Throwback Video Of The Week: Fleetwood Mac “Gypsy”

Nothing about Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy" was easy. Stevie Nicks wrote the song in 1978 and '79 but it wasn't recorded and released until 1982. It did fairly well on the charts as the second single from the album, Mirage.

Then there's the video. At the time, it was the most expensive music video ever produced. It was also incredibly challenging to complete because of the drama that always seemed to be running through the band. If reality shows were a thing in the 1970s and '80s, Fleetwood Mac would have been a perfect subject. This person was sleeping with that person, which upset another person, and someone was usually drunk or high.

Despite the self-imposed obstacles, Fleetwood Mac ended up with an elaborate and interesting video. Part of the reason that it cost so much to produce was that it was filmed in several locations and required numerous period costumes, dancers, and extras. It looks like a mash-up of two or three Hollywood movies.

According to Songfacts, the "Gypsy" video was directed by Russell Mulcahy. He also directed The Buggles' "Video Killed The Radio Star," which was the very first video shown on MTV. "Gypsy" became MTV's first "World Premiere Video" in 1982.