First Time Hearing Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon Reaction - WOW! THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE BANGER! 👏 🔥 

The best version were Stevie was on 🔥🔥🔥🔥 was on the MIDNIGHT SPECIAL IN 1976. It hasn't been blocked so far. Glad you both dug this great song so much. Stevie is one of the greatest singers ever. Was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame twice once with Mac once by herself

I totally agree with your process of listening to studio versions first. This is the sound that the artists wanted us to hear. It is how we heard the music first on the radio that made us want to see the bands live back in the day.

Hands down the BEST live version is the 1976 performance on The Midnight Special. It was Stevie's first appearance with the group on a televised show (Lindsay Buckingham as well) and is absolutely FIRE!! Stevie reveals her rock goddess credentials. Other live versions are more toned down, Stevie singing Rhiannon more as a ballad. All are great, of course because it is Fleetwood Mac. LOL! But, seriously, watch the 1976 one. Almost as good as Queen 1981 Montreal "Somebody to Love." Almost. Rhiannon is based on a legend of a Welsh witch. Stevie was and still is a lover of the mystical.

"dreams unwind; love's a state of mind"

Only one word that completely encompasses Stevie Nicks...hypnotic

Stevie Nicks wrote the song after reading a book about an old Welsh witch ❤

Check out her performance of this song on the Midnight Special (live) Her best live performance hands down ✌️🙂

My favorite Fleetwood Mac song is "Silver Springs". You should check out the live version, showing Stevie, toward the end, turning around and staring at Lindsey while she is singing, because he is who she wrote it about.

One of their best! If you haven't done "Gold Dust Woman" yet I highly recommend it.

I concur with the Midnight Special live from 1976. The lyrics are changed to what Stevie originaly wrote and the outro, which is cut short on this track, is some of the most intense Stevie ever. She cemented her credentials as the Queen of Rock with that performance. Mick Fleetwood said that it was like an exorcism on stage every night. Chills inducing.

Those singers are very fortunate to have the drummer and baas player that have. Every line up that has played around them has been successful. Mick Fleetwood drums and John McVie bass.

The Midnight Special 1976 that is the very one as a kid, and the world were introduced to. It was the first performance with "Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham" It is also the performance "Stevie Nicks" cuts loose at the end. That performance is in the history music books. Great Reactions! Peace On Ya

Two live version YOU MUST SEE are THE CHAIN 1982 LIVE, and SILVER SPRINGS FROM THE DANCE LIVE.

This album is one of the best of all time. Every track is a gem. So glad you finally found this epic group. Definitely one of the best band of the era.

And Stevie Nicks -Edge of 17, Stand back

If you check into Fleetwood Mac you would wonder how they ever stayed together. They could be the story line of a Soap Opera for years. And it isn't just Stevie and Lindsey who were having problems which started even before the joined Fleetwood Mac. The Rumors album songs are all inspired by the tensions in the band.

“Go Your Own Way” and “Don’t Stop”, both from their classic Rumours album are incredible

I remember this song came out during the disco era and I happily exclaimed Rock and Roll is not dead!!!

Stevie has long been known to be a Wiccan at heart with her performance nods to her belief is awesome and mesmerizing! She is definitely forever at the edge of seventeen ❤

This was the 1st album with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, the self titled album that was followed by the album Rumours. Of course has history going back to 1967 and was founded by the brilliant blues Guitarist/ Singer and Writer Peter Greene along with Mick Fleetwood Drums and John McVie on Base Guitar!

Rhiannon Is a witch from welsh mythology. Stevie didn't know the full story behind the myth but said it fit perfectly with what she wrote.

Great song, one of their best, the whole Rumours album is a classic. As others have said, try the live version on Midnight Special 1976, Stevie absolutely kills it.

For the live one, you definitely want to do the performance from "The Dance" show. Many here are recommending the Midnight Special and other performances from the 70's which are cool, but the production on those aren't always too great. "The Dance" is crystal clear, and the entire show was recorded as both a live album and a video concert in 1997. As for lyric interpretation, according to Stevie, it's a song about a Welsh witch.

One of the top Female Rock voices of all time. I saw her in concert both in Fleetwood Mac and solo. Incredible performer.

My first experience with this song was at a live performance. I saw them at a small venue at a local college in October of 1975. As a result of that incredible performance, I went out and bought both the self titled album “Fleetwood Mac” and the “Rumors” record. Stevie Nicks was without a doubt my very first celebrity crush, followed not long after by Nancy Wilson.

Hope you keep checking out Fleetwood Mac. Some suggestions so you can hear the other vocalists. Christine McVie: Say You Love Me, Over My Head and You Make Loving Fun. Lindsey Buckingham: Go Your Own Way and Big Love.

Rhiannon was the Goddess of Love, Beauty, and ............Horses in Welsh Mythology. That is why the song has an otherworldly sound. Also, the thing I think makes the song groove so much is the bass line. Simple, driving, and clean.

The Midnight Special version is Stevie pouring out her best!

It's a vibe for sure...It's very hypnotic

So glad you guys did the studio version first ... that's the right call 99% of the time.

We named our daughter Rhiannon because of this great song.

RIP Christine McVie. We always heard you in the background vocals. 🤩

In the live version she tells you it is about a Welsh witch

The live version of this song on "The Midnight Special" from 1976 is a must see and listen. It EXPANDS on this song... you get a lot more than what is in this studio version, and then you wonder why the longer version wasn't included on the album. The actual performance is off the chain. Those of us watching it back in 1976 were completely mesmerized by what we were watching and listening to.

I enjoyed your insightful comment, Phil, on how Stevie's voice seems to ride like waves of water on top of the guitar. And, yes, they really knock this song out-of-the-park live; Midnight Special 1976 being a great suggestion, as mrb4749 stated below. That fantasy vibe you're picking up is due to the fact Rhiannon is a Celtic/Welsh goddess, and mystical things are Stevie's jam.. (Stevie refered to her as a Welsh witch in an interview.)

Stevie is into all things mystical and wrote Rhiannon before she joined Fleetwood Mac. Rhiannon is the name of an old Welch Witch that she read about in a book. Since the onset of her career, Nicks’ fans have been on a witch hunt. Though she has never claimed to be a practitioner of the dark arts, in the minds of most of the world, Nicks is a witch. And it can all be traced back to the 1976 release of “Rhiannon.” The track appeared on Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled record and has become one of Nicks’ signature songs. “Rhiannon” has been interpreted as an autobiographical track about Nicks’ witchier tendencies. Save maybe “Gold Dust Woman,” few songs in Nicks’ songwriting catalog feel as innate to her sensibilities. Stevie Nicks is arguably the witchy woman. A large part of Nicks’ allure comes from her almost supernatural essence. From her long flowing gowns to her cryptic, spell-like lyricism.

"...dreams unwind, love's a state of mind..." final lyrics.

Rumours is probably the ultimate album in terms of every single song on it being an absolute banger. There's not a single filler song in there.

Actually, this entire self titled album is fire. My favorite song from it is "Monday Morning"

Another great albeit underrated tune from this album is "World Turning".

In one of the live versions of this song Stevie Nix begins by saying the song is about an "old Welch witch"

Fleetwood Mac is my all time favorite band!! I skimmed the comments; I agree the 1976 Midnight Special is the live version to watch!! Stevie frickin goes off!! If you 'liked and enjoyed' the studio version (which in my day is all I heard. Pre computers 😅) you will be mesmerised by Stevie in the live version!! Luv you guys! 😊❤❤

MUST watch the Midnight Special version! 🔥

They did a DVD called “ The Dance “ which is basically a tour recorded live. It is recorded and mixed SO good. That’s a place to get the best live version of any song they did. It’s incredible 🔥🔥

Glad to see you did the album version first. Live is fire too though.

Glad to see you visiting the old Welsh Witch. Thank you!

This was released before Rumors (where all the drama was). Saw them in concert in 1977, when they did this song she was singing with smoke and backlight, it was like she was in a forest. Great Band, Great concert, and a very Haunting song.

Nice move going with the studio version.

Why would somebody request this without suggesting the live Midnight Special version?

"Gold Dust Woman" "Over My Head" "Don't Stop" "You Make Loving Fun" "Landslide" "Say You Love Me" :Monday Morning" "Think About Me" "Second Hand News"...

My favorite of their live versions is The Dance, which is when the group was a little older. Great reaction guys.

Midnight Special 1976 hold onto your chair 😂 lots of cocaine takes it to a new level 🔥 the BEST! 🌟get to know the band's relationship stories & history to understand some of the songs 🌟Fun Fact: Stevie wrote the lyrics to "Rhiannon" in 10 minutes 🌟Stevie is the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. (Fleetwood Mac & solo) speaking of solo... "Edge of Seventeen" is fire! "According to Stevie, the title came from a conversation she had with Tom Petty's first wife, Jane, about the couple's first meeting. Jane said they met "at the age of seventeen", but Jane's strong Southern accent made it sound like "edge of seventeen" to Nicks. She liked the sound of the phrase so much that she told Jane she would write a song for it and give her credit for the inspiration"

Stevie Nicks is a Queen!

I commend any reactor who wants to do a studio version before the Live version, as it should be.

She's always said the song is about a Welsh Witch.

Early Fleetwod Mac, before Stevie Nicks, is almost a different band. Two songs from the early band that I like, are "Hypnotized" and "Oh Well"(long version). You might want to react to one of their early songs to see how the band evolved. I left out "Black Magic Woman"......OOPS

Was that pure gold or what? Everyone in the band was absolutely on fire for this song. Mick Fleetwood was soft, steady and syncopated, but just strong enough to not be missed or misunderstood. Christine McVie (RIP) gave it a mysterious, haunted feeling with her keyboard. John McVie has been a driver on several songs. This one really compliments both the drums and Lindsay Buckingham’s guitar. Speaking of Lindsay Buckingham, this is an example of just how brilliant he is. He doesn’t use a pick. He picks with his fingers. That’s pretty unusual for a rock electric guitar. But what makes this piece really special is what you hear in the very beginning. Those very first notes of the introduction are all him. The bass doesn’t start until the 2nd bar. In the first bar, and all the way through, he plays the melody with his fingers and a bass line with his thumb AT THE SAME TIME. I’m telling you guys, I’ve tried to play that and it is hard as woodpecker lips. Stevie Nicks sings like an angel, as usual. Midnight Special is a pretty good live performance. In every live version I’ve seen, she says it’s a song about an old Welsh witch. I don’t know if she read it somewhere or if she made it up, but it works perfectly for her. She always had a thing about being kinda semi goth, witch, fairy, magic… If she was anyone else or even a little less beautiful it wouldn’t quite work, but she pulls it off and always leaves you feeling like you just heard an old woman with a little girl’s voice. Or maybe a little girl with an old woman’s soul. She sure is one of a kind. I’ve been jamming with Riahnnon for almost 50 years now and it still sounds as good as the first time I heard it. Much love ❤️

One of the things you're hearing is Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on Bass, driving the song with a masterful, rock solid, clockwork beat. There's the reason the band was named after them. That foundation drives their music.

Great song and reaction. The live Midnight Special version of this song is incredible. A must watch. Stevie really goes off with amazing emotion toward the end.

Stevie said in her Midnight Special version it was a song about an old Welsh witch I believe

Saw them in concert 3 times. Love Say that You Love Me. The live version, awesome!✌️

I’ve yet to hear a single live performance that matches them in the studio. The magic was created in the layers put together in the studio.

Christine McVie was on the left side, more in the dark, playing the organ and singing backup vocals. Lindsey, Stevie's boyfriend, was on guitar and backing vocals.

The best version were Stevie was on 🔥🔥🔥🔥 was on the MIDNIGHT SPECIAL IN 1976. the song is about an old Welsh witch.

If you watch the Midnight Special performance, you will hear her say at the start that this is a song about a Welsh witch. You guys are great on your reactions, one of this old man's favorites.

I'm late to this reaction but my parents are super big Fleetwood Mac fans, so much so that I was named Rhiannon as it was my mothers favourite Fleetwood Mac song. I've seen the band in concert a handful of times with my parents when I was young and it was my first concert experience. Definitely one of the best songs to ever exist although I may be biased!

The album Fleetwood Mac from 1975 was the first album that included Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Fleetwood Mac began as a blues band in the late 70s. They had several personnel changes but the constants were Mick Fleetwood (drums) and John McVie (bass). Hence the band name. Christine McVie (Christine Perfect at the time) joined on vocals and keyboards in 1970. Around 1974 the band was down to those three. Mick asked Lindsay to join as their new guitarist. Lindsay agreed but only if his girlfriend at the time Stevie could also join. (They had recently done an album together). Mick didn’t want Stevie but eventually agreed so the classic lineup of Fleetwood Mac was born. The most famous and successful lineup that had all the hits. So it’s interesting that Stevie Nicks was almost never part of the group.

Have you reacted to USA for Africa yet? If not, it's a good one for finding great artists from the 70's and 80's that you would want to check out. This a super group that got together after an award show and did a charity song for famine relief

Go you own way, and Big love, but the official video!

Great reaction Sam and Phil! Fleetwood Mac was extremely popular during their run of hit music. I know of several young women who named their daughters (first name or middle name) Rhiannon after this song came out.

This is the first song Stevie wrote after she and Lindsey joined Fleetwood Mac and it sent them to the top of the charts.

Cheers from the Yukon Territory 🤘❤️🇨🇦

I believe this is one of the five best selling albums of all time...there is a reason. "Rumors" is an unbelievable album....the stars aligned ...take your pick of any song on this album

One of my favorites!

I'm sure someone else has already said this, but just in case, here's some stuff about the band. Fleetwood Mac has two main eras in the life of the band: The Peter Green Era & (What I call) The Final 5 Line-Up Both eras have amazing songs, but they are very different to the point that they sound like two different bands. All the songs you've listened to thus far are from the latter. For the Final 5 Line-Up, the band is as follows: Mic Fleetwood = drummer, founding member of the band/longest standing band member. John McVie = bass guitar (also seen him do a banjo), second longest standing band member/been in the band since almost the beginning. Christine McVie (Perfect) = songwriter, pianist/keys, synth, back-up vocals, lead vocals, 3rd longest standing band memeber/entered during the Peter Green era. Stevie Nicks = songwriter, back-up vocals, lead vocals, tambourine, entered the band with Lindsey. Lindsey Buckingham = songwriter, lead guitar, back-up vocals, lead vocals, entered the band with Stevie. (Arguably one of the best guitarists ever! Lindsey is self-taught and finger picks, and has created some of the most difficult rifts in history. Anytime he has left the band, they had to hire two guitarists to do what he does solo.) This era of the band has the unique quality of having three main songwriters and three main vocalists. Which means there is a wide variety in the style of songs they made. During the Peter Green era, they predominantly produced blues/rock that sometimes had a dash of psychedelic. And there are many songs that were originally from this era of Fleetwood Mac that are often mistaken as originally from other artists. "Black Magic Woman" being just one example. Anyways, that ends today's brief lesson on Fleetwood Mac. I will be giving a pop quiz next time. 😂

Great song great memories.

Fleetwood Mac's songs are great, but watching Stevie Nicks perform the music is the ultimate. Her command of the stage is as much of the performance as the sound of the songs...

The neat thing about Fleetwood Mac was that whoever wrote the song, they sang it. With multiple talented artists, it gives every song a different sound even though it's the same band. Check out Lindsey Buckingham's songs "Go Your Own Way" and "Never Going Back Again", and Christine McVie's songs "You Make Lovin' Fun" and "Songbird". All from the Rumors album.

This was the first hit song after Stevie and Lindsey joined the band. Agree that you have to listen to the studio version first, but the 1976 live version is a must listen and watch. According to Stevie, she read the name Rhiannon in a book and supposedly she was a witch.

Such a great couple here!

always loved it!!

This is one of the songs Stevie and Lindsey brought to the group when they joined. They'd already been doing this live before joining.

first time heard it. blew my mind! ( and what an album)!

John McVie was awesome on bass!

1976 on midnight special....🙂

Great song and smart to do the studio original version first.This song put Stevie on the road to stardom.Befire Stevie and Lindsay Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac the band which pronated by Peter Green was a blues rock style band with a sophisticated sound. Over the years they slowly changed styles after Peter left.

Midnight Special 1976..yes.👍 Rhiannon.♥️🌹

Live from Midnight Special a Must!

When you do the live version, (1976 Midnight Special) you'll hear Stevie introduce the song as being about "An old Welsh witch". She wrote the song after reading the book "Triad" by Mary Leader. It's about a woman who believes she is being possessed by the spirit of a woman named Rhiannon. (In the Midnight Special performance, Stevie seems almost possessed during the last part of the song. It's a performance unlike any other she's done imo)

Perfect - Surprising the number of female kids called Riannon when this came out in the UK - Maybe a L-O-V-E song...

Love this guys

haven't heard that song in forever.

Fleetwood Mac 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

Rhiannon is a Welsh Celtic name. Song is about a mystical Welsh witch

Hello Phil & Sam, I enjoyed your first reaction to "Rhiannon" the song was written by Stevie Nicks and really has to meanings first it tells a story about an old Welsh witch that came from Welsh mythology. however, when Nicks penned the song, she was not aware the name "Rhiannon" had such origins, but rather, she had derived it from a book about a lady with a split personality. The book she spoke of was called "Trinity: A Novel of the Supernatural." Rhiannon is representative of the main character's dark side. But even after learning this, she still maintained the song was about an old welch witch. However, more to the point, as evident by the lyrics and even the way Stevie performed the song; the song's more about Rhiannon's independent lifestyle. Indeed, in the song, she is seen to represent Rhiannon's free spirit and someone who is control over her own destiny. Great reaction, guys. I really appreciate the analysis. Phil, your musical background is serving you well. Sam's musical intuition is growing and maturing nicely. 🎶 I would suggest doing the live performance at the Midnight Special. Here's the link, if interested. "Rhiannon - Fleetwood Mac/The Midnight Special" (by the channel: The Midnight Special) Hope you both have a wonderful day~ peace out

Everybody thinks about Stevie Nicks as "the" vocalist for Fleetwood Mac. I love Stevie as much as the next guy but don't overlook Christine McVie's vocals (I would suggest the song, "Songbird" to hear her beautiful voice) and Lyndsey Buckingham's vocals (maybe "Big Love" which spotlights both his vocals and his guitar prowess).

I swear if you listen to lots of old music from the 70's you will often hear Stevie Nicks as she has sung on a lot of tunes. 'John Stewart - Gold' for example John quit playing it live because it just didn't sound right without Stevie he said. She has a bunch more really good duets as well. Some of my favorites... 'Whenever I Call You ‘Friend’ with Kenny Loggins (1978) 'Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around' with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (1981) 'Leather and Lace' with Don Henley (1981) Cheers.

I watched an interview with Stevie Nicks where she was like, 'Yeah, I was reading a novel and there was this witch named Rhiannon and I though, I really like that name. So I got a pad of paper and 15 minutes later, I had written Rhiannon.' She just brushed it off like it was nothing. She's like Kerry Livgren who wrote 'Carry On Wayward Son' and 'Dust In The Wind' they say he just pulled mega hits out of his ass like it was nothing too. He was one of those geniuses that doubted his own work though, others had to tell him when he'd done it again.

Rhiannon is a song about a Welsh witch from and old Welsh folk story.

The Midnight Special live version is the best for this song. For Landslide and Silver Springs get them from The Dance