Few bands in the history of popular American music showcase their egos and past resentments as well as the members of Fleetwood Mac–although the Aerosmith fellas give them a run for their money.
In a new interview with Fleetwood Mac drummer and co-founder Mick Fleetwood published by Rolling Stone on Tuesday, the 72-year-old discussed his upcoming all-star tribute concert for former bandmate Peter Green at The London Palladium on February 25th. The other intriguing topic of discussion was former Fleetwood Mac guitarist and fan-favorite, Lindsey Buckingham, who was fired by the group in spring 2018 after he wanted to focus on his solo projects prior to the band’s An Evening With Fleetwood Mac World Tour. Buckingham was replaced on lead guitar duties by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers‘ guitarist Mike Campbell.
According to Fleetwood, Buckingham’s latest departure from the band is likely a permanent one.
Mick started the interview in saying, “We are all very open to that continuing in the band. There’s no breaking up of the band,” but when the conversation turned to the topic of Buckingham, he wasn’t as optimistic.
“Fleetwood Mac is a strange creature. We’re very, very committed to Neil [Finn] and Mike [Campbell], and that passed away a time ago, when Lindsey left,” Mac said of the current state of the band without Buckingham. “It’s not a point of conversation, so I have to say no. It’s a full drama of Fleetwood Mac, no doubt. His legacy is alive and well, and as it should be. A major, 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.”
Mac also admitted that he hasn’t spoken with Buckingham since he underwent heart surgery early last year.
Meanwhile, Stevie Nicks is set to perform a solo set at day one of New York City’s Governors Ball this June.
[H/T Rolling Stone]