The Untold Tale Behind the Inspiration for ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’

The Big Picture

Daisy Jones and the Six is a fun trip back in time to the cultural revolution of rock 'n' roll, following a young singer-songwriter's journey to musical icon status.

The series is centered around the true story of Fleetwood Mac, wherein the author draws inspiration from the band's remarkable ability to feign affection following a painful separation.

Fleetwood Mac's journey to stardom was propelled by chart-topping singles and global acclaim. However, mounting pressures, drug abuse, and romantic discord created strain within the group, ultimately leading to their demise.

Premiering on March 3rd on Prime Video, Daisy Jones and the Six transports viewers back in time to the cultural revolution of rock 'n' roll. The series revolves around Daisy, a budding singer-songwriter, whose transformation from a shy girl to a musical legend is chronicled through a captivating and drug-infused disco drama. Through a fictional behind-the-scenes interview, we are taken on a journey with the band members as they navigate their turbulent ascent to stardom, grappling with the immense pressures and conflicts that accompany success in the music industry.

What many may not realize is that the series is based on a book of the same name, which was inspired by the real-life experiences of one of history's most renowned bands: Fleetwood Mac. Taylor Jenkins Reid, the author, found her inspiration after witnessing the band perform in the 1990s. She was struck by the captivating dynamic between Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham, who convincingly portrayed a loving relationship despite their tumultuous breakup. It was this fascination that fueled her desire to write a story exploring the blurring of lines between reality and performance, and how singing about past wounds could keep them fresh. So, what is the true story behind the iconic band that sparked the creation of this remarkable series?

'Daisy Jones and the Six's Inspiration Had Humble Beginnings

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Stevie Nicks, who inspired the character Daisy, had a nomadic childhood in the American Southwest. Her grandfather taught her to sing and she developed a deep love for music. On her 16th birthday, she received a guitar and joined a folk band from her high school. It was during this time that she met Lindsey Buckingham, who inspired the character Billy, playing piano at a local venue. They formed a bond and their high school days came to an end.

Like the storyline in the series, Buckingham's band was disbanding due to some members going off to college. So, Buckingham and Nicks decided to pursue their musical dreams and left university. Their first album didn't succeed, leading them to take on odd jobs while continuing to write music. It was during this period that they began experimenting with cocaine, unaware of its addictive properties and the impact it would have on their lives. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the blues band Fleetwood Mac was in search of a guitarist and came across a track from Nicks and Buckingham's album. Buckingham joined the band but insisted that Nicks also be included, and after a successful initial rehearsal, the rest is history!

Fleetwood Mac Skyrocketed to Newfound Fame

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In 1975, the band released their debut album, Fleetwood Mac, launching them into instant stardom. With multiple chart-topping singles from this album, the band gained global recognition. One of Nicks' songs, "Rhiannon," even earned a spot among the top five hundred greatest songs of all time. For a while, everything seemed to be going well, with two couples in the band: Nicks and Buckingham, and John and Christine McVie. Record sales soared, and their label eagerly awaited their next move. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse. The pressures of fame and the demand for a new album began to strain the relationships within the group. This tension was further fueled by drug and alcohol abuse. Both the McVies' and drummer Mick Fleetwood's marriages fell apart, followed by the breakup of Buckingham and Nicks, and Nicks' subsequent affair with Fleetwood.

Amidst this chaos and conflict, the group channeled their emotions into creating a new record: Rumors. This album propelled them even higher, securing their status as one of the greatest bands in history. Rumors went on to become the eighth-highest-selling record of all time. Like their previous album, Rumors included several massive hits. The songs delved into the real-life struggles the musicians were facing, capturing themes of love lost, fame, and addiction.

The band members' romantic conflicts were intensified by their use of cocaine, which had become a constant presence in their lives due to newfound wealth and an inability to cope with abrupt fame. Nicks reminisces about the time when she and Christine McVie adorned "delicate and exquisite coke bottles" around their necks while working on their second album. Even though the entire band was ensnared by addiction, Nicks struggled the most to break free, prompting her bandmates to suggest rehab. During her rehabilitation, doctors substituted cocaine with Valium and other drugs intended to alleviate her dependency. It was only when she experienced a near loss of vision after a 48-hour binge that she realized the imperative of sobriety in her battle against substance abuse.

'Daisy Jones and the Six' Reaches the End of An Era

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At this juncture, the situation appeared bleak, with Fleetwood declaring bankruptcy and half the band grappling with severe medical complications stemming from their excessive drug usage. There were whispers suggesting that Fleetwood Mac had disbanded. After releasing yet another album, Buckingham felt a stifling of his creativity, leading to a chaotic group meeting marred by a physical altercation between Buckingham and Nicks, ultimately resulting in Buckingham's departure from the band. In the following decades, Nicks pursued a successful solo career while remaining a member of the band as various individuals came and went, but they were unable to recapture the magic they had once achieved.

The history of Fleetwood Mac has provided substantial material for Daisy Jones and the Six. The relationship between Buckingham and Nicks serves as a poignant tale of two artists torn apart by the pressures and challenges that fame brings. Their story involves dreams that were both realized and shattered as they shared their experiences with the world, for better or for worse. The series skillfully reimagines their narrative and effectively presents it on screen. While the outcome of the book is known, the series takes a different approach by exploring themes of addiction, loss, and of course, exceptional music. You can stream Daisy Jones and the Six on Prime Video.