Who is the most famous Mac member? (excluding Stevie)

[Villavic]

This is an interesting poll. I voted for Christine, simple because she got lot of singles in the band, probably the most. I don't know if Peter was that famous wide world, or even outside UK.

Keep in mind that famous means popular within general public. Not just rockers, musicians and fans. So I don't see Lindsey was that famous either. Don't confuse popular with important member. Or even succesful.

For example I've read in other posts of The Ledge that people in first rows of concerts didn't realize Lindsey was replaced during Tango tour.
I have read Lindsey is a very prestigous guitarist among the rock experts, but that doesn't mean popular necessarily.

What was more evident among general public? Lindsey being replaced by Rick& Billy, or Christine leaving the band? I think this last fact.

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by Villavic

What was more evident among general public? Lindsey being replaced by Rick& Billy, or Christine leaving the band? I think this last fact.

I don't think that Christine's leaving got more press. Lindsey's exit got a lot of attention, even though we didn't have an internet at the time. But there was a lot of media attention surrounding his leaving.

Michele

[Villavic]

Originally Posted by michelej1

I don't think that Christine's leaving got more press. Lindsey's exit got a lot of attention, even though we didn't have an internet at the time. But there was a lot of media attention surrounding his leaving. Michele

Probably you are right, but a lot of media attention does not guarantee popularity.
My point is, if I ask to general people: Lindsey Buckingham is a guitarist of What band?? versus Christine McVie is a singer of What band? I don't know who wins.

Yeah, the "Mac" in the last name can help. Well then let's show a picture of Christine and other picture of Lindsey and name them. Or name the band. Who wins?

Of course I'm speculating. But I do feel Christine is somehow more popular.

[WildHearted]

I don't believe that either Chris or Lindsey have all that much name recognition to the general public, honestly. Not as much as they should have, in my opinion, of course.

I think in reality they probably have about the same, but if I had to pick one who I thought had more, I would say Lindsey. He gets brought up basically anytime Stevie (the most well-known Mac member) does anything, and he's also kept himself in the public eye for the past 15 years and .... Christine hasn't.

[Macfanforever]

I think without Mick and John .This forum and Fleetwoodmac.Net wont exist today.



Stevie and Lindsey would probably continued with Buckingham -Nicks or go their own ways to stardom.

Peter and the other band mates would probably sign on with other bands.

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by WildHearted

I don't believe that either Chris or Lindsey have all that much name recognition to the general public, honestly. Not as much as they should have, in my opinion, of course.

I think in reality they probably have about the same, but if I had to pick one who I thought had more, I would say Lindsey. He gets brought up basically anytime Stevie (the most well-known Mac member) does anything, and he's also kept himself in the public eye for the past 15 years and .... Christine hasn't.

It's true. Lindsey gets brought up as being part of a couple a lot, even outside of Fleetwood Mac discussions. Christine was also part of a famous couple, but she and John don't capture media attention in the same way.

At one point Dave Mason was more famous than the others. But that time has passed.

Michele

[Villavic]

I think one way to confirm who is more popular would be by solo tours. A Christine solo tour and a Lindsey solo tour. Which would get more audience?

It would define also where they are more famous. US? Europe? Japan? etc.

And if I add the "what if" factor, I would have done this tours in the 80s, in the 90s, and today. Fame is so temporary, so is fleeting and changeable. So.. when were they more famous??

[TrueFaith77]

Mick and Stevie are the visual representations of the band.

[redbird]

Originally Posted by michelej1

It's true. Lindsey gets brought up as being part of a couple a lot, even outside of Fleetwood Mac discussions. Christine was also part of a famous couple, but she and John don't capture media attention in the same way.

That's why I went with Lindsey. I'm sure he wouldn't think very highly of that particular reason for fame, but it's there, heheh. And at least here in the States Saturday Night Live may have made it more easy to imagine him being picked out of a lineup by the average joe.

[CADreaming]

I chose Christine because whenever I mention FM most people will ask if "Christy McVie" is either still with them or will tour with them again.

If I mention Lindsey they look at me funny & say "Oh, is that the guitar player?"

[ShangriLaTroubl]

It was between Lindsey and Mick for me.

While Mick has the name recognition and is involved in many things that put his name out there, he doesn't have the most important thing in popular music - a recognizable voice.

Christine had the most hits, but I think if you really compare - more of the general population recognizes Lindsey's songs and voice, mainly because of Go Your Own Way. Christine having retired years and years ago, has also kept her out of the spotlight in the last decade. On the other hand, Lindsey has performed with newer artists such as Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, etc.

Lindsey has also attended various award shows in the last few years and performed on numerous television shows for his solo work (A&E Private Sessions, Conan, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, etc.)

Also "Go Your Own Way" being in the Rock Band video game really opened up that song (and his voice) to a whole new generation. Then, you cannot forget the re-occurring SNL skits with Lindsey's character.

[jbrownsjr]

I chose Christine by accident, meant to choose Mick.

Putting the media aside.. and just talking to people..

I sometimes get, Lindsey Buckingham, is that the other girl with Stevie Nicks.

Christy McVie had that video on MTV in the desert!
People always seem to know of Mick in my experience...

Little Lies and Hold Me put Christine's face on the TV a lot in the 80's, but that's about it. Her departure got a lot of press and still does get press.

Album sales also tell me a story in my opinion. I totally believe LB would sell more albums if people knew he was the guitarist of FM.

I'd rank them
1. Stevie (obviously)
2. Mick
3. Peter Green
4. Lindsey/Christine

[SteveMacD]

I would have to say Mick Fleetwood. He has such a distinctive look, has been on album covers that have sold millions, and has done so many interviews over the years that I think he's instantly recognizable. His name quickly conjures up an image.

I think Lindsey is getting to that point. Obviously having an on-going SNL joke at his expense actually helps.

[PoetofRhiannon]

I feel that Dave Mason would be the next one.

In my experience, many more people have recognized Dave Mason than Peter Green or even Lindsey Buckingham.

I even knew Dave Mason from his time in Traffic before I knew of FM.

Plus, Dave Mason has worked with so many other artists.

[BlanketMan]

I went with Lindsey, although I can see why fans would pick Mick or Peter Green. I attended a LB solo show last year here in Baltimore, and it was in a tiny venue that was full but not overflowing. Then you stick him with FM, and they still sell out the 10,000-seat Verizon Center right down the road. So name recognition has still evaded LB to a large extent. I still think he's better known than anyone else in the band not named Stevie, though.

But then there is "What Up With That?" Has there ever been a discussion on here about why they chose LB to be the recurring celeb as the butt of that joke? As a huge LB and SNL fan, I find it hilarious, but my wife and I haven't come to an agreement as to "Why Lindsey?" Is he just famous enough to maybe actually appear on a show like that? Is it his reputation for being a bit of a perfectionist/stuffed shirt that makes the prospect of him getting bumped every week on such a show so funny? And Hader's absurd reaction, so anti-LB, pretending to be upset but then laughing about it at skit's end... Great stuff! Could any other celeb fit as the "bumped guest" quite as well??? Can't think of anyone!