Lindsey Buckingham suffers vocal cord damage after emergency heart surgery

Buckingham’s wife, Kristen, took to Twitter on Friday to confirm that Buckingham underwent surgery at the start of the month and is now at home recuperating.

Kristen explained that while “he and his heart are doing well”, it’s unclear whether the vocal cord damage is permanent.

Understandably, all of 69-year-old Buckingham’s upcoming shows and other commitments have been put on hold while he recuperates.

> We can't thank you enough for love and support during this time XO❤️ pic.twitter.com/wgJxDHDlo9 > > — Kristen Buckingham (@KBChrush) February 8, 2019

Kristen Buckingham’s full post reads: "I am sad to say that late last week Lindsey underwent emergency open heart surgery. He is now recuperating at home and each day he is stronger than the last. While he and his heart are doing well, the surgery resulted in vocal cord damage. While it is is unclear if this damage is permanent, we are hopeful it is not.

"This past year has been a very stressful and difficult year for our family to say the least. But despite all this, our gratitude for life trumps all obstacles we have faced at this moment. We feel so fortunate he’s alive. As does he. He looks forward to recovery and putting this behind him. Needless to say, all touring and shows currently scheduled have been put on pause for the moment as he gathers the strength to heal completely.

"Our family thought it important to share what’s happening with Lindsey with the hope that inspires someone else to seek preventative care. Lindsey’s family has a history of heart issues, having lost both his father at 56 and his brother at 46 to heart related illness. If anyone is experiencing even the mildest of symptoms we encourage you to seek the care of a physician.

"We are so thankful for the kind and generous love given by the people surrounding Lindsey, me and our kids throughout this emotional time. We can’t thank you enough for all you did for our family. We will never forget you."

The emergency heart surgery comes after a tumultuous 2018 for Lindsey Buckingham, which started with him being fired from Fleetwood Mac in acrimonious circumstances.

After slamming the band, and, in particular Stevie Nicks, in several interviews, Buckingham filed a lawsuit against Fleetwood Mac in October before they reached an out of court settlement two months later.