Stevie owes this band NOTHING

[James89]

So, I can totally understand all of your frustrations about Stevie doing a tour and likely being the main reason that the new FM album is delayed until further notice. I'm annoyed too. BUT. I was thinking about what she has contributed to this band since 1975 and it's astonishing. Also, lots of people fail to recognise many of the following points. I've made loads about how she has contributed to this band.

Here goes...

- 1976 - Rhiannon is the single that propels FM to #1.
- 1977 - Dreams is the Mac's ONLY #1 single.
- 1981 - Stevie has enormous success with Bella Donna but keeps her
supporting tour short in order to join FM in the studio for Mirage.
- 1982 - The success of Bella Donna creates more interest in the new Mac
album and ultimately helps it to reach #1.
- 1987 - Even though Buckingham leaves, Stevie stays with the Mac and tours
for over a year.
- 1990 - After a successful solo album and supporting tour, Stevie agrees to join
the Mac for Behind the Mask. She is warned that it could sell less
than her own solo album and harm her image. It does sell less but she
still chooses to go on a huge supporting tour.
- 1991 - Even after Stevie's unwavering commitment to the band, Mick refuses
to let her have Silver Springs, which is HER SONG, for her
Timespace album.
- 1997 - Landslide is the song that captures the most attention from The
Dance and helps the album reach #1.
- 2002 - Even after a successful solo album and tour, Stevie goes back in to the
studio with the Mac even though her close friend and ally Christine is no
longer with them.
- 2003 - Stevie goes on a mammoth tour to help support the album which lasts
well over a year.
- 2009 - Another huge tour with the Mac without Christine.
- 2013 - Another huge tour with the Mac without Christine.
- 2014 - She is willing to put off promotion and touring in support of her new
solo album to tour with the Mac for over a year.

So, for the minute I can't think of anything else exactly but does that help to demonstrate how committed and vital she has been to Fleetwood Mac? If you don't think so then I think ignorance plays a large part in your judgement.

She's more than entitled to do what she wants. She owed the band nothing, even though I would LOVE a new album to come eventually when she and the rest of the band are all happy and ready.

[AlexD]

New Years 1975- Mick Fleetwood asks Lindsey to join the band and Lindsey won't join unless he can bring Stevie

[olive]

I'm sure there are contracts stating otherwise

[BombaySapphire3]

Hate to nitpick but it was "Say You Love Me" that finally propelled "Fleetwood Mac " to number one .

[SteveMacD]

I don't think she owes them anything other than clarity about her intentions. She's voluntarily in a band and there are certain obligations that come with that.

[iamnotafraid]

Stevie's words to Fleetwood Mac (2016)

You know I love you
so you probably won't get what I'm gong to do
I'm walking away from you
it probably won't make much sense to you
but I'm trying to save you
from all of the things I'll probably say or do

I'll probably do...

You'll probably call me a fool
and say I'm doing exactly what a coward would do
you know that I love you
it's a shame, what a lame way to live but what can I do?

I'm a Martyr for my love for you
a martyr of my love for you

[BlueDenimLamp]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I don't think she owes them anything other than clarity about her intentions. She's voluntarily in a band and there are certain obligations that come with that.

How do you/we know that Stevie has not in fact told Mick "I will NEVER work with Lindsey on a new FM record ever again"...Personally I think she has in fact told Mick this and it looks like Mick has tried every trick in the book short of firing her to try and get her to change her mind...How many years since the last full FM record???Looks like Stevie is standing her ground and Mick is unwilling to give up his "cash cow" touring revenue in order to move FM forwards...

[button-lip]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I don't think she owes them anything other than clarity about her intentions. She's voluntarily in a band and there are certain obligations that come with that.

She said the band will never split because of her. But like you say, if you're in a band you have to fulfill certain obligations. If she doesn't want to, then the rest of the band I think it's entitled to do whatever they want.
Too bad they didn't release the album as a FM work.

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3

Hate to nitpick but it was "Say You Love Me" that finally propelled "Fleetwood Mac " to number one .

I love it when you're nit picky!

[LB Freakazoid]

If this band did not expand and contract... It would not be FM.

[button-lip]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3

Hate to nitpick but it was "Say You Love Me" that finally propelled "Fleetwood Mac " to number one .

So it was a joined effort after all. Christine brought the first single, Stevie the only number one, and Lindsey the most popular song of the band.

Stevie doesn't own the band anything. That's why she should leave if the doesn't feel comfortable around her fellow band members anymore. But she says she won't ever leave and the band won't split because of her, so I guess they're destined to stand each other until they die.

[Tango]

I agree with those that believe Stevie owes this band NOTHING. I don't think Christine or Lindsey do either. And if John were to quit, I'd say he's paid his dues, too. It's long been known that Mick keeps this band together. And he's probably the one that has had to count on it the most. He has guilted all of them from time to time to get back on the road as he makes no money on royalties and he spends money lavashly. (well, they all do- this is a band known for it's excesses)

The other part of the discussion here is Stevie owes the band respect. I think she has made her intentions clear to Mick and he doesn't like it. So he (like they all do) panders to the press to get leverage, hoping it will push Stevie back "into line" with his band. I believe she has probably been totally clear with her intentions. But Mick wants the Rumours 5. He needs the Rumours 5 and he now has Christine back.

As Michele said multiple times, I think the rest of band is to be blamed for not moving forward. They should do what they want to do: Break out into solo or duet groups if they want, record and tour as Fleetwood Mac, (as someone mentions a la Tango) and do whatever they want. Or, if they choose, they can wait for Stevie. I suspect Mick will continue to try to guilt and pressure Stevie in the press. But I agree, none of them own anything to Fleetwood Mac at this point. If Mick wants a band, he could find a replacement for any of them. It's Fleetwood Mac's history.

[lulu28]

Originally Posted by Tango

I agree with those that believe Stevie owes this band NOTHING. I don't think Christine or Lindsey do either. And if John were to quit, I'd say he's paid his dues, too. It's long been known that Mick keeps this band together. And he's probably the one that has had to count on it the most. He has guilted all of them from time to time to get back on the road as he makes no money on royalties and he spends money lavashly. (well, they all do- this is a band known for it's excesses)

The other part of the discussion here is Stevie owes the band respect. I think she has made her intentions clear to Mick and he doesn't like it. So he (like they all do) panders to the press to get leverage, hoping it will push Stevie back "into line" with his band. I believe she has probably been totally clear with her intentions. But Mick wants the Rumours 5. He needs the Rumours 5 and he now has Christine back.

As Michele said multiple times, I think the rest of band is to be blamed for not moving forward. They should do what they want to do: Break out into solo or duet groups if they want, record and tour as Fleetwood Mac, (as someone mentions a la Tango) and do whatever they want. Or, if they choose, they can wait for Stevie. I suspect Mick will continue to try to guilt and pressure Stevie in the press. But I agree, none of them own anything to Fleetwood Mac at this point. If Mick wants a band, he could find a replacement for any of them. It's Fleetwood Mac's history.

I agree with this totally. I think Stevie HAS made her intentions clear to the band and Mick is refusing to accept it. Just because WE don't know that for a fact, WE speculate and spew hatred. WE form opinions based on hearsay and the fact that Mick whines about her every chance he gets. You don't see Christine and John doing interviews and complaining about Stevie's reluctance to record. Lindsey.......well we all know how that works. She shoots barbs at him, he shoots barbs at her, they kiss and make up today, tomorrow they hate each other. It's called good old fashioned LOVE/HATE. It adds drama to an already volatile relationship and they both love that drama. SO, yes, I do think that the other members of this band are clear on where Stevie stands. The rest of us don't really matter in the scheme of things. Love her or hate her, she's got a right to do what she wants and apparently she wants to go solo right now. Good for her!

[SpyNote]

Originally Posted by lulu28

I agree with this totally. I think Stevie HAS made her intentions clear to the band and Mick is refusing to accept it. Just because WE don't know that for a fact, WE speculate and spew hatred. WE form opinions based on hearsay and the fact that Mick whines about her every chance he gets. You don't see Christine and John doing interviews and complaining about Stevie's reluctance to record. Lindsey.......well we all know how that works. She shoots barbs at him, he shoots barbs at her, they kiss and make up today, tomorrow they hate each other. It's called good old fashioned LOVE/HATE. It adds drama to an already volatile relationship and they both love that drama. SO, yes, I do think that the other members of this band are clear on where Stevie stands. The rest of us don't really matter in the scheme of things. Love her or hate her, she's got a right to do what she wants and apparently she wants to go solo right now. Good for her!

I think the drama is manufactured to keep the band in the headlines. They're all multi-millionaires so I'm sure they can all keep themselves occupied for a year or two. Mick's on his own blues tour, Lindsey's buying property, Christine's probably drinking mojitos in Tahiti, and John probably couldn't care less.

Stevie's tour will also help promote the Mirage reissue. So this is all good press. I do think fans add fire to the drama, which all plays into the marketing strategy.

[secondhandchain]

Originally Posted by SpyNote

I think the drama is manufactured to keep the band in the headlines. They're all multi-millionaires so I'm sure they can all keep themselves occupied for a year or two. Mick's on his own blues tour, Lindsey's buying property, Christine's probably drinking mojitos in Tahiti, and John probably couldn't care less.

Stevie's tour will also help promote the Mirage reissue. So this is all good press. I do think fans add fire to the drama, which all plays into the marketing strategy.

No freaking way would the huge ego that is Stevie be ok with being the b*tch and fall guy. No way.