Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 classic Rumours exploded on TikTok in September 2020 when Idaho skateboarder Nathan Apodaca’s “Dreams” video went viral (100 million views), catapulting the album back to #12 on Billboard 200 and introducing Gen Z to classic rock.
Viral Moment
Nathan Apodaca (420doggface208) posted September 25, 2020 video skateboarding to “Dreams” while drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice. Simple, joyful vibe resonated during pandemic. Mick Fleetwood recreated it on TikTok. Ocean Spray gifted Apodaca a truck full of juice.
Chart Resurgence
“Dreams” hit #1 on iTunes (43 years after release), #21 on Billboard Hot 100. Rumours re-entered Billboard 200 at #12 (September 2020). Streaming surged 242% week-over-week. Album sold additional 500,000 copies in 2020-2021.
Gen Z Discovery
TikTok introduced Fleetwood Mac to teenagers who weren’t alive during band’s peak. “Dreams,” “The Chain,” and “Go Your Own Way” became Gen Z anthems. Band’s Spotify monthly listeners jumped from 10 million → 20 million (2020-2021).
Cultural Phenomenon
Celebrities, politicians, and brands recreated the video. Mick Fleetwood’s TikTok account gained 700,000 followers. Stevie Nicks praised Apodaca, calling him “our newest member.” Ocean Spray stock price surged 20%.
Legacy Impact
Proved classic rock’s streaming-era relevance. TikTok became promotional tool for catalog artists. Rumours total sales exceeded 45 million worldwide. Youngest generation discovered 1970s masterpiece organically, not via radio.
Historical Context: Rumours originally spent 31 weeks at #1 (1977), won Album of the Year Grammy 1978, and documented band’s romantic turmoil. 2020 resurgence added new chapter to album’s mythology.
Sources:
- Billboard chart data (September 2020)
- TikTok viral metrics
- Spotify streaming data
- Media coverage (Rolling Stone, NPR)