What if... Lindsey never left the band

[Villavic]

Ok, I started the What if Stevie/Christine never joined FM threads, and some said those situation were unlikely. Well.. this one is ever more unlikely, in my opinion. Keep in mind this is just for fun: What if Lindsey had not decided to announce his retirement from Fleetwood Mac, that August 7, 1987. My ideas:

- The Tango tour would have been more succesful than it actually was.
- The "Tango in the Night" song would have been included in the setlist.
- We would have listened a live version of Big Love in its original 80s style.
- A "Behind the Mask" album (if there was) would have included some Out of the Craddle songs.
- But not much more Fleetwood Mac Albums during the 90s. Probably another one in the mid 90s equivalent to Time, or just a small tour taking advantage of the Clinton ceremony in early 90s. My point is that even though Lindsey didn't formally leave the band, Fleetwood Mac wasn't more active in the 90s than in the 80s (2 studio albums), probably because Stevie's health problems/addictions, but more specially because of the mood between members.
- 1997 was the appropiate year for a reunion anyway, when (as they actually said in an interview) there was no more baggage between them.

[FierySequences]

Originally Posted by Villavic

Ok
- The Tango tour would have been more succesful than it actually was.
- The "Tango in the Night" song would have been included in the setlist.- We would have listened a live version of Big Love in its original 80s style.
them.

yes, yes, and hell yeah!

I also think: we would have heard a live Caroline and not Stand Back

[SteveMacD]

I doubt the Tango tour would have been MORE successful. The first tour in five years, Stevie's solo success, and the curiousity of having two new guys made it a huge draw.

[Villavic]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I doubt the Tango tour would have been MORE successful. The first tour in five years, Stevie's solo success, and the curiousity of having two new guys made it a huge draw.

That's questionable. Probably Lindsey's fans didn't go to these shows because they were disappointed. What was bigger? the curiosity of seeing 2 new guys, or seeing my favorite lineup after 5 years?

[DashingDan]

Originally Posted by Villavic

That's questionable. Probably Lindsey's fans didn't go to these shows because they were disappointed. What was bigger? the curiosity of seeing 2 new guys, or seeing my favorite lineup after 5 years?

Having been to 4 tango shows and talking to folks in the seats adjacent to me, I would guess that only 75% of the attendees knew that 1. there was a lineup change 2. That Lindsay Buckingham was the guitar player and not one of the women. That's leaves a lot attendees in the "I like Fleetwood Mac cos I know all the songs and Stevie Nicks is cool" category. Remember, tickets were affordable then, you could be a passing fan and attend a big rock concert without putting an entire paycheck on the line.

[Villavic]

Originally Posted by DashingDan

Having been to 4 tango shows and talking to folks in the seats adjacent to me, I would guess that only 75% of the attendees knew that 1. there was a lineup change 2. That Lindsay Buckingham was the guitar player and not one of the women. That's leaves a lot attendees in the "I like Fleetwood Mac cos I know all the songs and Stevie Nicks is cool" category. Remember, tickets were affordable then, you could be a passing fan and attend a big rock concert without putting an entire paycheck on the line.

Interesting point.

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by Villavic

That's questionable. Probably Lindsey's fans didn't go to these shows because they were disappointed. What was bigger? the curiosity of seeing 2 new guys, or seeing my favorite lineup after 5 years?

At that point in time, I don't think there was a large contingent of "only Lindsey" fans. His solo albums at that point were just "things to do while Fleetwood Mac wasn't active", rather than being a serious attempt at a solo career.