Mac in 1969 here: