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Fleetwood Mac memorabilia being auctioned off in Tunbridge Wells by former manager Clifford Adams

11:47, 16 November 2023

Hundreds of unique Fleetwood Mac memorabilia is being auctioned off in part of Kent next week.

The hit band’s former manager Clifford Adams, 81, is selling off more than 300 contracts relating to tours, venues, radio and TV work, as well as gold and platinum discs.

Fleetwood Mac goods are up for sale in Tunbridge Wells next week. Picture: Hansons Auctioneers
Fleetwood Mac goods are up for sale in Tunbridge Wells next week. Picture: Hansons Auctioneers

He will also be auctioning a personal letter from group founder Peter Green who died in 2020.

Clifford was also the stars’ agent and co-songwriter between 1967 and 1974, and had worked with Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

The auction is taking place in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday, November 21.

Clifford said: “My archive is unique. There has never been anything like this available to buy in the band’s history. It includes a postcard I received from guitarist John McVie in 1974 and a letter Peter Green sent me from Hawaii which I’ve kept for 50 years.”

Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie lived in Wickhambreaux near Canterbury for 25 years before selling her estate in 2015.

Fleetwood Mac booking contracts are available to purchase. Picture: Clifford Adams
Fleetwood Mac booking contracts are available to purchase. Picture: Clifford Adams

She had moved to the Kent countryside in 1990, and renovated her Grade II-listed property, which had sprawling gardens, two cottages and was set behind electric gates.

A sneak preview of the late Peter Green’s letter, which is up for auction said: “Dear Cliff, I have decided to remain free of possessions. I am convinced I will be much happier knowing I have helped relieve suffering in the world and steering clear of big money. It is the only way I can feel enough spirit to carry on with music.

“I must be free, it’s very necessary for me. I hope you are not disappointed in me for this but here I feel I could begin a new life free of the past and I don’t need my own house or stash to do it, I just need freedom of heart and mind to enjoy life with others. I know you understand.

“Thanks Cliff for being a mate. Good luck. I’ll write a soon as I get an address. – Pete”

Clifford added: “Peter was only in the band for 34 months from 1967-1970 but his impact and talent were phenomenal. He wrote Black Magic Woman, later covered by Santana, which topped the charts all over the world.

From left to right: Peter Green and Clifford Adams in 1969. Picture: Clifford Adams
From left to right: Peter Green and Clifford Adams in 1969. Picture: Clifford Adams

“To give you some understanding of our friendship, in 1971, after Peter had left the band, Fleetwood Mac arrived in Los Angeles to begin a tour. Before the first gig band member Jeremy Spencer disappeared. It took three days to find him. He’d joined the Children of God. I couldn’t persuade him to come back so rang Peter. He agreed to fly to America so we could fulfil the tour. If he hadn’t it could have finished the band as they would have been sued by the venues.”

“Sadly Peter developed mental illness. The last time I saw him was in 1981. He came to my office and said, ‘I won’t be able to drive any more’. He handed me his driving licence and said, ‘present’. That’s also being sold in the collection. It’s the ultimate archive to own if you’re a Fleetwood Mac fan or considering writing a book about them.

Robin Fletcher, manager of Hansons Auctioneers’ Kent saleroom which will offer the collection next week, said: “This is an incredible and unique historical archive of one of the greatest band’s of all time. Its comprehensive nature will stun and delight fans around the world. It’s priceless in terms of the wealth of information it offers.

“Thanks to Clifford’s decision to part it, fans can gain an insight into what life was like for the band in the early days and why Peter Green chose to walk away. His letter detailing his decision to shun wealth and live a simple life in Hawaii is deeply touching.

“These items have never been offered at auction before. I anticipate global interest from Fleetwood Mac fans. The Peter Green letter alone could achieve £5,000 and, together, the collection could exceed £20,000.

An albatross gold disc record is up for auction. Picture: Clifford Adams
An albatross gold disc record is up for auction. Picture: Clifford Adams

“We are extremely grateful to Clifford for consigning his collection into our care. He wants his memorabilia to find new homes with fans who will appreciate the music and the memories.”

You can view the collection online here before bidding next week.

Alternatively, contact Robbie Fletcher from the auctioneers at rfletcher@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk for more information.

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