Originally Posted by bwboy
You are right about that- I don't believe Stevie wanted Lindsey fired just to punish him. I just don't. I don't think she was jealous Christine and Lindsey made an album without her because she declined to work on it with them. And I don't believe she was jealous they toured together without her around the same time she was touring.
Here's what I do think: she never wanted to record with Lindsey again, and sometime later she gave the ultimatum it was either her or him. The band chose Stevie, and I understand why- Mick and John get their income from touring. When Buck/Vie toured, they didn't use Mick and John. And their tour was not a big moneymaker, anyway. So Mick and John have a choice: kick Stevie out and record an album as FM and go on a small venue tour, or kick Lindsey out and possibly record an album as FM with Neil and Mike and go on a large venue tour.
Mick and John have the right to earn an income. They may have a lot of money, but they can't depend on savings- they have to continue making money just like most people. That's kind of why the Rolling Stones and U2 and other bands continue touring- those yachts and private colleges and mansions cost a lot of money. That's why Mick and John don't just retire to leave their legacy intact. Even Stevie, Lindsey, and Christine tour for the money, and being the songwriters, they make a lot more money than Mick and John, but even they use these tours to pay for their mansions, families, etc.
Is it unfortunate they couldn't make it work? Yes. But I understand why the decision was made. It was purely smart business and economical. I have no right to tell Mick and John they should retire because they fired Lindsey. You and anyone else have every right to protest, express your frustration, etc. Don't go to future FM concerts, don't buy any more FM albums, whether EPs or cds or greatest hits or live compilations. Likewise, I and anyone else have every right to give this new line up a chance. To see them live in concert. I don't feel anger at the band, and I still like Rumours and the white album and Tusk. And I know Lindsey will release cds and tour, and I'll buy his CD and possibly see him in concert too, especially since he's no longer in FM.
Button-lip, I know you said not to say "but she sells arenas," but I really do think that's what it came down to. And I know you and I disagree on this, but I really wanted to write sincerely to you about why I am able to accept this new line up of FM. If Stevie had been fired, I would have been fine with that. And if someone had replaced her, depending on who it was, I would have been just as intrigued, especially if Ann Wilson or Pat Benatar or even Belinda Carlisle had replaced her. I mean, can you imagine?!? I would totally have been there! Actually, FM hiring Neil Finn was smart on a couple of levels, the main one being he's pretty non-threatening. What I mean by that, some people may love him, many have at least heard of him or know his song Don't Dream It's Over, but few hate the guy! He's not polarizing like some other singers might have been.
Button-lip, I would love for your thoughts on some of what I said. Do you think my theory about why FM kept Stevie over Lindsey could be true? What are your thoughts about a FM touring without Stevie, and should they have tried to replace her if they had fired her?
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