Other replacements besides Billy or Rick

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by WalkAThinLine.

Neither Billy nor Rick took the spotlight away from Christine and Stevie, who were the main draws during the Shake the Cage and BTM tours. On the contrary, a high profile replacement like Winwood or Frampton would have necessitated the inclusion of their songs into the tour setlist while also drawing attention away from Christine and Stevie, something the members of Fleetwood Mac may not have been on board with.

Winwood, yes. Frampton, no. Winwood had a lot of hits and classic rock staples and was still actively writing big hit songs.

Frampton only had three memorable hits and his star had long faded. He could do his three hit songs (just like they played I Got You, DDIO, and Free Fallin’), Oh Well, GYOW, and maybe a Peter Green blues number. Considering he was playing as a sideman in David Bowie’s band when Lindsey left, I doubt he was at any risk of overshadowing Stevie or Christine, aside from not being a barely known.