Importance of Stevie versus Lindsey

[g. fish]

To the casual fan, Stevie Nicks personifies the band. She is the face of the Fleetwood Mac "brand". Accordingly, she is the one that attracts the casual fan to Fleetwood Mac concerts.

The casual fan comes to see Stevie. But they leave the venue talking about Lindsey Buckingham and his incredible talent and stage presence.

We as hard core fans know that Lindsey is the creative genius behind the band. And yes, his guitar work is absolutely brilliant. But at this stage of the game, his stage presence is probably his most important contribution...especially since creating new material is no longer a priority to the other members.

With all due respect, Stevie and Christine are showing their age. Lindsey props them up with his high level of energy and charisma.

Neil Finn seems like a nice enough guy. And from what I understand, he is brilliant on a creative front. But I don't think he has the stage presence to captivate and energize audiences. It's especially tough taking the reins and sharing a leadership role when you're the new kid on the block.

And I understand that Mike Campbell is a great guitarist. Again, does he energize the audience like Lindsey??? Time will tell. My bet says no.

Mick and company should have learned their lesson in 1987 with the addition of Billy Burnett and Rick Vito. Both were talented in their own right. But even with new material, they never achieved a status beyond karaoke.

My wife and I have seen Fleetwood Mac 11 times. In addition, we've seen solo shows by Lindsey (6x), Stevie (2x) and Buckingham McVie (1x). Combined, that's 20 concerts in all. For me, the final chapter has been written for the band Fleetwood Mac. Sadly, they have squandered their legacy and lost their legitimacy. At this point, with their advancing age, I don't believe there's time to recover the Rumours lineup.

I do, however, look forward to new material and future LB and/or Buckvie shows.

[HomerMcvie]

Very well said. I think you stated how MANY of us feel, here.

It's simply too late in the game for reinvention.

[Sugar Mouse]

Originally Posted by g. fish

To the casual fan, Stevie Nicks personifies the band. She is the face of the Fleetwood Mac "brand". Accordingly, she is the one that attracts the casual fan to Fleetwood Mac concerts.

The casual fan comes to see Stevie. But they leave the venue talking about Lindsey Buckingham and his incredible talent and stage presence.

We as hard core fans know that Lindsey is the creative genius behind the band. And yes, his guitar work is absolutely brilliant. But at this stage of the game, his stage presence is probably his most important contribution...especially since creating new material is no longer a priority to the other members.

With all due respect, Stevie and Christine are showing their age. Lindsey props them up with his high level of energy and charisma.

Neil Finn seems like a nice enough guy. And from what I understand, he is brilliant on a creative front. But I don't think he has the stage presence to captivate and energize audiences. It's especially tough taking the reins and sharing a leadership role when you're the new kid on the block.

And I understand that Mike Campbell is a great guitarist. Again, does he energize the audience like Lindsey??? Time will tell. My bet says no.

Mick and company should have learned their lesson in 1987 with the addition of Billy Burnett and Rick Vito. Both were talented in their own right. But even with new material, they never achieved a status beyond karaoke.

My wife and I have seen Fleetwood Mac 11 times. In addition, we've seen solo shows by Lindsey (6x), Stevie (2x) and Buckingham McVie (1x). Combined, that's 20 concerts in all. For me, the final chapter has been written for the band Fleetwood Mac. Sadly, they have squandered their legacy and lost their legitimacy. At this point, with their advancing age, I don't believe there's time to recover the Rumours lineup.

I do, however, look forward to new material and future LB and/or Buckvie shows.

I agree and I disagree. I agree that Lindsey has been the creative force of Fleetwood Mac since the mid-70's. And I agree that Lindsey has been the main source of energy for the live performances in recent years. And I agree that Neil is, like Lindsey, a creative superstar. Very few musicians can write, produce, and arrange music like Lindsey or Neil. Paul McCartney has famously said that Neil Finn is the best living songwriter.

I disagree that Neil and Mike won't bring at least some of Lindsey's energy. I've seen each of them many times and have always walked about impressed with their energy and charisma. Mike doesn't talk much on stage but is a musical tour de force with that guitar. And Neil is a powerful stage presence as you can see in performances by Crowded House, 7 Worlds Collide, etc. on YouTube. No one is Lindsey Buckingham, but Neil/Mike is about as good a replacement as humanly possible.

[HomerMcvie]

Originally Posted by Sugar Mouse

No one is Lindsey Buckingham, but Neil/Mike is about as good a replacement as humanly possible.

But Sugar Mick, it should have never happened. The legacy is ruined. I don't give AF if they replace him with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

THEY RUINED THE BAND BY DOING THIS.

[Sugar Mouse]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

But Sugar Mick, it should have never happened. The legacy is ruined. I don't give AF if they replace him with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

THEY RUINED THE BAND BY DOING THIS.

Perhaps Lindsey should have simply played the tour rather than backing out. He could have done his solo thing next summer. If Lindsey had done that, the band would still be together and all would be good.

[louielouie2000]

Originally Posted by Sugar Mouse

Perhaps Lindsey should have simply played the tour rather than backing out. He could have done his solo thing next summer. If Lindsey had done that, the band would still be together and all would be good.

I strongly suspect if Lindsey would have known he'd be fired, he would have just toured. After all, Stevie has held up the show many times and I'm certain he never would have pushed to get her fired because of it. From the limited info we have on the situation, it seems Lindsey was blindsided by the whole thing. The way the whole situation is being handled just smacks of dirty business.

[g. fish]

Lindsey was the real deal for Fleetwood Mac. He wrote, produced and performed at a high level. Audiences recognized his authenticity. And they responded to his energy.

This latest incarnation is a cover band. Until they produce new material, Neil and Mike are nothing more than karaoke as it relates to Fleetwood Mac. Perhaps they will bring energy as Sugar Mouse claims, but they are not the real deal.

In 1987, I was so disappointed when I learned that Lindsey had left the band. But he left on his own accord. Giving Fleetwood Mac the benefit of the doubt, I embraced the new lineup with Billy and Rick. And I respect the fact that they tried to write a new chapter with Behind the Mask. But the chemistry wasn't there.

The Rumours lineup, in all its incarnations, has been around since 1975. That's over 40 years to create a legacy. Even if this new band creates new music (contrary to Stevie's assertion that nobody buys new music), they will soon run out of time to establish real legitimacy.

[jbrownsjr]

The thing I remember the most about the BTM tour is how much Christine stepped up. She was leading the chat with the audience. She had a solo. She was full of energy. Stevie was floating around like a drugged out balloon for that tour. Billy and Rick were great for energy because they were super excited to be there.

I'm not sure Christine can do that now? As great as she looks, she cheats on keys so much with Brett there, it's embarrassing. Almost as bad as Stevie singing 2 notes for one song.

But it's Fleetwood Mac. I can't imagine they won't have a blockbuster show.

WE SHALL SEE....

[Villavic]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

But Sugar Mick, it should have never happened. The legacy is ruined. .

Exactly. I agree with that.

[g. fish]

"Dang, what I really want is just for them to realize their mistake and ask Lindsey back. Can it still happen someday?? I so desperately want it to happen... I want to love this band again... but I never will love any incarnations that are blighted by Lindsey's firing".

I share your sentiments Nancy. Lindsey was the creative genius who crafted their songs (and made them wealthy beyond their dreams). And with their advancing age, Lindsey has carried the rest of the group on his back in live performances. No question, he steals the show.

In 1987, I was disappointed when Lindsey left the band. But he left on his own terms. So I embraced the Burnett/Vito era hoping that they could rebound. It wasn't the same chemistry...but no hard feelings towards the band. And then came the Time lineup. Nothing else needs to be said.

With all due respect to Neil and Mike, I have no desire to listen to karaoke from the new members.

Sadly, time is running out. I'm sure they will move forward with their current lineup. How long will it take to heal the wounds? Life is too short. I'm afraid that a reconciliation will never place before its too late.

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

But Sugar Mick, it should have never happened. The legacy is ruined.

Their legacy?

Their legacy is that of one of the most dysfunctional bands in rock. Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, Danny Kirwan, the Fake Mac, Rumours, 87-97, Christine retiring, Stevie refusing to record, Bob Welch’s suicide, Christine returning, Stevie still refusing to record, and a Fleetwood Mac album billed as Buckingham McVie…Parting with Lindsey at this stage and going on with a new lineup is perfectly in keeping with THAT legacy.

Happy, full-circle ending? This isn’t Pearl Jam.

[HomerMcvie]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

Their legacy?

Their legacy is that of one of the most dysfunctional bands in rock. Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, Danny Kirwan, the Fake Mac, Rumours, 87-97, Christine retiring, Stevie refusing to record, Bob Welch’s suicide, Christine returning, Stevie still refusing to record, and a Fleetwood Mac album billed as Buckingham McVie…Parting with Lindsey at this stage and going on with a new lineup is perfectly in keeping with THAT legacy.

Happy, full-circle ending? This isn’t Pearl Jam.

That's right. THEIR LEGACY. The lineup that made them a household name(no, not in the 1960s).

Enjoy your new lineup, Steve.

[sue]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

That's right. THEIR LEGACY. The lineup that made them a household name(no, not in the 1960s).

Enjoy your new lineup, Steve.

To be fair, in the UK (in the 60’s) Fleetwood Mac were household names and had big big hits.
No not as ginormous as they became with the Rumours 5 lineup.
And your right it’s The Rumours 5 legacy that’s gone.............

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by HomerMcvie

That's right. THEIR LEGACY. The lineup that made them a household name(no, not in the 1960s).

Parting ways with Lindsey didn’t ruin their legacy. Calling a Fleetwood Mac album something else, surrendering any future creative potential they might have had as Fleetwood Mac with Lindsey, THAT ruined their legacy. That damage was already done.

[Angel75]

Originally Posted by Sugar Mouse

I agree and I disagree. I agree that Lindsey has been the creative force of Fleetwood Mac since the mid-70's. And I agree that Lindsey has been the main source of energy for the live performances in recent years. And I agree that Neil is, like Lindsey, a creative superstar. Very few musicians can write, produce, and arrange music like Lindsey or Neil. Paul McCartney has famously said that Neil Finn is the best living songwriter.

I disagree that Neil and Mike won't bring at least some of Lindsey's energy. I've seen each of them many times and have always walked about impressed with their energy and charisma. Mike doesn't talk much on stage but is a musical tour de force with that guitar. And Neil is a powerful stage presence as you can see in performances by Crowded House, 7 Worlds Collide, etc. on YouTube. No one is Lindsey Buckingham, but Neil/Mike is about as good a replacement as humanly possible.

That McCartney quote surprised me....so did a quick Google search. I think you'll find it's FALSE!
Your sources appear to really lack credibility buddy....and this is on your beloved Finn forum!
https://www.frenzforum.com/topic/pau...alks-neil-finn