Mick wants: John, Jeremy & PG Reunion

[michelej1]

From the K-hits 96 radio website

http://www.k-hits.com/musicnews/story.aspx?ID=1186831

Out now on DVD is the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band's live disc Blue Again. The set was recorded in concert on October 25th, 2008 at the Marlowe Theater in Kent, England and features latter-day Fleetwood Mac bandmember Rick Vito on lead guitar. The band tackles such early-classic Mac classics as "Albatross," "Oh Well," "Black Magic Woman" and "Rattlesnake Shake," among others.

Fleetwood admits that there's nothing he wants more than for he and John McVie to reunite with Fleetwood Mac cofounders Jeremy Spencer and Peter Green: "I am actually talking to Peter about doing, making some music, and in truth, we're finding out whether anyone's interested in, in -- whether they want us to make some music, 'cause there's no point in making music if you can't get a record label to do it. I am actually trying quite hard to put those musicians in a studio."

[WithoutYou]

this is what really upsets me, if people knew about the original fleetwood mac then ya they'd want this! The problem is they've been burried by the popularity of the post peter green mac that its impossible to even go into a best buy and buy a fleetwood mac record with peter green on it.

I want this bad, but I feel like i'm the only one. We need to get the word out we need to make this happen, because like Mick is saying its not going to happen unless we wat it too!!!!!!

Here is a facebook page, so if you have a facebook join this group!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=260401504199

[sharksfan2000]

When you get right down to it, it doesn't matter a bit how much anyone else wants a reunion to happen. Unless Mick, John, Peter, and Jeremy all want it, it means nothing. And as far as I know, the only one of them who has publicly shown any real interest in such a reunion is Mick. So I think the probability of it happening is very slim indeed. And frankly, that's ok with me. They did what they did together, but that's in the past and can't be recreated. I doubt that Peter or Jeremy (or John or Mick for that matter) need that kind of pressure in their lives. I'd be much happeir to see them continue to play the music they want with the people they want, not try to live in the past. If they decide they really want to all play together again, wonderful - and they might make some terrific new music together - but that should only be because that's what they all want, not because that's what some of their fans want.

If you want more people to know about the original Fleetwood Mac, play them that music. A reunion can never recreate that, as much as some people would like it to.

[dino]

I agree with Sharksfan.
And this line pretty much sums up Mick's commercial leanings:

"'cause there's no point in making music if you can't get a record label to do it."

Which has always been different to Peter's attitude - he's out there playing now seemingly only for enjoyment.
Though some tracks in a studio, no pressure, would maybe be possible, some blues covers...who knows.

[Ms Moose]

I agree with Sharksfan.
And this line pretty much sums up Mick's commercial leanings:

"'cause there's no point in making music if you can't get a record label to do it."

Which has always been different to Peter's attitude - he's out there playing now seemingly only for enjoyment.
Though some tracks in a studio, no pressure, would maybe be possible, some blues covers...who knows.

I think I agree with dino and Sharksfan. I saw Mick and the Bluesband last year, and his drumming alone would smother PG and his famous tone completely. Not just the volume, because that can be fixed but his dominance and the way he "fills" the stage. I think PG has to play with musicians who listens. He is into sublety now. In the forty years gone they have developed into two very different musicians. It's sad because then they were so good together.

Ms Moose

[holidayroad]

A couple of months ago when Jeremy was here answering questions, I asked him 'If asked, would you re-join Fleetwood Mac?' His answer was 'If asked, no' I know this idea would not be quite the same as joining the current line-up of Fleetwood Mac, but I have a feeling that he would not want to commercially work with Mick. Not saying he wouldn't like a jam session though! :)

[TrueFaith77]

I don't think there would be any problem finding some label somewhere to release a Fleetwood Mac album with this line-up. So, it's obviously up to the players. I hope it does happen. I've always said that Lindsey-Stevie is my preference for any Mac grouping, but I don't think the Mac should rely on their whims. And nothing could be less a threat to the Mac legacy than a reunion with its original players: they have unfinished business, too. I'd give anything for Danny to join them . . .

[WithoutYou]

I still disagree. I think that the reason that Jeremy and Peter and the rest aren't doing it is because they see little merrit in the project. There would be a lot of merrit if a lot of people wanted it to happen. I'm not going to harp too hard on it, but as a 20 year old who was so far removed from when the band was together, I would appreciate the chance to see them on stage together. Until then I will continue to play the old records and spread there music to anyone who will have it.

[Evan Morris]

Mick has been pushing this idea since Peter began his comeback in the nineties, it seems that he is the only member that is actually interested. When he started the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, I took it as a sign that he was tired of waiting for the chance to revisit his blues roots with Peter and the boys.
Based on recent comments made by John, Peter may have a problem or two with him on a personal level. Jeremy is not interested, Danny is likely not up to it, as much as I would like to see it, there is little chance of a reunion in my opinion.

[sjpdg]

A couple of months ago when Jeremy was here answering questions, I asked him 'If asked, would you re-join Fleetwood Mac?' His answer was 'If asked, no' I know this idea would not be quite the same as joining the current line-up of Fleetwood Mac, but I have a feeling that he would not want to commercially work with Mick. Not saying he wouldn't like a jam session though! :)

Jeremy did work with Mick on the "Mick Fleetwood Band: Something Big" CD from a few years ago.

Honestly, I think if it's done in the context of the MFBB, then Peter, Jeremy and John might just do it. Mainly as long as there's no huge pressure to call it a "Fleetwood Mac reunion". That way Peter can feel more comfortable and both he and Jeremy could possibly contribute some fresh material for the band. They could do a few gigs here and there, then Rick could take up the lead again. They wouldn't have to record an entire album, just 3 - 4 tracks for the next MFBB CD. That way it doesn't look like a full-on "original Fleetwood Mac" reunion either.

As far as Danny's concerned, I think that idea has as much possibility of happening as Christine coming back to the band does. Not going to happen.

[TrueFaith77]

Jeremy did work with Mick on the "Mick Fleetwood Band: Something Big" CD from a few years ago.

Honestly, I think if it's done in the context of the MFBB, then Peter, Jeremy and John might just do it. Mainly as long as there's no huge pressure to call it a "Fleetwood Mac reunion". That way Peter can feel more comfortable and both he and Jeremy could possibly contribute some fresh material for the band. They could do a few gigs here and there, then Rick could take up the lead again. They wouldn't have to record an entire album, just 3 - 4 tracks for the next MFBB CD. That way it doesn't look like a full-on "original Fleetwood Mac" reunion either.

As far as Danny's concerned, I think that idea has as much possibility of happening as Christine coming back to the band does. Not going to happen.


If it has Mick and John, then it must be called Fleetwood Mac. It IS Fleetwood Mac. Anyway, it won't happen. It's too much like right.

Is anyone able to point me to Jeremy's presence on Something Big?

[holidayroad]

Jeremy did work with Mick on the "Mick Fleetwood Band: Something Big" CD from a few years ago.

True, I forgot about that! (Jeremy should have reminded me)!

[holidayroad]

If it has Mick and John, then it must be called Fleetwood Mac. It IS Fleetwood Mac. Anyway, it won't happen. It's too much like right.

Is anyone able to point me to Jeremy's presence on Something Big?

He plays on the song 'No Borders'

[sharksfan2000]

I still disagree. I think that the reason that Jeremy and Peter and the rest aren't doing it is because they see little merrit in the project. There would be a lot of merrit if a lot of people wanted it to happen. I'm not going to harp too hard on it, but as a 20 year old who was so far removed from when the band was together, I would appreciate the chance to see them on stage together. Until then I will continue to play the old records and spread there music to anyone who will have it.
Sorry, WithoutYou - but if you've seen the various players' responses to the possibility of a reunion over the years, you'd know the reluctance to do it has nothing to do with "merit" or with other people wanting it to happen. If anything, the more that other people would want it to happen, the less likely it would be.

It's not that I can't see the (slim) possibility that they could all agree to play together as part of another band at some point - sjpdg mentioned one scenario - but I can't imagine that being anything but a very short-term arrangement. For anything more than that, even a temporary reunion of the original Fleetwood Mac, I think the possibility of that happening is zero - no one but Mick seems to have any interest in that.

[dansven]

MICK:
The only one who's been really talking about this in media... It seems strange to me that he's been talking about reunion for years now, if it was only something he himself was dreaming of. So I guess, at least he must have made a few phonecalls to the others and had some positive feedback.

JOHN:
I don't know... I somehow feel that he would go along and f0ll0w Mick in whatever happens. They've always been together...:lol:

PETER:
We're all worried about the pressure on Peter's shoulders in a situation like that. However, I do think Peter would have handled it nowadays. Don't know why.. I just think!

JEREMY:
I have had the impression Jeremy's the one most reluctant. (i.e. since Peter started playing again in the 90s). That was until recently, when he wrote at the Ledge that there had been plans of a reunion in the Royal Albert Hall. I got the impression that he had said yes, and then something got in the way and the whole thing was cancelled. I wonder what the plans were? Who was in charge? How far did they get? Did they meet? Rehearse? What happened? Why was it cancelled?

DANNY:
No.
(Hope he's doing ok... not much news lately)



I do think Mick, Jeremy, Peter and John could have got togther in a studio and made fantastic stuff.
I do think Mick would be wise enough to not overplay and ruin Peter's mellow style.
Regarding Peter's style and approach these days, we here at the Ledge know that it is completely different from 40 years ago (of course it is!!!) The same goes for Jeremy! But Peter's the one people are gonna look at in search for a guitar hero. But he's not gonna give them that. (At least not according to their definition of a guitar hero.)

The thing is, I don't think Jeremy or Peter have that much interest in doing a "retro-show"... so apart from a few Fleetwood Mac classics, I think some blues standards (or even better.. some new originals) would have worked better.
I think a studio session and some low-key gigs would have been the way to do this... just the four of them having fun.

Anyway, I am glad for everything new ... Jeremy Spencer solo and Peter Green & Friends!

As for reunions (or near-reunions) over the years:
1971: Peter touring with F.Mac in 1971 after Jeremy leaving
1973: Peter playing on Nightwatch (Penguin album)
1979: Peter playing on Brown Eyes (Tusk album)
1981: Peter playing on Rattlesnake Shake and Super Brains (Mick's The Visitor LP)
1995: Jeremy playing with Fleetwood Mac onstage in Japan. Bootlegs, anybody?????
2001: Peter, John and Mick playing on Yo Yo Man (John Mayall's Along For The Ride)
2003: Jeremy and Mick playing Maria de Santiago (instrumental version) on Gaia (various artists album)
2004: Jeremy, John and Mick playing on No Borders (Mick's Something Big album)
2008-9 ? : Jeremy, John and Mick playing together during their meeting in the Man Of The World DVD (Peter Green documentary). Recorded at Mick's home??

[sharksfan2000]

The thing is, I don't think Jeremy or Peter have that much interest in doing a "retro-show"... so apart from a few Fleetwood Mac classics, I think some blues standards (or even better.. some new originals) would have worked better.
Very true - If they did get together I'm sure Peter and Jeremy would insist on not doing the "old" material, except perhaps one or two numbers.

I think a studio session and some low-key gigs would have been the way to do this... just the four of them having fun.

2008-9 ? : Jeremy, John and Mick playing together during their meeting in the Man Of The World DVD (Peter Green documentary). Recorded at Mick's home??
This is probably the scenario I could see the four of them playing together again....no live audience, no pressure, just having fun and playing what they feel like playing. I still think the odds are against it, but who knows?

[chriskisn]

JOHN:
I don't know... I somehow feel that he would go along and f0ll0w Mick in whatever happens. They've always been together...:lol:

Hmm...not necessarily. He didn't last very long in the MFBB did he?



2004: Jeremy, John and Mick playing on No Borders (Mick's Something Big album)


Talking of No Borders - apparently (and you'll have to dig around on iTunes) Mick, John, Jeremy and Todd Smallwood also played on Safe In Your Heart from the "No Borders Records - Music Without Boundaries" album.

[dansven]

This is probably the scenario I could see the four of them playing together again....no live audience, no pressure, just having fun and playing what they feel like playing. I still think the odds are against it, but who knows?
Yes, I don't think it will happen...:shrug:
Same goes with The Byrds.:distress:
The Kinks... maaaaaayybe...


Talking of No Borders - apparently (and you'll have to dig around on iTunes) Mick, John, Jeremy and Todd Smallwood also played on Safe In Your Heart from the "No Borders Records - Music Without Boundaries" album.
REALLY???
Thank you so much for that info! :xoxo:
Was it released on a CD?
I'm going to check that one out.


Regarding a possible reunion, the worst thing that could happen is if they brought in a third guitarist (other than DK, of course) to supply juicy licks and "cover up for Peter".

[chriskisn]

REALLY???
Thank you so much for that info! :xoxo:
Was it released on a CD?
I'm going to check that one out.


Well John (wetcamelfood) and I were trying to work this one out a month or so back without much success. As far as we can see, the Music Without Boundaries album was an iTunes (or at least mp3 version) release only.

Also has a track off Something Big on it (credited as Fleetwood Smallwood), which makes me think that the "Safe In Your Heart" track was just a Something Big track that never made it to the album. Perhaps Jeremy could enlighten us.

[chriskisn]

Regarding a possible reunion, the worst thing that could happen is if they brought in a third guitarist (other than DK, of course) to supply juicy licks and "cover up for Peter".

Hmm...should have answered this in my last post but missed this bit...

I think it would be okay if it was Rick Vito, he seems to hold Peter in high esteem and has covered several of his songs in his solo work and MFBB work.

[Mario]

Hmm...should have answered this in my last post but missed this bit...

I think it would be okay if it was Rick Vito, he seems to hold Peter in high esteem and has covered several of his songs in his solo work and MFBB work.

I'm sure the current Peter Green doesn't need to be "covered"

But, this apart, this stuff isn't any good for Peter....

Mario.

[chriskisn]

I'm sure the current Peter Green doesn't need to be "covered"

But, this apart, this stuff isn't any good for Peter....

Mario.

No sorry I wasn't suggesting that Rick should cover it as a third guitarist, only suggesting that Rick has a perfect understanding of this music as well as a connection to it

Plus I actually think Peter would quite enjoy listening to Rick sing some old blues standards...

[holidayroad]

Let's just even say that everyone was on board and wanted to do this, what would they call the band? If you call it Fleetwood Mac, lots of people will complain. Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac???

[dansven]

I'm sure most of us here at the forum would like to hear Peter's lead guitar, rather than to have somebody step in and take the lead when things aren't fiery or flashy enough.
However, if there were to be a reunion, others in the business might suggest an extra guitarist to provide more "guitar hero power".

If Peter slows down for a chorus or two, that's fine with me. And that is why Peter Green & Friend works so well imo. There's no other guitarist to play gutiar hero.

A reunion should include Peter, Jeremy, John and Mick.
(Ok, perhaps somebody on piano too. And if they needed another guitarist, then he should be playing rythm only.)

holidayroad: Regarding the name.. how about their debut at Windsor in '67:

Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac Featuring Jeremy Spencer
:thumbsup:

[holidayroad]

I'm sure most of us here at the forum would like to hear Peter's lead guitar, rather than to have somebody step in and take the lead when things aren't fiery or flashy enough.
However, if there were to be a reunion, others in the business might suggest an extra guitarist to provide more "guitar hero power".

If Peter slows down for a chorus or two, that's fine with me. And that is why Peter Green & Friend works so well imo. There's no other guitarist to play gutiar hero.

A reunion should include Peter, Jeremy, John and Mick.
(Ok, perhaps somebody on piano too. And if they needed another guitarist, then he should be playing rythm only.)

holidayroad: Regarding the name.. how about their debut at Windsor in '67:

Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac Featuring Jeremy Spencer
:thumbsup:

Perfect name!!!

[Mario]

Not for putting water on fire, but as far as I know Mick hasn't spoken to Peter directly about reforming the Mac.

I may be wrong, but this reunion isn't going to happen, we will see...
Mario.

[dansven]

Mario: "...as far as I know Mick hasn't spoken to Peter directly about reforming the Mac."
Yeah, and that it what puzzles me about Mick. Why he several times has talked to the media about a reunion if it's only in his own imagination. It seems rather unproffessional to me. :shrug:

I may be wrong, but this reunion isn't going to happen, we will see...
It probably won't.

One thing about Fleetwood Mac, though, compared to many other bands, is that all members are still alive today! :woohoo:

[Mario]

Mario: "...as far as I know Mick hasn't spoken to Peter directly about reforming the Mac."
Yeah, and that it what puzzles me about Mick. Why he several times has talked to the media about a reunion if it's only in his own imagination. It seems rather unproffessional to me. :shrug:


It probably won't.

One thing about Fleetwood Mac, though, compared to many other bands, is that all members are still alive today! :woohoo:

See, Mick always wanted to play again with Peter, he tried when Peter was with Splinter Group (always fighting with Mr.N.Watson) and probably he is trying now...

It is almost if he felt himself in guilty for what happened to Peter.....

Believe me, Peter's whole approach to practicing and playing is so improved since he met Mike Dodd, that I'm really hoping this reunion isn't going to happen!

But, of course, this is only my opinion....

Mario.

[mzero]

See, Mick always wanted to play again with Peter, he tried when Peter was with Splinter Group (always fighting with Mr.N.Watson) and probably he is trying now...

It is almost if he felt himself in guilty for what happened to Peter.....

Believe me, Peter's whole approach to practicing and playing is so improved since he met Mike Dodd, that I'm really hoping this reunion isn't going to happen!

But, of course, this is only my opinion....

Mario.

it's mine too. i think the reunion is a terrible idea! zero

[slipkid]

Let's just even say that everyone was on board and wanted to do this, what would they call the band? If you call it Fleetwood Mac, lots of people will complain. Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac???

"The Original Fleetwood Mac"

What if Steve Hackett, and Peter Gabriel came back to re-join/form Genesis, what would you call them?


I find it funny that people would complain since it was Peter Green that came up with the band's name in the first place.

[holidayroad]

"The Original Fleetwood Mac"

What if Steve Hackett, and Peter Gabriel came back to re-join/form Genesis, what would you call them?


I find it funny that people would complain since it was Peter Green that came up with the band's name in the first place.

Actually, Genesis would present the same problem. Everyone would expect Phil Collins as the frontman, just like if they saw 'Fleetwood Mac', people would expect Lindsey/Stevie. I agree people Shouldn't complain, but they would.

[SteveMacD]

Actually, Genesis would present the same problem. Everyone would expect Phil Collins as the frontman, just like if they saw 'Fleetwood Mac', people would expect Lindsey/Stevie. I agree people Shouldn't complain, but they would.

I don't really see the parallel between Genesis and Fleetwood Mac, in that all of the current members of Genesis were in the band with Gabriel and Hackett, so they would still get Phil. Hell, Phil was Peter's backing vocalist. And, Peter Gabriel had a distinct, successful solo career, so he'd still bring his own celebrity to the table.

[slipkid]

I don't really see the parallel between Genesis and Fleetwood Mac, in that all of the current members of Genesis were in the band with Gabriel and Hackett, so they would still get Phil. Hell, Phil was Peter's backing vocalist. And, Peter Gabriel had a distinct, successful solo career, so he'd still bring his own celebrity to the table.

Think of Phil Collins' songwriting talent as Buckingham/Nicks/Christine McVie combined. While Peter Gabriel was in the band, Collins just played drums, and sang back-up vocals. He didn't write songs, or have any hand in changing the band's direction towards pop music while Steve Hackett, and Peter Gabriel were in the band. After Genesis' leader Peter Gabriel left (Peter Green), Genesis gave Phil Collins the job as lead singer, with Steve Hackett playing guitar (Danny Kirwan). As long as Hackett was in the band, Genesis still held to their original progressive rock origins. Two albums later Steve Hackett (Kirwan, as the last of the creative old band) leaves the band.

From then on Phil Collins unleashed his many talents, took over,and transformed Genesis into pop super-stardom. Albums such as "Duke", and "Abacab", made the band millions of dollars. That means there are millions of fans who only know Genesis from 1980-present. (ring a bell?)

So if you had a reunion of the past Genesis band with the 1970-75 members, what would you call that band? Fleetwood Mac's story is less complicated.

[dino]

You would call the band Fleetwood Mac, it's Peter's name.
What happened after 1971 is, like.... irrelevant ;).

[JonsonP]

'i think the reunion is a terrible idea! zero'

I also find myself agreeing with this - What sounds great in theory often doesn't translate into a great reality!

Firstly Mick seems to just want this for personal reasons, or show-biz reasons, or both, and neither of those will likely interest Peter or Jeremy.

And from what I can tell John doesn't really seem interested in the present-day PG sound...:(

And also Peter & Jeremy are both doing great with their current bands!:nod:

So I wonder what's really to be gained?

Possibly a relaxed studio jam session would be ok, but again I think something like Peter in the studio with BB King instead would be so much better, maybe with Jeremy aswell...!:)

Jonson

[holidayroad]

Will we get the important input of Jeremy Spencer on this subject???



When I wrote this, he was on the board and didn't leave any comment.

[jeremy spencer]

'i think the reunion is a terrible idea! zero'

I also find myself agreeing with this - What sounds great in theory often doesn't translate into a great reality!

Firstly Mick seems to just want this for personal reasons, or show-biz reasons, or both, and neither of those will likely interest Peter or Jeremy.

And from what I can tell John doesn't really seem interested in the present-day PG sound...:(

And also Peter & Jeremy are both doing great with their current bands!:nod:

So I wonder what's really to be gained?

Possibly a relaxed studio jam session would be ok, but again I think something like Peter in the studio with BB King instead would be so much better, maybe with Jeremy aswell...!:)

Jonson

... need I say more on this tired subject?

[sharksfan2000]

Glad to see Jeremy's input on this, and I agree with him that Jonson did a great job of covering all the reasons why this would not be such a good idea.

[jenniferuk]

... need I say more on this tired subject?

As always...thank you for taking time to add your 2p. Your comments are enjoyed and appreciated!

[holidayroad]

Thanks Jeremy for letting us know how you feel.

[aleuzzi]

Now that Jeremy's weighed in with a thumbs down on the reunion, there's really no need to discuss this anymore, is there? Truth is, Peter and Jeremy are doing what they love now. Let's embrace that.

[chriskisn]

Now that Jeremy's weighed in with a thumbs down on the reunion, there's really no need to discuss this anymore, is there? Truth is, Peter and Jeremy are doing what they love now. Let's embrace that.

I can only hope that both Peter and Jeremy get busy on new albums... ;)

Ah yes as I've said before Fleetwood Mac spend too much time looking back (hence the current reunion) rather than looking forward. Sure I'd love to see both Peter and Jeremy live, but even with a reunion that isn't likely to happen in my part of the world...

[mzero]

... Sure I'd love to see both Peter and Jeremy live, but even with a reunion that isn't likely to happen in my part of the world...

here's a crazy idea. pete sits in live with jeremy or vice versa.

i think its better than a fleetwood mac reunion. zero

[Ms Moose]

here's a crazy idea. pete sits in live with jeremy or vice versa.

i think its better than a fleetwood mac reunion. zero

YES!!!

:]

Ms Moose