Rediscover the Rhythm: “Rattlesnake Shake” by Fleetwood Mac (1969)
When delving into the illustrious past of British blues rock, few bands emerge as prominently as Fleetwood Mac. Long before their era-defining success in the 1970s, the band cultivated a more grounded, guitar-driven sound rooted in the blues. Released in 1969 on their third studio album, Then Play On, the song “Rattlesnake Shake” stands as an emblem of that formative period. It’s a track that captures the raw, unpolished energy of early Fleetwood Mac, led then by founder and lead guitarist Peter Green, and it offers a fascinating contrast to the more polished, radio-friendly hits the group would later produce.
At its heart, “Rattlesnake Shake” is a showcase of the blues-infused rock that dominated the late 1960s—a time when popular music was undergoing rapid transformation. Here, Fleetwood Mac merges rhythmic inventiveness with lyrical wit, supported by dynamic instrumental interplay. The song’s structure is deceptively simple, yet the performance is vibrant, filled with the kind of spontaneous spirit that marked many of the band’s early sessions.
One of the song’s most engaging elements lies in its rhythm. Driven by Mick Fleetwood’s drum work and anchored by John McVie’s steady basslines, the track thrives on a go-and-stop tempo that mimics the gait of something wild and unpredictable—flirting between groove and controlled frenzy. Green’s guitar, alternately biting and fluid, dances above this solid foundation, offering bursts of melodic flair. The extended jam that often accompanied live versions of the song became a hallmark of the band’s concerts during this era and spoke to their improvisational prowess.
It’s also worth noting the historical context of this track within Fleetwood Mac’s trajectory. “Rattlesnake Shake” marked a crucial turning point, being one of the few contributions by Peter Green that hinted at the direction blues rock was moving: towards a harder-edged, riff-heavy sensibility that bands like Led Zeppelin were beginning to popularize. While not as commercially successful as later Mac hits, the song has endured as a fan favorite, admired for both its authenticity and musicianship.
For seasoned listeners and newer fans alike, “Rattlesnake Shake” remains a reminder of Fleetwood Mac’s early magic. It’s a tune brimming with character—wild, unapologetic, and bristling with the kind of musical chemistry that only a few bands can muster. As listeners revisit this track today, they don’t just hear a song—they hear a chapter in the evolution of one of rock’s most celebrated groups.
Video
Fleetwood Mac – Rattlesnake Shake