THE BIG MACHINE, Does LB & The Band Need Reality Check?

[poetinmyheart]

I think Lindsey and the band are well aware that any album they put out will not sell like their previous albums. I've always taken his 'big machine' comment to mean that as a solo artist he plays smaller venues and makes little money -whereas Fleetwood Mac play huge arenas all over the world, travel in private jets, stay in lovely hotels etc etc. I don't think they expect to make lots of money out of releasing new material. Especially the way the industry is at the moment. They'll make money from a tour no doubt - they definitely have the ability to fill big arenas still.

I want them to put out new material regardless of the state of the music industry (and the fact it may not sell in the numbers they hope.) Their next album should be a labour of love for us loyal fans !

[mylittledemon]

Fleetwood Mac is a brand of sorts. Generally anyone on the street has at least heard of Fleetwood Mac. I think that's what he means by big machine. They can still sell a helluva lot of concert tickets too. Records of course are another story. The next album needs to be markedly different than SYW if they are gonna keep that big machine running. Granted there are some great things on SYW, I still dig the record. But anyway... back to the big machine theory... To the average listener though, the band will forever be known for Rumours, which is always popping back up in pop culture (Glee anyone?) just as the Eagles will always generally be known for Hotel California.

[louielouie2000]

Even by current standards, Fleetwood Mac is a monstrous machine compared to Lindsey's solo career. Just look at it this way:

* Fleetwood Mac's Say You Will debuted at #3 on the charts in 2003

* Lindsey's Under The Skin debuted at #80 in 2006

* Fleetwood Mac audience sizes the past decade have averaged about 15,000 people per show

* Lindsey's audience sizes this past decade have averaged about 1,500

* Fleetwood Mac tours worldwide

* Lindsey tours stateside

* Fleetwood Mac is all over TV & in a wide range of periodicals whenever they regroup

* Lindsey usually only makes pretty obscure periodicals whenever he is promoting a project

I can go on and on. But Fleetwood Mac, despite it's diminished stature, is indeed still the mega machine for Lindsey.

[PenguinHead]

I'm sure they are well aware of sorry state the music industry is in now, how technology has changed the market, as well as the age factors. The challenges they face are no different than any other seasoned artist/band.

Lindsey seems like he has come to terms with it reasonably, with lowered expectations, and a different mindset. What has not changed is his inspirationg to create and his motivation to perform.

Just because their music may not bust up the charts doesn't mean they will stop what they've been doing all their lives. They are not and will never be starving artists. There will always be an audience for their work.

[HejiraNYC]

[HomerMcvie]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

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[SteveMacD]

While a reality check may be needed, I don't think THAT'S what he's talking about when he says "BIG MACHINE."

When Fleetwood Mac tours, they have their own PA, light show, video presentation, etc. That requires a LOT of people. There are probably over 50 people involved in putting on a Fleetwood Mac show. They travel in planes and trucks.

As a roadie for Guided by Voices, I can tell you we play similar venues as Lindsey. Usually these places have their own PA and light show, and sometimes (though rarely) video. All the band takes is guitars, amps, drums, merch, and luggage. On the main tour, we had ten people: five guys in the band, three roadies (aka drinking buddies), a tour manager, and the singer's wife. We usually travel in a 15 passenger van and a mini van.