"We WILL be working together again" - Mick
 

Here's a quote from the fmlegacy.com website quoting an interview with Mick from the St Louis Dispatch.

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More Mac music may be on the horizon. Fleetwood won't go into detail about the band returning to the studio, or the road. But he does say that fans should stay tuned.

"Really, all I can tell you is, be very happy and hopeful that we will be working again. I can tell you everyone's going to be extremely excited about what's happening with Fleetwood Mac."

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Don't know about you but I'm curious already. It looked all washed up when Stevie said "I won't tour without Christine" but then hey it looked all washed up when Greenie left... and when Bob Weston was sacked... and the bogus fleetwood mac went out on tour... and when Stevie, Chris and Rick all quit in 1990... and when the Time line-up collapsed...

This is Mick as PR spokesperson.

I'd be curious to know what the talk was like back in 2002 when SYW was being recorded. I wasnt on the Ledge back then and I'm wondering if there was a "Buzz" amongst the community as to what was going on.

Does that mean you think it's wishful thinking/hot air on Mick's part?

I've heard rumour (!) of a potential reunion with Green and Spencer as Fleetwood Mac.

I recall the excitement of it. I never thought they were going to do anything after "the Dance." But I remember being saddened that Christine wasn't doing it with them. I was also more under the impression that she would have more prominent vocals on some of the songs so it would feel like Christine was still on the record. I remember playing SYW for the first time the day the CD was released over the loudspeakers at the Best Buy location I was working at. I was blown away by "Running Thru the Garden" and I think at the time, Thrown Down was my favorite (still is I think).

I remember being knocked sideways, quite frankly. Not only was there another studio album, but it was getting done comparatively quickly. And then, a year later, once the absence of Christine finally sank in, there was buzz about HER new album, which was too good to be true. Ah, such is the life of a Mac fan: years of famine, then sudden, gluttonous feasts.

I remember that I never believed that Chris wouldn't be on it and I always thought that something would be worked out at the last minute, but I was excited. I was just happy to have them getting along. Lindsey showing up at AHI was a BIG, tremendous deal.

Michele

There certainly was a lot of buzz in the online Fleetwood Mac community leading up to Say You Will. We knew before Lindsey showed up at Stevie's Arizona Heart Institute concert that they were working on a studio album, and that Stevie would be joining the band when she was finished with her Trouble In Shangri-La tour. We all knew Christine wouldn't be joining the band, but there was a big faction of us that were really excited about that. We felt it was a completion of what Stevie and Lindsey had always set out to do... make their music their way, without having to comprimise. I for one was very excited about the prospect of hearing the kind of music the band would make without Christine's bubblegum pop influence. I think we all expected the band to take on a bit harder edged, more modern sound because of it.

In my opinion Say You will pointed out just how viable a member to Fleetwood Mac Christine McVie really was. It totally made me appreciate her contributions and look at her in a totally new light. Her harmonies were SORELY missed on Say You Will. Her moderating and blending presence was noticeably lacking... Say You Will sounds like two solo albums hacked together. Fleetwood Mac totally lacked the counterpoint it so desperately needs without Christine. I do think the one thing I can say I *DID* appreciate about Say You Will was the tour. The first dozen shows totally rocked out. I think with Stevie and Lindsey getting to do their own thing together for the first time in 30 years at that point, that they just unleashed some old energy. Towards the end of the tour it all kinda turned flat though. I think Christine's moderating presence was really lacking. You can tell Stevie and Lindsey were not on good terms, and that Stevie at least was NOT having fun.

So what do I think Mick has up his sleeves? Probably some sort of a reunion with Macs past (pre 1975 Mac). Honestly I couldn't give a flip about that. I'd love nothing more than a new album from the Rumours 5... but would appreciate anything with Stevie and Lindsey involved. I hope it's not just another tour. And I really couldn't give a flip about him trying to re-enact the Peter Green era. That died almost 40 years ago; and the blues, as cool as the are died about that long ago too. Pop/Rock is still viable though. Who knows... maybe Mick talked everyone into going over to Christine's castle in England to record a new album. I couldn't even care for another tour at this point... the album alone is my wish. :nod:

Uh, huh, yeah...sure. Tell that to Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, BB King, the Allman Bros Band, Derek Trucks Band, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Jimmie Vaughan, John Mayer, et al.

Talkin' out your south-end again, aren't ya Louie?

For you Steve, I'll talk out my south-end any day :xoxo: . I know it upsets you that Fleetwood Mac's blues years aren't my favorite... but I really do enjoy the music from that era of the band. To me, the Rumours era will always define what Fleetwood Mac is to me, and for that I won't change my opinion or apologize :D . And I wouldn't expect you to change your opinion or apologize on your opinions and tastes either.

What I meant is Blues is long dead as a form of relevant popular music. Can you imagine a song like Green Manalishi charting on the Hot 100 today? Like Richard Dashut said at one point too, Blues is more of a live artform anyway. Of almost all the artists/bands you listed, as great as they are, most are has-beens. Of course that label undoubtedly applies to our beloved Fleetwood Mac too. They haven't had a mainstream hit on an album of new material since 1987. There are artists like John Mayer and Amy Winehouse who are still current and offer Blues tinged material... but in general true hard-core blues had their peak in the late 1960s in my humble opinion. I believe that's why Fleetwood Mac itself slowly moved away from the blues... not just because Peter Green, Danny Kirwen, and Jeremy Spencer all left the band. FM moved towards a more pop/rock sound because that's the shift that popular music was taking at the time. Led Zepplin and other bands of that era that started out in the blues had moved away from that genre of music by the mid/late 70s. It's simply all about cycles in the music industry and popular tastes at the time. During the mid 90s popular music took a huge swing towards rap, hip hop, and R&B. It seems like that trend too is phasing out, and is being replaced by country-pop fusion. Just wait a while and it'll all change again... we get bored as a music consuming public it seems. Pop music will never go out of style though... because it's what's POPular with the general public... and that's the kind of music that FM struck gold with Buckingham and Nicks.

I am sure many people would be excited to see a pre-1975 FM reunited in some shape or form. That music lives on for many people the same way the post-1975 does for others. And it's still very physically accessible, if someone were to walk into a music store today, walk up to the Fleetwood Mac section and grab a CD at random, it's just as likely it would be pre-1975 as post-.

That said, I hope if the plan is to reunite some version of past FMers, Mick makes it very clear what people are getting. I'd go see a Green/Spencer/whoever it may be show easily, but really, how many people would expect a lineup like that if just saw that "Fleetwood Mac" was on tour? It can't be denied that the majority of people who would go to a Fleetwood Mac concert are expecting the hits from 1975 on. The Time era is far behind us, we've since had two live albums and one studio album featuring at least four of the five Rumours era band. I think it would be fabulous if the next tour is an all-star collection of FM alums, I just think they'll have to be a little more specific with the branding if that's the route they choose to go.

Since I brought it up, how did they handle letting fans know of who was in the band at the time of the mid-90's tours?

Interesting idea about having an alum tour. Something I'd always though would be interesting was getting the alum guitarists up there on stage with Lindsey. Granted, I'd take the buckmaster over any of the rest in half a heartbeat, but talk about a great guitar show!

If by "buzz" you mean "bloodshed"... then yes, yes there was.

For me, my enthusiasm spiked once the "Very Best of Fleetwood Mac" enhanced 2-CD set was released in Fall '02, with the video clip preview (what ultimately turned into the Destiny Rules doc) of the band in the studio, complete with an album release time period. It was great to hear the makings of songs that clearly weren't of the already known "Gift of Screws" variety, or "Peacekeeper" (although that ended up being on the album anyways)

Since I like the music from the group from the early 1970s, in a way I'd like to see that group reconvene. But I'm realistic in the sense that this was thirty-five or more years ago, & even if you bring back the same people, those people don't necessarily sound or play the way they sounded or played in 1973 -- any more than I or you do. It's very possible, at least in my case, that the elements that triggered pleasure in me in the band's sound in 1973 or 1974 are simply not recoverable, regardless of who's singing or playing. Case in point: I like the sound of the 1975 band in those years, but not any more. Voices are croakier, playing styles have flattened out & grown generic, the heady aroma of personal charisma has virtually all dissipated, & so forth. From my point of view -- what I see & what I hear -- John Stewart was right: You can't go back to Kansas/Because that was yesterday.

The usual ways: If the Dave Mason band played a gig & managed to wangle a newspaper review out of it, obviously the review would have made note of who was in & who was out. Also there were some profile-type articles in newspapers & magazines (like Scene, where the Time band was on the cover). A little TV coverage here & there (some of it in Europe, apparently), &c. Fans aren't "fans" in the market -- they're buyers, consumers. It's up to consumers to read the labels on the can, I suppose.

New interview
 

From a just completed interview on Maui...cheers!

"In about nine months we start rehearsing with Fleetwood Mac," says Mick.

that's great i can't wait.

Oooh, an actual timeline in months for the first time since SYW ended.

That IS fantastic news! Yay! I can't wait...I wonder what it will be like??? Who will be included? So excited...thanks for the update!

If the 9 month timeline is correct, that would definitely lead me to believe there will NOT be a new album, but I've been wrong before so who knows. I'm excited as well about this news.:nod:

IF that is right I'm holding my breath for the next new LB-album too. How is he going to do a new album and tour in nine months?
That is IF he's part of that Macline-up 2009.....

Who's participating?

I hope Lindsey gets his ass in gear with this solo album then! It's looking less and less likely as time goes by that it'll happen if he's involved with the Mac this time around. I really don't want another solo album derailed by a Mac endevour unless he's going to be involved in new music with them. Maybe they'll just put Mick and John on his newest album and release it as a Fleetwood Mac one... Well, I can dream anyway :p

Gerald, one thing fans like oyu and I have learned over the years is to expect the unexpected when it comes to these guys. I mean, I could see anyting happening at this point. Who's to say theyre not in the studio right now working on a new Fleetwood Mac album. I dont think thats happening, but would it shock me totally if that was heppening? no.

I was wondering this myself. Also, I am about to say something that will cause major panic and screaming I am sure, but a certain thought occurred to me the other day concerning who will be participating in the group. There are a couple of ideas.

1. The earth moves and tilts off its axis and Christine returns.
2. Sheryl Crow tours with FM (but hopefully not in the band)
3. And this is the idea that might send people over the edge.... keep in mind my thoughts go in places it shouldn't. With that said, since Stevie said she won't tour with FM since there is so much "testosterone", another woman has to be brought in to offset that. MMMM, who has Stevie been hanging around lately and is a piano player (who is the missing link by the way). Ok, time for me to duck. Vanessa Carlton :sorry: :shocked::eek:
I really hope not, unless she just plays and doesn't sing. Okay, I am running now... very fast.....for cover.

This would be a way to attract new fans and a younger generation. I am sorry, but I just don't see Peter Green or Jeremy Spencer touring with these guys, but I could be wrong and will gladly eat my words and try to recover from objects being hurled at my head.

Ducking again... and running... fast... very fast...:D

Personally, I really do hope Christine returns. I think it would make for some awesome shows.

Which, let's face it, is how every album he's done with the Mac from Tango onwards has come around.

I don't mind a piano player coming and singing with the band, but if it's a "star" that means that FM will have to cover that person's songs as part of their own set and I just can't stand that. I don't have the patience and the way it would take the momentum out of the sequencing of FM songs is just an intolerable thought.

If someone wants to open for them, do her own stuff and then stick around and sing on their songs (only), that's fine. I really like Sarah Mclachlan myself.

Michele

I'm more concerned about what's going to happen to Lindsey's solo project if he's involved than what the exact lineup is going to be. My ideal situation is that BOTH happen. Lindsey puts out HIS album, the FM tour goes out as Mick is claiming they will and they incorporate a few of those solo songs into their set along with whatever else they're going to play, and by few I mean maximum three or four. I don't think that would be an issue so long as the setlist is balanced, Mick and John playing behind whatever Lindsey solo songs they play would be hot (especially if it's any of the current album-less songs we know, "Deep Dense" anyone?) and it still leaves PLENTY of room for it to be a Fleetwood Mac show as well. The only thing I can see being a concern is if Stevie does tour with them again, do they need to then give her a few more of her solo songs, and if so, does that start take away from the FM feel of things, but theoretically, I think something like this could play out fairly well. And even if Lindsey's songs don't get play live, or it's limited to just one a night a la "Stand Back" or "Go Insane", there's no reason why he can't at least put out his solo album and tour with Fleetwood Mac, it'll probably get his album more notice than it would without touring at all.

Yes, it would get him attention and a few more thousand in sales, but the fact is the guy is not going to do a solo album. Kiss 2008 goodbye. Even if nothing happens with the Mac in 9 months, Lindsey will have spent all that time waiting to SEE that nothing will happen and . . .Cast away that dream of a solo album. Just be glad we're getting Live at Bass Hall.

Michele

You say this like you are certain it's true. Do you have some information that we don't? Why couldn't he still release a solo album even if he waited around for FM for nothing? He doesn't have a stamped on expiration date. Besides. If it's the best time in his life and he's feeling changed, it's quite possible that he could continue with the productivity. And it would only be 3 years between albums as opposed to.. eh.. 14. That would be closer to his new pace anyway, seeing as most of the UTS songs were done "on the road with FM in 2003". 06 to 09 would be the same 3 year time frame. I'd be almost willing to bet blood that he's got some sort of start on finishing a new album, so it's not like he'd have to do the entire process after a tour.

Anyway... I'll just say again to let the record show... I prefer Lindsey solo over Fleetwood Mac anything these days. Particularly if they're going to play the same crap again. I'll go just because it's always exciting to be in the same building with your favorite musicians.. but I really wish Lindsey would stick to his guns and release his solo stuff. He's on fire.. and will be on fire.. no matter with whom he hits the stage, but it would be nice to have another album of new (or mostly new) material.

I know this is Lindsey we're talking about, but I still don't think it's entirely out of the realm of possibility that the album is being worked on as we speak. He hasn't be on the road for over a year now, if he's going to be involved in another FM project, that's not for another nine months, that would have given him almost two years to put something together. Again, reiterating I know this is Lindsey we're talking about. I just don't think news of an FM related project is enough to write off this album happening entirely. Especially if there isn't another FM album as part of the deal, meaning he'll actually get to keep the songs! ;)

Well, I agree that the way Lindsey talked during the UTS tour, he was practically ready to release that solo album then and there. So, there's no question that he has the material. But he also has a paralyzing mental block. I can just hear the interviews in 2010, "Well I was all ready to release the solo album, but then Fleetwood Mac came knocking on my door. But when I opened the door there was no one there . . . "

That's my biggest fear: that he's going to use this FM talk as an excuse not to do a solo album and then things will break down with FM after many months and so we won't have an FM tour and won't have a solo album either for a couple of years. I don't prefer an FM tour with no material, still I'd take it, but ISA there won't be either.

Michele

^^^

LB use FM as a vehicle to release solo material that he knows will not sell as well without FM - and then complain about it later :eek:

Stop it - I won't hear a word of that nonsense and please do not bring up TITN, The Dance, or SYW :laugh: :wavey:

Well, I know what you mean about Tango, but Lindsey hasn't complained about his participation in The Dance or SYW at all. In fact, he said that his solo stuff belonged on SYW because it was full of Mick and John anyway, so he thinks that worked out for the best.

Of course, he did take a 10 year break from "using" FM, when they would have given anything to have him back. I guess Fleetwood Mac was singing that Bill Withers song: "And I wanna spread the news, that if it feels this good getting used, oh you just keep on using me until you use me up.
Until you use me up."

Michele

After it was over, he flat out said The Dance was about the money gained then and he was using it as a springboard for his solo record, which eventually became a FM record after, according to him, Warner Bros. were less than excited about his solo record according to him because of a change in management. So, I think it is accurate to say The Dance and SYW were vehicles LB used FM in. He then later bitched about it. I am not saying he did not have fun during The Dance and SYW. I am just saying that he went to FM to get his stuff out when it appeared releasing it in a solo manner was not a viable alternative. Interestingly, he did that with UTS. But, arguably, the moderate success of SYW and the tour were a springboard for that and he learned his lesson regarding the timing of his solo release.

I also think he did not want to do Mirage, but saw it as free publicity if you will.

I did not say that Lindsey did not think The Dance and SYW could help his efforts to get a solo album out. I said that he did not complain or, as you say, "bitch" about being involved in those projects.

They put SYW on hold in part, because he was waiting to see whether or not he would do a solo album and he was candid in explaining that he lost the record company's support he had counted on. Stevie even said that they were waiting on Lindsey. My point is that Lindsey never had any resentment about The Dance or SYW. He did not feel about them the way he did about Tango, where he felt the band was pulling him away from what he wanted and stifling his creativity.

While he said he alone understood Christine wanting to end The Dance, because he had similar feelings about wanting to return to his solo work, he never complained about The Dance, much less SYW. He never had the attitude of being a victim or being oppressed that he expressed during the eighties.

In fact, after SYW he would have done another FM album right away. He said that he would be content not to do a solo album again, if he could work within the FM framework.

Lindsey will tell you in a minute that FM made him use a guitar pick 50 years ago, but he hasn't complained or "bitched" about the current FM in about 11 years. He hasn't acted like being with them is a sacrifice to him and he has never said that he doesn't like making money with FM, so it's not as if he has the ulterior motive of using anybody. They all profit when he's there.

Michele

Free publicity for what?? His album was already out. He had nothing to publicize. You can't use the band as a "springboard" for anything when the board is a mile away from the water. Lindsey didn't have anything of his own to springboard into after Mirage. For that publicity logic to hold, Go Insane would have to have come out closer to Mirage.

I'm sure he didn't want to do Mirage, but that was probably because it was stressful to be in the band and he was being told that Mirage could not have experimental music. Plus, he felt hurt (and still does) that the band had turned against him after Tusk. It's not like he didn't want to do Mirage because he was plotting solo projects.

In exchange for a longer tour, FM probably would have let him sing Trouble twice during every set (in addition to his 16 minute NTF). If he wanted free publicity, it was there for the taking.

Instead, they wrapped up the Mirage tour very quickly and he went back home to continue tinkering in his studio, well outside of the limelight and didn't even tour for his album when it did come out. Back then, FM was hotter. Lindsey was younger and I think touring would have been a lot more marketable for Lindsey than it proved to be for OOTC. Yet he didn't tour.

Michele