Fleetwood Mac explain why Lindsey Buckingham had to go
They've shed some light
Last updated 11th Sep 2020
Fleetwood Mac have shed more light on why they parted company with Lindsey Buckingham, explaining it was the “only route” they could take to avoid the total break-up of the band.
When did Lindsey Buckingham leave Fleetwood Mac?
In April 2018, Fleetwood Mac broke the surprise news that Buckingham had left the British-American band with Crowded House’s Neil Finn and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell replacing him.
Why did Lindsey Buckingham leave Fleetwood Mac?
There's some uncertainty over the genuine cause of his departure. Stevie Nicks claimed that Buckingham was fired over a tour dispute, however in an October interview with Rolling Stone, Buckingham firmly blamed Nicks for his acrimonious exit.
Fleetwood Mac's court case with Lindsey Buckingham
Buckingham also filed a lawsuit against his ex-Fleetwood Mac band mates, claiming he lost out on at least $12million from their sprawling 60-date North American tour. The lawsuit was eventually settled outside of court.
What did Lindsey Buckingham say about leaving Fleetwood Mac?
Speaking to Rolling Stone in October 2018, Lindsey assured that the band always "came first," adding, "And I don’t think there was ever anything that was just cause to be fired. We have all done things that were not constructive. All of us have worn on each other’s psyches at times. That’s the history of the group."
He continued, "Am I heartbroken about not doing another tour with Fleetwood Mac? No, because I can see that there are many other areas to look into.
"The one thing that does bother me and breaks my heart is we spent 43 years always finding a way to rise above our personal differences and our difficulties to pursue and articulate a higher truth. That is our legacy. That is what the songs are about. This is not the way you end something like this."
Will Lindsey Buckingham ever reunite with Fleetwood Mac?
He told Rolling Stone in October 2018, "It is not my place or intent to open that door. I’ve done my best to reach out to them," adding that he's "technically closed the book on anything. Nor would I. But I am not planning that anything will change from what it is now."
What did Christine McVie say about Lindsey Buckingham leaving Fleetwood Mac?
In an exclusive interview with MOJO magazine, Christine McVie said there was “no way” Fleetwood Mac could continue with Buckingham still in the band.
Speaking before Buckingham underwent emergency open heart surgery in February, McVie said of his departure: “It was the only route we could take, because there was just too much animosity between certain members of the band at that point, and there was just no way it could’ve gone on as a five piece, a group with Lindsey in the band. So, it was either just completely break up the band, or try and make the best of it.”
McVie, who released the ‘Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie’ collaborative album in 2017, added: “It was a really bad time. I had really no bones to pick with Lindsey, I loved working with him, but I did see the point, and I did see what the problem was.
“And you know, we’re a democracy, and we had to kind of make the best of a bad job, really. As it turns out, what we have now is better than what we ever had before, I believe.”
What did Mick Fleetwood say about Lindsey Buckingham leaving Fleetwood Mac?
Mick Fleetwood commented to MOJO: “We were not happy and I can use the ‘we’ word. It is no secret that Lindsey and Stevie are in a continuum Liz Taylor/Richard Burton type of life, and it went in and out of valleys and mountaintops and God knows what through the years – and that support really could not be given to ask the situation to continue. It was too challenging.”
Refusing to call Buckingham’s exit a ‘firing’, Fleetwood added: “The truth is, call it what you want, a ‘parting of company’ took place, and it had to take place, and it was supported by the remaining band members around something that for sure was a major problem to two people – which was Lindsey and Stevie.”
You can read the full exclusive interview with Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie in the May 2019 edition of MOJO magazine, which is on sale right now.
Alongside the in-depth interview, MOJO also features the 50 Greatest Songs from every incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, together with Status Quo’s Francis Rossi, David Bowie, Yngwie Malmsteen and much more.
Scroll through to see Fleetwood Mac's complete timeline:
1967: Fleetwood Mac beginnings and self-titled debut album
Peter Green played in blues band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers with John McVie, and having played with Mick Fleetwood previously, invited the drummer to join. Peter and Mick formed a new group, and tried to coax John over too – suggesting that they even name the band Fleetwood Mac after him; a name they'd previously given to an instrumental track.
Although John was initially hesitant, he joined the band a few weeks after their first performance in August 1967. Their self-titled debut album was released in February 1968, containing 'Long Grey Mare' and a cover of 'Shake Your Moneymaker'. It peaked at Number 4 in the UK.
1968: Christine Perfect and Danny Kirwan join the group
Vocalist and keyboard player Christine McVie began playing in the group later in 1968 and featured on the band's second album, 'Mr. Wonderful', which had songs like 'Stop Messin' Round' and 'Need Your Love Tonight'. Guitarist Danny Kirwan was added to the line-up shortly after the album's release, and 'Albatross' came out shortly after – their first Number 1 single in Europe and only Number 1 in the UK – with Peter attributing its success to Danny.
They also began to diversify their sound from blues to more of a rock'n'roll feel, releasing 'Somebody's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonite' in 1969. The Beatles even tried to sign them to Apple Records.
1969: Third studio album 'Then Play On'
This was Fleetwood Mac's first rock album, featuring songs like 'Rattlesnake Shake'. Sadly, in 1970 Peter's mental health began to decline, and he left the band in May 1970 after they finished their European tour. Christine joined the band as a full-time member after releasing a solo album, and by this point was married to John McVie.
Jeremy Spencer disappeared in February 1971, and turned up in a religious group, so Peter Green was re-drafted to perform the final dates on their tour, and the band quickly turned their attentions to hiring a full-time guitarist. Bob Welch was recommended by a friend of the band, and he was hired after sending over a tape.
1971: Fifth album 'Future Games'
The band's sound changed again with 'Future Games', featuring songs like 'Woman of 1000 Years' and 'Sands of Time' – although it wasn't a huge hitter in the UK, it was big in the US and helped the band break into the American market. Sixth album 'Bare Trees' was released just six months later in March 1972, but unfortunately Danny had developed an alcohol dependency – and after refusing to perform in August 1972, Mick fired him from the band.
Guitarist Bob Weston joined Fleetwood Mac, as did vocalist Dave Walker, and they released seventh album 'Penguin' in January 1973. Dave did not last long in the group, and was fired shortly after the record's release as the rest of the band felt he wasn't a good fit.
1973: Temporary disbandment and reunion
During their 1973 US tour, Bob Weston had an affair with Mick's wife, Jenny Boyd, and was fired. With 26 concerts still to go, the tour was cancelled and the band told their sound engineer in October 1973 after a gig in Nebraska that Fleetwood Mac was over. However, manager Clifford Davis felt compelled to continue the tour to keep up his reputation, and recruited new members to play the remaining dates under the name 'The New Fleetwood Mac'.
The tour fell apart when the audiences realised this was not the genuine article, and the remaining dates were cancelled. The original band reunited and signed a new recording contract in September 1974, becoming the first major rock band to manage themselves.
1975: Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham join
Bob Welch quit the band in December 1974, leading Mick to hunt for yet another guitarist. Whilst checking out a recording studio in LA, he heard a song by Buckingham Nicks - Lindsey and Stevie's short-lived duo – and was introduced to the guitarist.
Lindsey agreed to join the band as long as his girlfriend, Stevie, could too, and the new line-up released a second self-titled album in 1975, scoring a Number 1 hit in the US and including songs like 'Say You Love Me', 'Rhiannon' and 'Landslide'. 1976 was a tough year for the band, with John and Christine splitting up as well as Stevie and Lindsey, while Mick was also in the middle of divorcing his wife.
1977: 'Rumours'
Arguably the band's most well-known album, 'Rumours' was released after this tumultuous period, containing huge and enduring hits like 'Go Your Own Way', 'Dreams', 'Songbird' and 'The Chain' - which was the only track that all five members wrote together. Mick has since called it "the most important album we ever made," and they took home the highly-coveted Album of the Year Grammy Award in 1977. 'Dreams' has since been certified 4x Platinum.
They were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979, and released their 12th album 'Tusk' in October that year – determined to ensure it sounded nothing like 'Rumours', it had more of an experimental sound, something Mick has since credited to Lindsey.
1981: Solo albums and 'Mirage'
Stevie, Mick and Lindsey each released solo albums in 1981 – 'Bella Donna', 'The Visitor' and 'Law and Order' respectively – but the band released their 13th album 'Mirage' in 1982, going back to more of a 'Rumours' sound that the edgy 'Tusk'. Following a short tour to promote the album, Fleetwood Mac went on a hiatus, so that the members could focus on their solo careers.
After a period of upheaval for the band, they reunited for their 14th album, 'Tango in the Night', released in 1987. It spawned Fleetwood Mac fan-favourites 'Everywhere' and 'Little Lies', but when a 10-week tour was scheduled, Lindsey backed out at the last minute, with a group meeting in August 1987 resulting in chaos, and Lindsey left the band the day after. Billy Burnette and Rick Vito were added to the band and the new line-up embarked on a tour throughout 1987-88.
1990: 'Behind the Mask'
The band's 15th album 'Behind the Mask' saw a departure from the sound that Lindsey had developed during his time in the group. The record did not perform as well as previous albums, but the band reconciled with Lindsey and he joined them for the final performance of their 'Behind the Mask' tour. Stevie and Christine announced that they would be retiring from touring with the band, and Stevie and Rick Vito left the band entirely in 1991.
A 4-disc box set was released in 1992 to mark the band's 25th anniversary: '25 Years – The Chain', which included 'Silver Springs', a song Stevie had written around the time of 'Rumours'. In 1993, Bill Clinton requested that the 'Rumours' line-up perform at his first Inaugaral Ball, as 'Don't Stop' had been his campaign song. After the performance, Mick, John and Christine recorded another album as Fleetwood Mac, joined by Billy Burnette. They released 16th album 'Time' in 1995, and Christine left the band shortly after.
1996: The members work together on different projects
A few weeks after disbanding, Mick and Lindsey began working together again, adding John and Christine McVie later. Stevie also worked with Lindsey on 'Twisted' a soundtrack song for the 1996 film Twister on which Mick played drums, which led to a reunion of the 'Rumours' line-up and the band officially reformed in March 1997.
They performed live in May, recording and releasing it as live album 'The Dance', which scored Fleetwood Mac their first US Number 1 in 10 years. They spent most of 1997 touring, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of 'Rumours', and in 1998 Fleetwood Mac were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the BRIT Awards. Christine McVie left once more in 1998.
2003: 'Say You Will' and world arena tour
The band's 17th album 'Say You Will' was released in April 2003, and they toured it throughout 2004. There was talk of an original line-up reunion featuring Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer, but the band stalled somewhat until 2009, when Fleetwood Mac embarked on their 'Unleashed' tour, but without Christine.
Documentary 'Fleetwood Mac: Don't Stop' aired in the UK in November 2009, consisting of interviews with the four current members, and they were the subject of a Glee episode in 2011 which sparked interest in the group from a younger audience.
2013: New tour and new music
A 34-date tour took place in 2013, with the band performing two new songs: 'Sad Angel' and 'Without You', and even recorded a new EP entitled 'Extended Play', released in April 2013. Christine joined the band for two nights at their London dates on the 'Fleetwood Mac Live' tour, but the remaining dates were cancelled in October after John McVie was diagnosed with cancer.
Stevie Nicks appeared in American Horror Story: Coven in October 2013 as 'Seven Wonders' played in the episode, and in January 2014, Christine officially rejoined the band. They performed 33 dates in America in September 2014, calling it 'On with the Show', and in January 2015 Lindsey alluded to the band's new album being their last.
2017: 'Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie'
In August 2016, Mick said that Christine and Lindsey had written enough material to release a duet album, although he hoped it could be more. Stevie added that she was reluctant to make another Fleetwood album, and so 'Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie' was released in June 2017, with contributions from Mick and John. The pair toured the album, and Fleetwood Mac drew up plans for another tour in 2018.
However, in April 2018, Lindsey was let go from the band after disagreements over the tour, with Mick explaining in an interview that they had "hit a brick wall". Lindsey filed a lawsuit against the band in October that year, and it was settled out of court. Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Neil Finn from Crowded House replaced Lindsey, and they embarked on the 'An Evening with Fleetwood Mac' tour together in October 2018.
2020: Lindsey is gone for good
In January 2020, Mick announced in an interview that Lindsey would never reunite with the band, telling Rolling Stone: "It's a full drama of Fleetwood Mac, no doubt. His legacy is alive and well, and as it should be. A major part that will never be taken away, and never be down-spoken by any of us. Neil and Mike have tremendous respect for Lindsey. The situation was no secret. We were not happy. It was not working, and we parted company. And that really is the all of it." Founding member Peter Green sadly passed away in July 2020.
2020: Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks lead tributes to Peter Green following his death
Fleetwood Mac founding member, Peter Green, sadly passed away on Saturday 25th July aged 73, as confirmed by his family in a statement. It read: 'It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Green announce his death this weekend, peacefully in his sleep. A further statement will be provided in the coming days."
Fleetwood Mac co-founder, Mick Fleetwood, paid tribute to his dear friend, releasing a statement: 'For me, and every past and present member of Fleetwood Mac, losing Peter Green is monumental.
'No-one has ever stepped into the ranks of Fleetwood Mac without a reverence for Peter Green and his talent, and to the fact that music should shine bright and always be delivered with uncompromising passion. Peter, I will miss you, but rest easy your music lives on. I thank you for asking me to be your drummer all those years ago. We did good, and trail blazed one hell of a musical road for so many to enjoy. God speed to you, my dearest friend.'
2021: Lindsey sells his entire 161-song publishing catalogue
In January 2021, it was announced that Lindsey had sold his music publishing catalogue to intellectual property rights investor Hipgnosis Songs Fund. After they acquired a 25% share of Buckingham's catalogue in September 2020, the company now owns 100% of Buckingham's music publishing rights, including the publishing and writer's share of his entire catalogue of 161 songs - as well as a 50% stake in any future compositions. This comes after Stevie Nicks sold 80% of her song catalogue to music publishing company Primary Wave for a reported $100 million in December 2020.
2021: Mick Fleetwood open to Lindsey Buckingham reunion
Fleetwood Mac drummer and co-founder Mick said in March 2021 that he's open to a reunion with former guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, telling Rolling Stone: "I've really enjoyed being re-connected with Lindsey, which has been gracious and open, and both of us have been beautifully honest about who we are and how we got to where we were.
"My vision of things happening in the future is really far-reaching. Would I love to think that a reunion could happen? Yeah. I'd love to think that all of us could be healed, and also respect the people who are in the band, Neil Finn and Michael Campbell."
2022: Mick Fleetwood announces 13 Songs TV show
Mick Fleetwood is working on a fictional TV series called 13 Songs, which he is an executive producer for and he will also contribute to the soundtrack. The show is about a musician who reunites with his band many years after their heyday. The show was announced in January 2022, but no release date has been confirmed.
2022: Christine McVie dies aged 79
Fleetwood Mac's co-lead vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie sadly passed away on the morning of 30th November surrounded by family.
A statement on Fleetwood Mac's social media and website read: 'On behalf of Christine McVie's family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine's death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness.
'She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy at this extremely painful time and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie.'
2022: Fleetwood Mac pay tribute to Christine McVie
Christine's bandmates paid tribute to the singer, following her death, sharing their own messages on social media.
Stevie Nicks handwrote a letter explaining how she found out about Christine's death, as well as some of the memories she shares with her, signing off: 'See you on the other side, my love. Don't forget me, Always, Stevie.'
Mick Fleetwood also paid tribute, writing: 'This is a day where my dear sweet Friend Christine McVie has taken to flight… and left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that 'song bird,' reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us. Part of my heart has flown away today... I will miss everything about you Christine McVie.'
Lindsey Buckingham shared his thoughts in a handwritten note which read: 'Christine McVie's sudden passing is profoundly heartbreaking. Not only were she and I part of the magical family of Fleetwood Mac, to me Christine was a musical comrade, a friend, a soul mate, a sister.
For over four decades, we helped each other create a beautiful body of work and a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today. I feel very lucky to have known her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on through that body of work and that legacy.'
2022: Fleetwood Mac albums rise in the charts
Fleetwood Mac's hugely popular 'Rumours' album and compilation record '50 Years – Don't Stop' made their way up the Official UK Albums Chart following Christine McVie's sad passing. 'Rumours' even made it to the Top 10 albums in the week of 4th December.
2022: Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours' items sold at auction
Fleetwood Mac worked with Julien's Auctions to create a collection of over 800 items to auction, with a portion of the proceeds going to MusiCares.
The auction took place in December and included clothing, signed 'Rumours' CDs, notebooks and even instruments that were used by the group.
2023: Mick Fleetwood confirms Fleetwood Mac are 'done'
Mick Fleetwood spoke out at the Grammy Awards in February 2023, telling reporters on the red carpet, Mick Fleetwood said he doesn't see a future for Fleetwood Mac following passing of their keyboardist and songwriter Christine McVie.
"I think right now, I truly think the line in the sand has been drawn with the loss of Chris (McVie)," Fleetwood explained. "I'd say we're done, but then we've all said that before. It's sort of unthinkable right now."
Fleetwood added that the band members are all focusing on other musical projects right now, saying: "They all get out and play, so I'm gonna be doing the same thing, finding people to play with."
2023: Mike Campbell comments on the future of Fleetwood Mac
Mike Campbell told the East Bay Times in May 2023 that he didn't think they'd be touring again: "I don't really see it, because Christine (McVie) is gone now and Stevie (Nicks) is really busy. So, I have my doubts that they would crank that up again.
"I don't really see that ship leaving the port again. But if they asked me, and my time was open, I would certainly do it because I love the people and their songs are really good."
2023: Mick Fleetwood shares emotional new version of 'Songbird' on Christine McVie's 80th birthday
Mick Fleetwood marked what would have been Christine McVie's 80th birthday on 12th July by sharing a beautiful new instrumental version of her signature song 'Songbird.'
The fresh interpretation of the Christine McVie-penned Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours' classic from 1977 sees Mick Fleetwood join musical forces with esteemed Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso and composer Jake Shimabukuro.
2023: Fleetwood Mac announce 'Rumours Live' album with 90 minutes of unreleased music
In July 2023, Fleetwood Mac announced the double album 'Rumours Live', which was released in September 2023 and features almost 90 minutes of unreleased live music.
The 2-CD and 2-LP album immortalises Fleetwood Mac's concert at The Forum in Los Angeles on 29th August 1977 – the first show of a three-date residency at the iconic venue six months after the release of their blockbuster album 'Rumours.'
2024: Lindsey says he would rejoin Fleetwood Mac ‘in a heartbeat’
In January 2024, Lindsey appeared on the 'Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend' podcast, where, despite his previous rancorous exit from the band, he revealed that he would rejoin Fleetwood Mac 'in a heartbeat' if asked. When asked about his willingness to return to Fleetwood Mac, he told Conan: "In a heartbeat, absolutely. If there's more to come (from Fleetwood Mac), if there's a way to heal that, that would be great. It would be very appropriate to close on a more circular note."
2024: 'Best of Fleetwood Mac (1969-1974)' compilation album
In May 2024, it was announced that a brand new Fleetwood Mac compilation album was set for release in the summer. Titled 'Best of Fleetwood Mac (1969-1974)', the album will contain songs over that five-year period - meaning it will feature the several line-ups which made up the band from '69-'74. The album, which has a release date of 26th July 2024, will be available in various formats and will contain 19 tracks.
2024: Mick Fleetwood 'would love to see a healing' between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham
In July 2024, Mick Fleetwood gave an interview where he admitted he'd love Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham to bury the hatchet: "It's no secret, it's no title-tattle that there is a brick wall there emotionally. Stevie's able to speak clearly about how she feels and doesn't feel, as does Lindsey. But I'll say, personally, I would love to see a healing between them – and that doesn't have to take the shape of a (Fleetwood Mac) tour, necessarily."
2024: Fleetwood Mac announce 'Mirage Tour '82' album
42 years after Fleetwood Mac went on their 'Mirage' tour, the band released a live album, recorded at two nights of the 31-city tour, in The Forum, California. The album, called 'Mirage Tour '82' features 22 songs including six previously unreleased songs.
2024: New Apple TV documentary announced
In November 2024, Apple Original Films announced it will be airing a brand new documentary about the band, focusing on 1974 onwards. It promised to include never-before-seen footage, new interviews and previously recorded interviews of the late Christine McVie. A date for its release is yet to be announced.