Who is the most famous Mac member? (excluding Stevie)

[MacShadowsBall]

I haven't really seen much discussion regarding this, and it's something I've always thought about. Which Fleetwood Mac member is the most famous? I'm excluding Stevie since she's the obviously famous Macster.

From within FM and outside FM, before, during, and after his/her Mac tenure, solo success, Mac success, name recognition in and out of the industry, music ability, charting success, hit singles/albums, success in America, the UK and around the world, etc should all be considered.


Mick Fleetwood
John McVie
Peter Green
Christine McVie
Bob Welch
Lindsey Buckingham
Billy Burnette
Rick Vito
Dave Mason
Other - Jeremy, Danny, D. Walker, B. Weston, B. Bramlett



I'm doing it as a poll so I had to combine some Macsters. If you choose "Other" please explain who! :cool:

[cantgoback]

I chose Peter Green... I almost chose Lindsey. The two are almost tied with me.

[WildHearted]

I'd say Peter Green, and I think Lindsey would follow him.

[elle]

i voted for Peter. although people may not know his name (or that he wrote songs like Black Magic Woman!), for many Peter Green's FM IS FM.

i would think second might be Mick Fleetwood, just because his name is basically band's name.

[Dreamz19]

I chose Peter Green... I almost chose Lindsey. The two are almost tied with me.

Same here. I almost picked Lindsey, but when I think about it, I've heard more people speak of Peter Green in general than Lindsey. When I hear of Lindsey, it is always strictly connected to FM or Stevie.

[Peestie]

I picked Peter Green because he has the whole guitar legend thing going for him. Lindsey's a fantastic guitarist but, for whatever reasons, has never had that legend build up around him. There are probably more people saying he's a great guitarist in the last 5 or 10 years than before.

In the UK I think Peter Green is possibly at least a big a name as Stevie.

[elle]

I picked Peter Green because he has the whole guitar legend thing going for him. Lindsey's a fantastic guitarist but, for whatever reasons, has never had that legend build up around him. There are probably more people saying he's a great guitarist in the last 5 or 10 years than before.

In the UK I think Peter Green is possibly at least a big a name as Stevie.

yes - seems that in the last 5 or so years (maybe since he started intense solo period activity, or maybe even before that during The Dance when people saw his solo Big Love), and especially last year when he toured completely alone, Lindsey's reputation as a guitarist has finally starting building up. :nod:

[MacShadowsBall]

How about Bob Welch? He had a few hit albums and songs. I hear his songs on the radio alot. Also, his death got a lot of press.

Dave Mason, too with his fame from Traffic. When I told my friend about FM, I asked him if new of Dave Mason, he said "Yeah!". I then told him that he was in FM, albeit for a very short period!

:cool:

[Villavic]

This is an interesting poll. I voted for Christine, simple because she got lot of singles in the band, probably the most. I don't know if Peter was that famous wide world, or even outside UK.

Keep in mind that famous means popular within general public. Not just rockers, musicians and fans. So I don't see Lindsey was that famous either. Don't confuse popular with important member. Or even succesful.

For example I've read in other posts of The Ledge that people in first rows of concerts didn't realize Lindsey was replaced during Tango tour.
I have read Lindsey is a very prestigous guitarist among the rock experts, but that doesn't mean popular necessarily.

What was more evident among general public? Lindsey being replaced by Rick& Billy, or Christine leaving the band? I think this last fact.

[michelej1]

What was more evident among general public? Lindsey being replaced by Rick& Billy, or Christine leaving the band? I think this last fact.

I don't think that Christine's leaving got more press. Lindsey's exit got a lot of attention, even though we didn't have an internet at the time. But there was a lot of media attention surrounding his leaving.

Michele

[Villavic]

I don't think that Christine's leaving got more press. Lindsey's exit got a lot of attention, even though we didn't have an internet at the time. But there was a lot of media attention surrounding his leaving. Michele

Probably you are right, but a lot of media attention does not guarantee popularity.
My point is, if I ask to general people: Lindsey Buckingham is a guitarist of What band?? versus Christine McVie is a singer of What band? I don't know who wins.

Yeah, the "Mac" in the last name can help. Well then let's show a picture of Christine and other picture of Lindsey and name them. Or name the band. Who wins?

Of course I'm speculating. But I do feel Christine is somehow more popular.

[vivfox]

Keep in mind that famous means popular within general public.


With this in mind I'm surprised that Angel69, blinker12, dreamsunwind17, Fireflies, johnnystorms, Lori40, mezzoforte, mylittledemon, rhiannondontgo, Sanne2 voted for Lindsey(at presstime).

I voted for Mick Fleetwood. I think more of the gen population would know him over Lindsey any day or any other of the band members(besides Stevie) also.

[WildHearted]

I don't believe that either Chris or Lindsey have all that much name recognition to the general public, honestly. Not as much as they should have, in my opinion, of course.

I think in reality they probably have about the same, but if I had to pick one who I thought had more, I would say Lindsey. He gets brought up basically anytime Stevie (the most well-known Mac member) does anything, and he's also kept himself in the public eye for the past 15 years and .... Christine hasn't.

[Macfanforever]

I think without Mick and John .This forum and Fleetwoodmac.Net wont exist today.



Stevie and Lindsey would probably continued with Buckingham -Nicks or go their own ways to stardom.

Peter and the other band mates would probably sign on with other bands.

[michelej1]

I don't believe that either Chris or Lindsey have all that much name recognition to the general public, honestly. Not as much as they should have, in my opinion, of course.

I think in reality they probably have about the same, but if I had to pick one who I thought had more, I would say Lindsey. He gets brought up basically anytime Stevie (the most well-known Mac member) does anything, and he's also kept himself in the public eye for the past 15 years and .... Christine hasn't.

It's true. Lindsey gets brought up as being part of a couple a lot, even outside of Fleetwood Mac discussions. Christine was also part of a famous couple, but she and John don't capture media attention in the same way.

At one point Dave Mason was more famous than the others. But that time has passed.

Michele

[Villavic]

I think one way to confirm who is more popular would be by solo tours. A Christine solo tour and a Lindsey solo tour. Which would get more audience?

It would define also where they are more famous. US? Europe? Japan? etc.

And if I add the "what if" factor, I would have done this tours in the 80s, in the 90s, and today. Fame is so temporary, so is fleeting and changeable. So.. when were they more famous??

[TrueFaith77]

Mick and Stevie are the visual representations of the band.

[holidayroad]

I chose Christine because a lot of people I know have said that she is the singer they most associated with Fleetwood Mac.

[redbird]

It's true. Lindsey gets brought up as being part of a couple a lot, even outside of Fleetwood Mac discussions. Christine was also part of a famous couple, but she and John don't capture media attention in the same way.

That's why I went with Lindsey. I'm sure he wouldn't think very highly of that particular reason for fame, but it's there, heheh. And at least here in the States Saturday Night Live may have made it more easy to imagine him being picked out of a lineup by the average joe.

[CADreaming]

I chose Christine because whenever I mention FM most people will ask if "Christy McVie" is either still with them or will tour with them again.

If I mention Lindsey they look at me funny & say "Oh, is that the guitar player?"

[chiliD]

Mick Fleetwood is the face & name of the band. Besides Stevie Nicks, he's the most visible member of the band...almost everybody knows Mick Fleetwood. Mention Lindsey Buckingham or Peter Green and you'll get the "deer in the headlights" look from most people.

[HomerMcvie]

And if Lindsey is better known, it's only because of his history with Stevie.

[MacShadowsBall]

Another way to look at it....

Let's say a few years ago before Weston/Welch passed, that all Mac members, excluding Stevie, spend a day individually hanging out in LA or New York. Who would gather the largest crowd? Who would get the most requests for autographs?

:cool:

[shackin'up]

Mick Fleetwood is the face & name of the band. Besides Stevie Nicks, he's the most visible member of the band...almost everybody knows Mick Fleetwood. Mention Lindsey Buckingham or Peter Green and you'll get the "deer in the headlights" look from most people.

Exactly. In Europe he's maybe more famous than Stevie. So, Mick.

[HejiraNYC]

Lindsey (played by Bill Hader) is a recurring character on Saturday Night Live. I rest my case.

[michelej1]

Lindsey (played by Bill Hader) is a recurring character on Saturday Night Live. I rest my case.

If Lindsey went out on the street wearing that ugly red shirt more often, more people would recognize him.

Michele

[Dragonfly]

I haven't really seen much discussion regarding this, and it's something I've always thought about. Which Fleetwood Mac member is the most famous? I'm excluding Stevie since she's the obviously famous Macster.

From within FM and outside FM, before, during, and after his/her Mac tenure, solo success, Mac success, name recognition in and out of the industry, music ability, charting success, hit singles/albums, success in America, the UK and around the world, etc should all be considered.


Mick Fleetwood
John McVie
Peter Green
Christine McVie
Bob Welch
Lindsey Buckingham
Billy Burnette
Rick Vito
Dave Mason
Other - Jeremy, Danny, D. Walker, B. Weston, B. Bramlett



I'm doing it as a poll so I had to combine some Macsters. If you choose "Other" please explain who! :cool:

It depends which country I guess as no way would Bob Welch be above Lindsey in the UK as Lindsey has had top 40 hits with Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist - the Welch era didn't produce any hits unless I'm mistaken? That said Lindsey would be the least well known of the Rumours line-up.

For me only the Rumours line-up and Peter Green would be names people knew here.

I actually think Mick is better known than Stevie here too.

[I'msoAfraid95]

Mick is the most famous of the other members because:

A. His whole surname is over half of the band's name. People will remember him more than the others.

B. He does allot of advertising for the band.

C. He holds the F Mac flag while Lindsey and Stevie and sometimes Christine were/are doing their own thing.

D. He's abnormally tall and skinny, so his appearance will keep him famous( especially in today's world)


Ok, I made this look like one of my school tests, so you can pick which points you agree with and which ones you don't. :p

runner-up:
Lindsey

Honorable Mentions
Christine
John
Peter ( In America he's less popular than both of the Bobs but still)

[Josh2003]

Mick.

First, the name.

Second, his image. He's extremely unique-looking, and is constantly putting his face out there in the public.

Here's how I thought about it: if anybody on that list were to walk down a street full of random people, who would be most recognized? I say Mick. Lindsey, Christine and the rest would likely only draw the attention of the truer fans (partly because they "look" relatively "normal," whereas Mick stands out. Fairly regularly we see people posting pics of Mick that they snap in an airport, or out shopping...

[Villavic]

Mick is the most famous of the other members because:

A. His whole surname is over half of the band's name. People will remember him more than the others.
B. He does allot of advertising for the band.
C. He holds the F Mac flag while Lindsey and Stevie and sometimes Christine were/are doing their own thing.
D. He's abnormally tall and skinny, so his appearance will keep him famous ( especially in today's world)

Ok, I made this look like one of my school tests, so you can pick which points you agree with and which ones you don't. :p

runner-up:
Lindsey

Honorable Mentions
Christine
John
Peter ( In America he's less popular than both of the Bobs but still)

Glad to do it! ;)

I disagree completely with A. I think just the fans looks for the members names and realize Fleetwood is Fleetwood. The general public don't care. For example, do you think I could identify Eddy Van Halen? No way! I even thought the singer (David Lee Roth) was a Van Halen. Same with Wilson Phillips.. who is who? Not with Bon Jovi, cause Bon Jovi was the lead singer so I always knew who he was.
Santana came to Peru in the 70s and there was an incident at the airport, I was a kid, so I knew who he was and never forgot his face. Otherwise all members of Santana were equal... bearded and long hair.

Mick is famous because of B. No doubt. And a bit of C.
D?? Partially. I mean he would obviously be remembered as the tall guy of Fleetwood Mac, but maybe lot of people (again, not fans) never knew his last name is Fleetwood. For example, I recognize the long haired blond saxophonist of Supertramp, but can't remember his name. And I never knew the name of the guitarist dressed as a school kid in AC/DC. So I think those guys are partially famous.

On the other side, Stevie Nicks is Stevie Nicks (from Fleetwood Mac), and everybody knows. Like Phil Collins is from Genesis or Annie Lennox is from Eurhythmics (and I'm not a big fan of those bands).

Not to mention Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, cause, well, they are mega famous, like their bands.

[elle]

Mick.

First, the name.

Second, his image. He's extremely unique-looking, and is constantly putting his face out there in the public.

Here's how I thought about it: if anybody on that list were to walk down a street full of random people, who would be most recognized? I say Mick. Lindsey, Christine and the rest would likely only draw the attention of the truer fans (partly because they "look" relatively "normal," whereas Mick stands out. Fairly regularly we see people posting pics of Mick that they snap in an airport, or out shopping...

i agree with most of this, Mick is my second pick, after Peter. i guess Peter's place would depend on whether we are looking at it US-centric or worldwide. although i would be surprised if too many people would recognize Peter walking down the street these days.

i know that Lindsey doesn't get recognized too much and he has stated he can lead a pretty normal life because of that. just every now and then you see some tweets when he flies some place or other, or eats in some restaurant.

re relatively "normal" look, that depends on the way his hair is done on a certain day... first time i've seen Lindsey in a normal situation, not at his show, i was thinking that silver curly hair combed up really stands out and looks different:
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/ellellew/P1010265-sac.jpg

[ShangriLaTroubl]

It was between Lindsey and Mick for me.

While Mick has the name recognition and is involved in many things that put his name out there, he doesn't have the most important thing in popular music - a recognizable voice.

Christine had the most hits, but I think if you really compare - more of the general population recognizes Lindsey's songs and voice, mainly because of Go Your Own Way. Christine having retired years and years ago, has also kept her out of the spotlight in the last decade. On the other hand, Lindsey has performed with newer artists such as Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, etc.

Lindsey has also attended various award shows in the last few years and performed on numerous television shows for his solo work (A&E Private Sessions, Conan, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, etc.)

Also "Go Your Own Way" being in the Rock Band video game really opened up that song (and his voice) to a whole new generation. Then, you cannot forget the re-occurring SNL skits with Lindsey's character.

[jbrownsjr]

I chose Christine by accident, meant to choose Mick.

Putting the media aside.. and just talking to people..

I sometimes get, Lindsey Buckingham, is that the other girl with Stevie Nicks.

Christy McVie had that video on MTV in the desert!
People always seem to know of Mick in my experience...

Little Lies and Hold Me put Christine's face on the TV a lot in the 80's, but that's about it. Her departure got a lot of press and still does get press.

Album sales also tell me a story in my opinion. I totally believe LB would sell more albums if people knew he was the guitarist of FM.

I'd rank them
1. Stevie (obviously)
2. Mick
3. Peter Green
4. Lindsey/Christine

[seekerj]

I met three different people at different times in the past who all thought Mick's name was "Fleetwood Mac".

[SteveMacD]

I would have to say Mick Fleetwood. He has such a distinctive look, has been on album covers that have sold millions, and has done so many interviews over the years that I think he's instantly recognizable. His name quickly conjures up an image.

I think Lindsey is getting to that point. Obviously having an on-going SNL joke at his expense actually helps.

[HomerMcvie]

I met three different people at different times in the past who all thought Mick's name was "Fleetwood Mac".

Ugh, over the years...several times when I've mentioned Fleetwood Mac, I've had people say, "yeah, I like him"(meaning the music, but ignorant in thinking FM was a man's name).:rolleyes:

[Dragonfly]

Again I think it may depend which country we're taking about.

I think Mick would be the most recognised here in the UK, his Brit Award appearance is dragged up every year for a start:D

I would say (in the UK)

1. Mick
2. Stevie

and then any from Peter, Chris and Lindsey.

I've talked with family members/workmates who aren't that familiar with the band and the one they always know is Mick.

[michelej1]

I've called venues where Lindsey is playing to ask a question about the upcoming show and seating and they had no idea who he was, referred to him as a "she." You'd think once the venue is booked, someone could send them a picture of the artist, at the very least.

Michele

[MacShadowsBall]

I have to go with Lindsey with Mick second. One thing in Lindsey's favor is he has a solo career. I hear Trouble often at my retail job. Mick doesn't have that solo career - his career IS Fleetwood Mac. However when FM isn't doing anything, Lindsey is doing stuff like touring, putting out albums, etc. Also, the whole SNL thing adds to his fame.

...plus Lindsey's wikipedia page is longer than Mick's! :cool:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsey_Buckingham
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Fleetwood

[MikeInNV]

So this poll closes in a week, with Mick narrowly leading LB. News of Mick's separation from his wife seems to be generating a lot of attention, even trending on Yahoo this evening. I don't think I voted yet, but I would probably have to factor this into my decision. I don't envision as much publicity if Lindsey and Kristen were to split. :shrug:

[estranged4life]

John McVie, is my choice because each time there was a Q&A on this website I have been able to get John to make some long answers to the questions I asked...The best being his answer to the question about "Sailing" :D

So to me he is the most famous...Forget the rest of 'em :laugh:

[MacShadowsBall]

So this poll closes in a week, with Mick narrowly leading LB. News of Mick's separation from his wife seems to be generating a lot of attention, even trending on Yahoo this evening. I don't think I voted yet, but I would probably have to factor this into my decision. I don't envision as much publicity if Lindsey and Kristen were to split. :shrug:

I see your point about Mick's divorce. Of course he's been through this before a few times. He was #10 on yahoo again this morning. :cool:

[PoetofRhiannon]

I feel that Dave Mason would be the next one.

In my experience, many more people have recognized Dave Mason than Peter Green or even Lindsey Buckingham.

I even knew Dave Mason from his time in Traffic before I knew of FM.

Plus, Dave Mason has worked with so many other artists.

[BlanketMan]

I went with Lindsey, although I can see why fans would pick Mick or Peter Green. I attended a LB solo show last year here in Baltimore, and it was in a tiny venue that was full but not overflowing. Then you stick him with FM, and they still sell out the 10,000-seat Verizon Center right down the road. So name recognition has still evaded LB to a large extent. I still think he's better known than anyone else in the band not named Stevie, though.

But then there is "What Up With That?" Has there ever been a discussion on here about why they chose LB to be the recurring celeb as the butt of that joke? As a huge LB and SNL fan, I find it hilarious, but my wife and I haven't come to an agreement as to "Why Lindsey?" Is he just famous enough to maybe actually appear on a show like that? Is it his reputation for being a bit of a perfectionist/stuffed shirt that makes the prospect of him getting bumped every week on such a show so funny? And Hader's absurd reaction, so anti-LB, pretending to be upset but then laughing about it at skit's end... Great stuff! Could any other celeb fit as the "bumped guest" quite as well??? Can't think of anyone!

[chriskisn]

Not so much these days, but certainly in days gone by it would be Dave Mason. Even now to some extent he is still a very big name in certain circles even if not a big seller of his more current albums.

Plus he is very active in a few charities, especially for veterans.

[MacShadowsBall]

Glad to see some Dave Mason votes and even a Bob Welch vote. :cool:

[TerraRhiannon]

In Canada and the USA, I would say Lindsey Buckingham. I've asked a few random people as well, and they can only really say Lindsey Buckingham. he's a pretty good guitar player, and everything. He's decent ;)

[MikeInNV]

LB is lucky I revived this thread from the dead. He has surged into the lead. :laugh:

[MacShadowsBall]

Poll closes in just a few hours. It's Lindsey in the lead followed by Mick. :cool: