Quote:
Originally Posted by DownOnRodeo
The fact that his manager is none other than Irving Azoff has been a cause of head-scratching and theorizing. For example, you could go with the theory that it was Irving who played a big role in dropping Lindsey, because (i) Irving is very well-off and doesn't need Lindsey for his solo career, (ii) Irving was annoyed that Lindsey wasn't happily towing the line regarding his vision for FM as a Classic Hits touring machine, (iii) Irving was convinced by Stevie's camp that they could swap out Lindsey for "Mike plus one" and most people wouldn't care too much."
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I would agree that Azoff may have had more than a hand in this process. It would appear from his dealings and lawsuits that he likes the upper hand at all times. Lindseys comment regarding Classic West was a massive mistake and created negative publicity, and as you rightly mention wasn’t particularly subscribing to the “classic hits touring machine”
The Mac money machine has a short lease of life, nearing the end of the road but heading into stadiums massively increases the pay day and Azoff was fully aware of the differences in opinion regarding touring, recording etc on top of the preexisting conflicts and the loss of “perspective”
A kicking and screaming fallout attached to a media fed lawsuit advertises both FM & LB tours and an LB back catalogue a whole lot more than Lindsey going awol from either band or tour and drifting into his studio to redefine his creativity towards a less compliant vision of making money. Just because Azoff has a fortune doesn’t stop him from wanting to make money. Au contraire - c’est sa raison d’etre.
Media articles and reviews mention that you can go see the Mac perform a Lindseyless GYOW and also a solo LB perform a Macless GYOW so it’s all publicity, top drawer gossip and money all the way. The last time he was absent from the band they played stadiums. In 1990 they played at Wembley Stadium and now they are going back. The European leg of this incarnation so far is a 3 date moneymaker. Coincidence?
There are more layers to the break up than a onion.