Fleetwood Mac’s twelfth studio album, Tusk is a sprawling double number, heavily influenced by the new wave and post-punk revolution unfolding around it. Boldly breaking the formula radio-friendly-hit-formula that made its predecessor, Rumours one of the most revered classic rock recordings of all time, Tusk ventured into the edgy and experimental mood of the times. Clocking in at $1 million, in 1979, it was the most expensive rock album to have ever been recorded. 

The album’s title track may have been a less saccharine lead single than expected, but was no less successful when it landed in the US Top 10. Today it stands as an exemplar of the band's masterful musicianship, capturing the manic energy of their internal workings; captivating, volatile, and electric.   

Mick Fleetwood enlisted the help of the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band to incite a carnival atmosphere. Despite the track's jittery arrangement that includes two random drum freakouts, and sparse lyrics, it has an anthemic presence. 

Following the release of Tusk, the band embarked on a nine-month tour to promote the album, travelling extensively across the world, including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. In Germany with reggae legend Bob Marley. Here they are performing live in Los Angeles; Lindsey doing the best he can to recreate the carnival atmosphere with his unbridled energy. 

Fleetwood Mac | 'Tusk' [Live]

Here’s the original, featuring the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band. 

Fleetwood Mac | 'Tusk'

Fleetwood Mac's Tusk is available as a 2LP black vinyl set. Check it out below! Get it, here. 

GET FLEETWOOD MAC ALBUMS, HERE. 

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