I think an album and tour without Stevie would be utterly refreshing- and this is coming from a Stevie fan. Her malcontent and refusal to allow forward motion in this band the last decade is unfair to the band and it's fans. Like someone else pointed out- look how amazing and on point Lindsey and Christine were during Tango when Stevie was largely absent. I think the band would become a much lighter, more enjoyable affair if Stevie were allowed to sit out the next 3-5 years. Then if Stevie wanted to come back for a farewell album and tour, it would be a nice full circle thing.
That being said... this plan pushes the band's timeline out nearly a decade. Do we think these folks will want all of that craziness when they're 80? I'm not so sure.
We also have other factors, too. The band told Christine she couldn't come & go- I have to imagine that would hold true for Stevie, too. And Mick has made it a point to say the Rumours 5 is the very final incarnation of the band, and they won't be altering the lineup from here on out. So the odds of Stevie being allowed to leave and return seem pretty slim. The band is on their home stretch, and they want to finish out in tact so they wrap things up with a pretty bow.
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