Message from Neale :)

[Miranda24]

Hi Folks,
Neale Heywood here, I'm the lucky guy that gets to play guitar with Lindsey Buckingham.
It's now the middle of January 2012 and i'm finally coming out of the fog and shock of a painful and humbling stay in hospital over the Xmas period.
I want to take this opportunity to hopefully reach any of the disappointed LB fans that I know are out there and personally let them know, if I can, just how sorry I am to have been the reason for the man not coming over to England.
My back problems of years finally came to a head at the end of the US tour, I had every intention of doing whatever I could to get myself over to England but was warned by a surgeon that I could easily be risking paralysis in my legs if I medicated up and traveled and toured. Two discs in the lower part of my back had so badly degenerated they were trapping nerves causing a good deal of pain and difficulty walking, it was a bad situation that was not going to go away this time.
I'm an Englishman, coming home to England with Lindsey as a solo artist for the first time ever was as good as it gets, it was a proud moment for me, I was sick having to let him and the lads know the bad news, we talked about a replacement but what with the lack of time to put it together and the years of us playing together and the whole comfort level the band enjoys it just wouldn't have been the show people deserved or the show Lindsey could be totally happy with. I have to mention that all my brothers in the camp were amazingly supportive throughout, they're such a great bunch, I love 'em all.
The agents here and the UK really worked hard to re-schedule but it just wasn't possible within a reasonable time frame so again,to any and all of you reading this that were let down, my personal and most sincere apologies folks, I think I may just have been as disappointed as you were, also know if there is any way I can be be a part of making this right in the future, I am committed to it.
I also want to take the opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who sent their good vibes to me, I felt them all, thank you for staying as supportive as you do and please forgive Lindsey, this was just one of those horrendous things that you don't think can happen to you until it does.
On a brighter note I am getting better now, I had a two stage spinal fusion procedure that promises full recovery and a return to everything I know as normal within 3-6 months, I've spoken with Lindsey and plans are formulating already. Got some gnarly pictures of the titanium hardware that's part of me now,more than most jewelry stores have, I think!
One final note if I may is to make mention of the surgeon that took care of me, Dr. Woosik M Chung. This man is a real life angel, no wings, no halo, an incredible man with an equally incredible story of his own if anyone is curious to google him. I will be forever indebted to him.
Thank you for listening, my sincerest best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy 2012, hope to see you out there soon
Neale.

***P.S.- I noticed while reading my note that by just mentioning England, it seemed somehow that I hadn't acknowledged our friends in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and across the water in the Netherlands and beyond, people I remember meeting personally too, I'm sorry, I hope I didn't upset anyone, I think of it all as home and wouldn't want anybody to feel otherwise. You're all priceless.

[michelej1]

Very thoughtful of him.

Thank you for posting.

Michele

[bombaysaffires]

Sort of a shame the guy feels he has to apologize for having a serious medical injury for which he had to have surgery and a long stay in the hospital. Glad to hear he is doing well and will be able to return to all his former activities.

[Lindsfan]

Originally Posted by bombaysaffires

Sort of a shame the guy feels he has to apologize for having a serious medical injury for which he had to have surgery and a long stay in the hospital. Glad to hear he is doing well and will be able to return to all his former activities.

Yes, it is. He certainly does not owe antbody an apology. What a terrible thing to have to be going through! He's a nice guy, and obviously feels worse about the cancellation than anyone, as he too was really looking forward to going home to the UK.

Thank you for the update Neale and Miranda. I'm just so glad to hear things are getting better with your health, and hope that you'll be able to get home to your family and friends soon. And, of course, like everyone else, I'm really looking forward to seeing you back on tour again as soon as you're able

------------------------------------

[The Catdancer]

Thanks for that sweet post. I hope he'll fully recover!

[MacMan]

Good for you Neale! Happy to hear you getting better.

[Cammie]

Hi Neale,
Glad your doing so well!!! You and the band are so good on stage I can see why it would have been "slip-shod" to even try to improvise!
We hope and pray for a full recovery and a tour to your homeland !!
Here's a Get Well Hug and a !!! Love from a Fanatic!!! Skylark

[elle]

Originally Posted by Miranda24

Hi Folks,
Neale Heywood here, I'm the lucky guy that gets to play guitar with Lindsey Buckingham.
It's now the middle of January 2012 and i'm finally coming out of the fog and shock of a painful and humbling stay in hospital over the Xmas period.
I want to take this opportunity to hopefully reach any of the disappointed LB fans that I know are out there and personally let them know, if I can, just how sorry I am to have been the reason for the man not coming over to England.
My back problems of years finally came to a head at the end of the US tour, I had every intention of doing whatever I could to get myself over to England but was warned by a surgeon that I could easily be risking paralysis in my legs if I medicated up and traveled and toured. Two discs in the lower part of my back had so badly degenerated they were trapping nerves causing a good deal of pain and difficulty walking, it was a bad situation that was not going to go away this time.
I'm an Englishman, coming home to England with Lindsey as a solo artist for the first time ever was as good as it gets, it was a proud moment for me, I was sick having to let him and the lads know the bad news, we talked about a replacement but what with the lack of time to put it together and the years of us playing together and the whole comfort level the band enjoys it just wouldn't have been the show people deserved or the show Lindsey could be totally happy with. I have to mention that all my brothers in the camp were amazingly supportive throughout, they're such a great bunch, I love 'em all.
The agents here and the UK really worked hard to re-schedule but it just wasn't possible within a reasonable time frame so again,to any and all of you reading this that were let down, my personal and most sincere apologies folks, I think I may just have been as disappointed as you were, also know if there is any way I can be be a part of making this right in the future, I am committed to it.
I also want to take the opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who sent their good vibes to me, I felt them all, thank you for staying as supportive as you do and please forgive Lindsey, this was just one of those horrendous things that you don't think can happen to you until it does.
On a brighter note I am getting better now, I had a two stage spinal fusion procedure that promises full recovery and a return to everything I know as normal within 3-6 months, I've spoken with Lindsey and plans are formulating already. Got some gnarly pictures of the titanium hardware that's part of me now,more than most jewelry stores have, I think!
One final note if I may is to make mention of the surgeon that took care of me, Dr. Woosik M Chung. This man is a real life angel, no wings, no halo, an incredible man with an equally incredible story of his own if anyone is curious to google him. I will be forever indebted to him.
Thank you for listening, my sincerest best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy 2012, hope to see you out there soon
Neale.

thank you Neale and thank you Miranda!! unbelievably nice and classy thing to do good to hear you are on the road to full recovery and hopefully it just gets better from here!

[Nico]

Miranda, how absolutely wonderful of you to take the time to share this with us. But Neale! Wow, considering all you have gone through, this was so kind and thoughtful of you. I really do hope you make the fullest recovery and continue to get stronger. I'm positive that you will fulfill your commitment to these fans and, just to let you know, everyone wishes you the BEST. Thanks for communicating this with the fans. Just take one day at a time until you are ready.

[elle]

bump.......

[holidayroad]

I'm so Very glad to hear that Neale's surgery was successful! That's wonderful news!! Thank you Neale, for letting us know about your progress!

[Silver Springs]

Thank you for updating us on his progress and sharing this with us. I'm glad he's recovering.

[pennylawyer]

Dear Neale,
We are all I'm sure so glad to hear from you, that you are doing well. We all have been hoping to hear the good news and that is most certainly great news. Please continue to get better, surgery of that type is serious and we sure want you to get back up and on your feet again. Glad you have a great support system there with the boys and surrounded by those that love you.
See you maybe later this year..we are hoping.
Best regards,
PennyLawyer Detroit.

[shackin'up]

Originally Posted by Miranda24

***P.S.- I noticed while reading my note that by just mentioning England, it seemed somehow that I hadn't acknowledged our friends in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and across the water in the Netherlands and beyond, people I remember meeting personally too, I'm sorry, I hope I didn't upset anyone, I think of it all as home and wouldn't want anybody to feel otherwise. You're all priceless.

We all feel "seen" and you aknowledged our dissappointment by your post, Neale, which wasn't necessary, but still is a very openhearted and gracious thing to do. Thanks very much for that. I bet all the people who met Lindsey in person, and you lads from his band, can easily see why replacement was not an issue. The cameradery, like Lindsey likes to call it, is great and if you pull out one of the elements things are not the same. I hope you are getting well soon, and work with him on short term, on the road or in the studio. As I recall, Brett, Walfredo and yourself are a tight unit, and very very nice and appreciative towards fans like us over here. See you somewhere in the future,
Greetings from The Netherlands,

Gerald.

[vivfox]

Wishing you complete recovery and healthy relaxation.