From the North East to Fleetwood Mac – the story of Jeremy Spencer

One of the musicians at the heart of the band’s early blues sound was Jeremy Spencer, who was born in West Hartlepool on July 4, 1948.

That Hartlepool connection gives the County Durham coastal town a place in one of rock music’s most recognisable stories.

From North East to fame

Spencer, now in his late 70s, took piano lessons as a young boy, but later lost interest after hearing the new sound of rock and roll.

While attending Stafford Art College, he discovered the music of American bluesman Elmore James, whose slide-guitar style became a major influence.

It was a long way from Hartlepool to international fame, but Spencer’s musical path soon took him into the emerging British blues scene.

He joined Fleetwood Mac in 1967, becoming one of the band’s original members alongside Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood, with John McVie joining later that year.

Spencer’s speciality was slide guitar, although he also played piano and contributed to the band’s early blues-rock identity.

The Hartlepool-born musician featured on the group’s 1968 debut album, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, and also appeared on English Rose, released the following year.

The early line-up was rooted firmly in British blues, rather than the polished California rock sound that would later make the group a global phenomenon.

Spencer was also known for his playful performances and impersonations of established rock and roll stars, including Elvis Presley.

That lighter side of his stage presence added a touch of fun to a band otherwise renowned for its serious blues credentials.

Leaving Fleetwood Mac

His time with Fleetwood Mac came to an abrupt end in 1971, when he left during an American tour and later joined the religious group Children of God.

The unexpected departure surprised his bandmates and marked a dramatic change in direction for the Hartlepool-born musician.

Spencer later continued making and performing music, releasing solo material and working on projects outside Fleetwood Mac.

In 1998, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac.

So, while Hartlepool may be better known for its maritime history, football and unmistakable North East character, it can also claim a link to the early story of Fleetwood Mac.

Jeremy Spencer carried a little piece of the North East with him from West Hartlepool to the world stage, taking the sound of Elmore James, the energy of early blues and a distinctly unusual career journey along for the ride.