Gypsy, sung by Stevie Nicks, wasn't Fleetwood Mac's top song from the No. 1 album Mirage

Fleetwood Mac's album Mirage was released in July 1982, and by August 7, the album would hit No. 1. Many may be surprised to learn that "Gypsy," sung by Stevie Nicks, wasn't the most popular song on the album.

Fleetwood Mac was formed in 1967 in London and, over the years, has released 18 studio albums, nine live albums, 23 compilations, one single play, and 62 singles. The thirteenth studio album, "Mirage," was released on July 2, 1982, with 12 songs that were partly recorded in
Le Château, Hérouville, France. On August 7, the album debuted at the top of the US album charts and held the position for five weeks. During this time, the band lineup included founding member Mick Fleetwood with Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nick, Christine McVie, and John McVie.

The first single, "Hold Me," would prove to be the most popular song from the album, ranking at No. 4, followed by "Gypsy," which charted at No. 12. "Love in Store," "Oh Diane," and "Can't Go Back" were the three other singles released from the album.

"Hold Me" was sung by Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie, who wrote the song with Robbie Patton, a long-time collaborator with the band. The song would hold its top spot on the US Charts for seven consecutive weeks, a record at that time. "Hold Me" ranked No. 31 on Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1982.

Stevie Nicks wrote "Gypsy" in 1979, and it would be the second release from the Mirage album. She initially intended to include this song on her debut solo album Bella Donna. After losing a close friend, the piece would take on a new meaning, and she saved it for Fleetwood Mac. The song by Nicks would peak at No. 12, a rank held for three weeks. In 2017, Nicks would re-record an acoustic version for the Netflix original series Gypsy starring Naomi Watts.

In 2016, Mirage would be re-released as an expanded album collection consisting of songs from the original album with the addition of 13 live tracks, B-sides, outtakes, and several new songs which didn't make the original cut.

After the death of Christine McVie in 2022, Fleetwood was asked about future plans for the band.

"I think right now, I truly think the line in the sand has been drawn with the loss of Chris. I’d say we’re done, but then we’ve all said that before. It’s sort of unthinkable right now."

Mick Fleetwood

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