Mick Fleetwood says Lindsey Buckingham won’t return to Fleetwood Mac: “It’s not a point of conversation”
Since Fleetwood Mac parted ways with singer/guitarist Lindsey Buckingham in 2018 and replaced him with Neil Finn and Mike Campbell, many fans have wondered if there’s a chance Buckingham will rejoin the band, but drummer Mick Fleetwood says Lindsey’s never coming back again.
“Fleetwood Mac is a strange creature. We’re very, very committed to Neil and Mike, and that passed away a time ago, when Lindsey left,” Mick tells Rolling Stone. “And it’s not a point of conversation, so I have to say no.”
Fleetwood notes that although Buckingham won’t be returning, the band will continue to honor and appreciate his contributions to the group.
“His legacy is alive and well, and as it should be,” Mick maintains. “A major, major part that will never be taken away, and never be down-spoken by any of us.”
As for the reason behind Buckingham’s exit from the band, Fleetwood says, “We were not happy. It was not working, and we parted company. And that really is the all of it.” He also admits that he hasn’t spoken to Lindsey since Buckingham suffered a heart attack in 2019.
As for Fleetwood Mac’s future plans, Mick tells Rolling Stone that, after wrapping up a lengthy world tour in November, the band members likely will reconvene in 2021 to discuss what’s next for the group.
“We’re not going to do a [long] tour, I would say, ever again,” he says. “But there’s loads of alternatives.”
Meanwhile, Fleetwood has organized a star-studded tribute concert to founding Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist Peter Green scheduled for February 25 in London. It’ll feature David Gilmour, Steven Tyler, Billy Gibbons, Christine McVie, Bill Wyman, John Mayall and more.
Mick reports that Green won’t perform at the show, but he likely will be in attendance.
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