Buckingham Nicks Reunion Rumblings

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by KarmaContestant

Please let this happen, quickly, artistically, organically and without drama.

Um... do you have any idea about who we're dealing with here?

Amid all of this talk about the aftermath of Barbara Nicks' passing, the impact on Lindsey has never come up. It's interesting that he was so moved... almost as if she was a mother-in-law of sorts. Perhaps this is related to what Stevie was intimating back in January about a tribute album to her mother. Could this be the catalyst to a simultaneous new BN album as well as a 40-year anniversary reissue of Buckingham Nicks in digital format? Will the Mayan calendar enable this? Will this be the fifth horse of the apocalypse??

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Um... do you have any idea about who we're dealing with here?

Amid all of this talk about the aftermath of Barbara Nicks' passing, the impact on Lindsey has never come up. It's interesting that he was so moved... almost as if she was a mother-in-law of sorts. Perhaps this is related to what Stevie was intimating back in January about a tribute album to her mother. Could this be the catalyst to a simultaneous new BN album as well as a 40-year anniversary reissue of Buckingham Nicks in digital format? Will the Mayan calendar enable this? Will this be the fifth horse of the apocalypse??

Wow, yeah. I think Lindsey just is ready for BN anyway, death or not, Stevie did say that both of her parents adored Lindsey and in talking about AHI Barbara Nicks also said that after his own father died due to heart problems, Lindsey became closer to them. Now, by the time MB died, Lindsey and Stevie weren't even living near the Nicks' anymore, but whatever the time frame, I guess there was probably a point where Lindsey did hang around her parents' house a lot.

Stevie said her dad loved to hear their demos and Javier said that when they were in Fritz while Lindsey's mom would give them lemonade when he visited, Stevie's mom would ask the boys why they weren't in Vietnam, when they came round to get her daughter. The kids probably got on her nerves, but the way she went to Lindsey's concerts when he was in town when she was in her eighties, I gathered that she loved him. I mean, she'd go to a couple of concerts per tour, not just one obligatory appearance. For his part, I guess even aside from his affection for her, her passing just brings all these feelings of mortality out. He's in the next generation to go. I can see why the event would inspire someone to write songs. I bet Stevie has written a lot of poetry herself, lately.

Michele

[KarmaContestant]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Um... do you have any idea about who we're dealing with here?

Yes! And that is exactly why I made my wish!

[Villavic]

a new Buckingham Nicks album... sure it will contain several interesting songs.

a new Fleetwood Mac album (Say you will lineup)... sure it will contain several interesting songs.

The same songs for sure . Then I choose the Fleetwood Mac album

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by Villavic

a new Buckingham Nicks album... sure it will contain several interesting songs.

a new Fleetwood Mac album (Say you will lineup)... sure it will contain several interesting songs.

The same songs for sure . Then I choose the Fleetwood Mac album

Although doing a new Fleetwood Mac would seem to be the most obvious thing to do from a commercial standpoint, I think a sparer, folkier-sounding album in the vein of the original Buckingham Nicks may actually be even more commercially appealing in this day and age. Rock and roll, namely the big-time arena brand of rock and roll, is dead. But bands like Bon Iver, Wilco, The Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, etc., are in this post-rock vein that kinda resembles country at times without copping to the twangy, chicken-fried schmaltz being churned out by Nashville these days. It is its own kind of quiet rebellion against the synthetic, computerized din of modern pop music and these acts have been very successful commercially as album artists. I think a spare, rootsy album using the song "Storms" as a sonic template (maybe even containing a cover or two) by Stevie and Lindsey could be a sleeper hit.

In any case, regardless of whether they are working on BN, FM or solo albums, I will be happy no matter what. Just as long as they keep writing, recording and performing.

[billwebster]

A new Buckingham Nicks album would be very cool. The label might not like it that much, though, because Fleetwood Mac is their big product instead.
Yet, a Buckingham Nicks reunion could spare us Stevie's conditions for her participation in a FM reunion: either Sheryl Crow or another new 2nd female lead singer or an outside producer.

Mick Fleetwood must beat those drums hard at the sheer thought of it but who knows.

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Although doing a new Fleetwood Mac would seem to be the most obvious thing to do from a commercial standpoint, I think a sparer, folkier-sounding album in the vein of the original Buckingham Nicks may actually be even more commercially appealing in this day and age. Rock and roll, namely the big-time arena brand of rock and roll, is dead. But bands like Bon Iver, Wilco, The Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, etc., are in this post-rock vein that kinda resembles country at times without copping to the twangy, chicken-fried schmaltz being churned out by Nashville these days. It is its own kind of quiet rebellion against the synthetic, computerized din of modern pop music and these acts have been very successful commercially as album artists. I think a spare, rootsy album using the song "Storms" as a sonic template (maybe even containing a cover or two) by Stevie and Lindsey could be a sleeper hit.

In any case, regardless of whether they are working on BN, FM or solo albums, I will be happy no matter what. Just as long as they keep writing, recording and performing.

You're right on point here! FM or BN need an "outside their norm" Tusk II rebooted if you will, rootsy, not overly polished record! From the folkier new artists you listed all the way to old timers having astonishing to admirable success (Lionel Richie & Bonnie Raitts' new cd's) - the latter of which interestingly is still hanging in the Top 40 nearly 2 months after its release, selling steadily & has probably out sold Stevies' IYD 2 to 1 by now, are all indicators that Stevie & Lindsey need to go back to their roots. Full circle.

But somehow I can't help but be cynical and expect that they will tour 2013 without any new material whatsoever. Just another cash grab tour!
With any luck, Hopefully they (Stevie & Lindsey) are still creatively motivated regardless of outcome to record something. However Micks gonna be chomping at the bit to hit the road sooner than later, over spending up to a year in the studio recording, esp since he has less incentive financially, add in his current state of affairs! This is a big tangled messy sticky web they've weaved.

And the rumours are flying...

[fairydust75]

As much as I would love to have a Buckingham Nicks, Nicks and Buckingham re-release I just don't think that they could handle spending that much time together. Lindsey seems to talk a lot about wanting to have some sort of miracle to happen where he can finally have closure. Stevie just doesn't trust him, she becomes very defensive and keeps her guard up. Stevie gets stressed out and hasn't fully enjoyed the past two Mac tours. She has forgiven lots of her ex lover's and maintained friendship's, but with Lindsey I believe she has forgiven but not forgot. The lyrics to 'You May Be The One' describe the time after the SYW recordings. It's just too much water under that bridge. But it seems very important to Lindsey so who knows?

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

I think a sparer, folkier-sounding album in the vein of the original Buckingham Nicks may actually be even more commercially appealing in this day and age.

I agree, but, that could just as easily be done in the context of Fleetwood Mac. Just listen to Kiln House, Future Games, and Bare Trees for proof. Mick and John are just players working with what they're given.

[louielouie2000]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Although doing a new Fleetwood Mac would seem to be the most obvious thing to do from a commercial standpoint, I think a sparer, folkier-sounding album in the vein of the original Buckingham Nicks may actually be even more commercially appealing in this day and age. Rock and roll, namely the big-time arena brand of rock and roll, is dead. But bands like Bon Iver, Wilco, The Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, etc., are in this post-rock vein that kinda resembles country at times without copping to the twangy, chicken-fried schmaltz being churned out by Nashville these days. It is its own kind of quiet rebellion against the synthetic, computerized din of modern pop music and these acts have been very successful commercially as album artists. I think a spare, rootsy album using the song "Storms" as a sonic template (maybe even containing a cover or two) by Stevie and Lindsey could be a sleeper hit.

In any case, regardless of whether they are working on BN, FM or solo albums, I will be happy no matter what. Just as long as they keep writing, recording and performing.

You have perfectly described my ultimate dream.

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I agree, but, that could just as easily be done in the context of Fleetwood Mac. Just listen to Kiln House, Future Games, and Bare Trees for proof. Mick and John are just players working with what they're given.

I'm a total sucker for Fleetwood Mac. It's the zenith of all it's respective members careers. McVie's bass is pure magic. Mick brings an infectious energy into anything he's involved in. All these various solo albums the group members have made over the past dozen odd years have been gorgeous; some of the best works of their respective careers. They've left me longing for more Mac music, though. I still think there's some life left somewhere in the Fleetwood Mac machine.

That being said, a Buckingham Nicks album is starting to pique my interest, though. There is a certain sound that is expected out of Fleetwood Mac these days. There are certain touring expectations that would be unavoidable. At some point, a new Mac album would morph into another oldies cash grab tour. The pressures of a looming arena tour would almost certainly influence the sound of the music made in the studio. Theoretically speaking, S&L could bypass all that by making a Buckingham Nicks album. They could craft the kind of art they want to make. Hell, I wouldn't even care if they made their album, then ran off and did a Mac oldies tour to cover the costs. I just want something new & different from those two. A new Fleetwood Mac album would be the pinnacle for me... but then again, maybe not. Maybe the Fleetwood Mac name carries too much baggage for it's respective members these days. Maybe S & L would make better music together without the pressure of that name & institution looming over their heads?

[CADreaming]

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

How about only 2 FM songs...

The rest B/N and selected solo pieces from each member. Imagine Bella Donna with LB on guitar, or Don't Look Down w/ Stevie.

They could really use some imagination here.

I hope if they pursue a true BN reunion, they will put imagination into it and give it the attention it deserves. Handle with care.

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

How do you know that Mick and John are the reasons more BN songs aren't in the set? IIRC, it was John McVie's idea to record "Crystal" on the white album.

I didn't say anything about Mick or John.

In any event, nobody has answered where it stated that whatever might be released would be as Buckingham Nicks.

Both Stevie and Lindsey have been throwing around Buckingham Nicks hints for the last few years. They have both talked about releasing it on CD saying "we will make sure it happens" and also insinutating some kind of tour would be appropriate for a re-release. Stevie has said SA brought them back to being more "BN" since 1973 and Lindsey has continually said how great it would be to come full circle.

It'll never happen. There's WAY more money to be made as Fleetwood Mac. If there wasn't, they would have done a "Buckingham Nicks II" album years ago.

A BN reunion would not be about the money per se. It's about nostalgia and as Lindsey says, coming full circle. Not having the opportunity to do a BN II in the past is exactly why Lindsey would want to do it. He didn't want to join FM to begin with, he wanted to continue BN. I could see in his mind how it would be a way to honor what never had a chance to come to fruition.

“Buckingham Nicks had to bite the bullet for Fleetwood Mac, That’s a choice. We’ll never quite know exactly what would have happened if we had gone the other way. …And of course, that’s the thing that Lindsey probably gets the most upset about in his heart sometimes ~ he wonders what would have happened if it had just been the two of us. … Which is not to say we don’t love Fleetwood Mac. We do. But it would have been a whole other life." - Stevie Nicks

Originally Posted by WildHearted

I thought the whole thing gave off an overwhelming implication of BN... for instance, Lindsey saying he wanted it to come full circle, so they could go out the same way they came in - as Buckingham Nicks, not Fleetwood Mac.

Not to mention that Lindsey has been specifically mentioning the BN album, and the possibility of doing something with just Stevie again all throughout the promotion of SWS, so this just ties right along in with that.

Exactly.

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

See, I've always read that as he'd like to approach the writing process like they did as Buckingham Nicks, which wasn't the case on SYW, which was basically her songs plastered on what had been his solo album.

They didn't approach SYW any differently than they have anything for 30 years. It was planned they would do another studio album after The Dance ended and no one's solo stuff was hijacked. Lindsey and Stevie both put songs into the FM hat and decided what to use. The only surprises may have been the new songs Stevie brought in and that Lindsey had not already been working on for a year.

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Although doing a new Fleetwood Mac would seem to be the most obvious thing to do from a commercial standpoint, I think a sparer, folkier-sounding album in the vein of the original Buckingham Nicks may actually be even more commercially appealing in this day and age. Rock and roll, namely the big-time arena brand of rock and roll, is dead. But bands like Bon Iver, Wilco, The Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, etc., are in this post-rock vein that kinda resembles country at times without copping to the twangy, chicken-fried schmaltz being churned out by Nashville these days. It is its own kind of quiet rebellion against the synthetic, computerized din of modern pop music and these acts have been very successful commercially as album artists. I think a spare, rootsy album using the song "Storms" as a sonic template (maybe even containing a cover or two) by Stevie and Lindsey could be a sleeper hit.

In any case, regardless of whether they are working on BN, FM or solo albums, I will be happy no matter what. Just as long as they keep writing, recording and performing.

Totally agree.

Originally Posted by billwebster

A new Buckingham Nicks album would be very cool. The label might not like it that much, though, because Fleetwood Mac is their big product instead.

What label? They are a free agent.

Yet, a Buckingham Nicks reunion could spare us Stevie's conditions for her participation in a FM reunion: either Sheryl Crow or another new 2nd female lead singer or an outside producer.

That horse has been dead for years. Stevie: “As far as having another girl in the band, after we went through that we really realized that there wasn’t going to be another woman that could come into this band who could fit,” she said. “I was looking at it three years ago as a buffer between me and Lindsey. Lindsey and I don’t need a buffer. Certainly Sheryl Crow and not any woman in the world is going to be able to get in the middle of Lindsay and me. The fact is if Lindsey and I can’t work out our problems by ourselves we might as well throw in the towel. That's what we are currently trying to do is work out own problems and certainly another person could not do that for us. Think about this - Christine has been gone since 1998 so I have been the only girl in this band for a long, long time. I’m used to it now. At first I was not used to it. After ‘The Dance’ was horrifying for me. She has been gone time and I’m fine with it now”.

Originally Posted by fairydust75

As much as I would love to have a Buckingham Nicks, Nicks and Buckingham re-release I just don't think that they could handle spending that much time together. Lindsey seems to talk a lot about wanting to have some sort of miracle to happen where he can finally have closure. Stevie just doesn't trust him, she becomes very defensive and keeps her guard up. Stevie gets stressed out and hasn't fully enjoyed the past two Mac tours.

Seriously? These people have done three world tours together in the past several years. They don't even have to see each other offstage if they don't choose to. But aside from that - a BN tour would in no way become a FM world tour. And, she did have fun during Unleashed.

Originally Posted by elle

Lindsey was very clear during his Q&A last year that he'd like to re-release BN with Stevie (in 2013) plus add more songs and maybe have a small tour behind it - as BN.

since album sales don't make much money for artists these days i don't see FM (or whatever label they may have) insisting on new BN songs becoming an FM album, but i might be wrong.

however, i can easily see FM touring behind this [imaginary] BN release and maybe throwing in some extra solo songs (Mick said something similar in FM remastered BTM), since obviously money is in touring for a band like FM.

Lindsey has touted the BN tour since 2006. He said then that management would want that in conjunction with a BN re-release. I agree a new BN project would not at all be a new FM album. They could even release it independently as LB did with SWS.

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

The pressures of a looming arena tour would almost certainly influence the sound of the music made in the studio. Theoretically speaking, S&L could bypass all that by making a Buckingham Nicks album. They could craft the kind of art they want to make. Hell, I wouldn't even care if they made their album, then ran off and did a Mac oldies tour to cover the costs. I just want something new & different from those two. A new Fleetwood Mac album would be the pinnacle for me... but then again, maybe not. Maybe the Fleetwood Mac name carries too much baggage for it's respective members these days. Maybe S & L would make better music together without the pressure of that name & institution looming over their heads?

Great points, Louie. I agree. Hopefully the last two solo projects have inspired Stevie and Lindsey to embrace being independent artists. I would be really interested to hear what BN would sound like today.

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

That being said, a Buckingham Nicks album is starting to pique my interest, though. There is a certain sound that is expected out of Fleetwood Mac these days. There are certain touring expectations that would be unavoidable. At some point, a new Mac album would morph into another oldies cash grab tour. The pressures of a looming arena tour would almost certainly influence the sound of the music made in the studio. Theoretically speaking, S&L could bypass all that by making a Buckingham Nicks album. They could craft the kind of art they want to make. Hell, I wouldn't even care if they made their album, then ran off and did a Mac oldies tour to cover the costs. I just want something new & different from those two. A new Fleetwood Mac album would be the pinnacle for me... but then again, maybe not. Maybe the Fleetwood Mac name carries too much baggage for it's respective members these days. Maybe S & L would make better music together without the pressure of that name & institution looming over their heads?

That's the thing about any new Fleetwood Mac album- it will have to sound like Fleetwood Mac and it will be subject to all of the baggage that goes with it. A new Buckingham Nicks album is intriguing because there really aren't any rules. I mean, would Fleetwood Mac have produced songs like "Italian Summer," "Edge of Seventeen," or "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," "Shut Us Down," or "Street of Dreams?" I suspect not. Don't get me wrong- I would love me some new Fleetwood Mac. But I first want to see what Stevie and Lindsey can do together without any preconceived notions or expectations. But then again, putting them together in a studio all alone for an extended period is like a spark looking for a powder keg- it's a volatile mix! It will either be an amazing, healing experience or the final nail in the coffin of Lindsey and Stevie ever collaborating again.

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by CADreaming

I didn't say anything about Mick or John.

Well, when you suggest they can do something as Buckingham Nicks that they couldn’t do as Fleetwood Mac, and the only difference between the two bands is that one has Mick and John while the other does not, what other possible conclusion could one come to?

They didn't approach SYW any differently than they have anything for 30 years. It was planned they would do another studio album after The Dance ended and no one's solo stuff was hijacked.

Wrong. First, the most obvious difference is NO CHRISTINE. Second, Lindsey's material was for the "Gift Of Screws" album. That's well documented. Yes, he CHOSE to release it under the Fleetwood Mac name, but it had been part of a solo project.

Lindsey has touted the BN tour since 2006. He said then that management would want that in conjunction with a BN re-release. I agree a new BN project would not at all be a new FM album. They could even release it independently as LB did with SWS.

Again, aside from no Mick or John, I don't see the difference between the two bands.

Originally Posted by louielouie2000

There is a certain sound that is expected out of Fleetwood Mac these days. There are certain touring expectations that would be unavoidable. At some point, a new Mac album would morph into another oldies cash grab tour.

Fleetwood Mac had “a sound” in 1978. It didn’t stop them from making “Tusk.” I don’t see why now would be any different. The only thing stopping them at this point is themselves.

But all of them are so far beyond being the artists they tout themselves as being that the thought of them taking risks is laughable. I'd take Lindsey more seriously if he didn't used canned backing vocals and music at his shows, but that's another issue altogether.

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I agree, but, that could just as easily be done in the context of Fleetwood Mac. Just listen to Kiln House, Future Games, and Bare Trees for proof. Mick and John are just players working with what they're given.

I think what you're missing here is the fact that some fans want to hear/see a B/N reunion that is NOT FM. There's a difference and it's okay. They were a band before they joined Mick Fleetwood and Co. It doesn't mean that we don't appreciate/love FM, it's just that we also love B/N. I know I was a fan of this duo before I became a FM fan. Weird but true.

The fact that you see B/N as a proto-FM that sounded like FM so that's why Mick was interested is ludicrous. They were a country-rock/folk duo and FM was a British blues band with pop leanings. They were not remotely the same. They melded their sounds together when they joined each other and made it work, therefore, making it appear to be a seamless pairing of musicians. I mean, let's face it, they were kind of a hodge-podge of sounds that miraculously made cohesive music. Let's not re-write history to make if it our arguments.

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by cliffdweller

I think what you're missing here is the fact that some fans want to hear/see a B/N reunion that is NOT FM.

YOU'RE absolutely right. I **DON'T** get why people would want to see Stevie and Lindsey with an inferior rhythm section. I mean, why drive around with a Yugo when you have a Cadillac?

There's a difference and it's okay.

There WAS a difference. Not anymore.

They were a band before they joined Mick Fleetwood and Co. It doesn't mean that we don't appreciate/love FM, it's just that we also love B/N. I know I was a fan of this duo before I became a FM fan. Weird but true.

That's great and all, BUT LINDSEY AND STEVIE ARE THE SOLE FRONT-LINE OF FLEETWOOD MAC. Fleetwood Mac IS Buckingham Nicks, only with an amazing rhythm section. If having a sub-par rhythm section is what you need to tell yourself there's a difference, then I really don't get it. The whole "Buckingham Nicks" thing hasn't existed for nearly 40 years.

The fact that you see B/N as a proto-FM that sounded like FM so that's why Mick was interested is ludicrous.

Hmmmm...When Mick says that Lindsey's playing reminded him of Danny Kirwan, I guess I have to sweep that under the rug. F*ckin' Mick for putting thoughts in my head about things he was thinking about. The nerve of that bald bastard.

They were a country-rock/folk duo and FM was a British blues band with pop leanings.

BULLS**T. Station Man, Spare Me A Little Of Your Love, Sentimental Lady, Sometimes, Dust, Bare Trees, and Sunny Side Of Heaven beg to differ. Didn't RS call the 1975 album the little brother to "Bare Trees"?

I know it chaps their asses, but Fleetwood Mac had already charted certain waters when Ian and Sylvia joined the band. Stevie and Lindsey weren't so much original (they weren't), they just did some things better.

They were not remotely the same.

Yeah they were, if you were looking in the right places.

They melded their sounds together when they joined each other and made it work, therefore, making it appear to be a seamless pairing of musicians.

Yeah, because Mick and John (and Christine later) played with Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, a very folky Danny Kirway, the mystic Bob Welch, and dealt with a bunch of stupid industry crap before they met Ian and Sylvia. Yeah, Fleetwood Mac wasn't ready for Stevie and Lindsey...

Please....

By the time Ian & Sylvia joined Fleetwood Mac, the band had pretty much seen or lived through it all. Linds and Nick couldn't have wished for a better situation. In one day, they upgraded their role in rock.

I mean, let's face it, they were kind of a hodge-podge of sounds that miraculously made cohesive music. Let's not re-write history to make if it our arguments.

REGARDLESS OF HISTORY....

Lindsey and Stevie simply can't find a rhythm section that will give their music the same justice Mick and John would. So, really, as of today, the only REAL difference between BN and FM is quality of rhythm section. Nothing else. Lindsey will be Lindsey, Stevie will be Stevie, the approach won't be so radically different as it has been over the past years.

You're Jonesing over a record that wasn't great (it was very good, though), that would not sound the same if the two principle members recorded a new record today.