FM: Releasing More New Songs a 'Matter of How and When'

[shackin'up]

Why work on an album with Mick and John under Lindsey's own name while it IS Fleetwood Mac? Of course it has annother appeal with Stevie; But why not use the name? I really don't see that. Especially if Lindsey keeps all creative possibility's open for the rythmsection like he did with the Froomtracks, according to Mick himself? let's be fair: M&J wrap Sad Angel and Miss Fantasy up as Fleetwood Mac. Those songs really DIFFER from Lindsey's solo-approach because of them.

[Dex]

Originally Posted by shackin'up

Why work on an album with Mick and John under Lindsey's own name while it IS Fleetwood Mac?

Because most people won't get it. They'll be confused. They'll write it off. And then the name Fleetwood Mac would no longer equate to massive commercial draw and big bucks for the band. The rhythm section of a band just isn't what is identifiable about it to most music listeners. People identify with lead singers/instrumentalists and songwriting. The fact that they are legally entitled to use the name Fleetwood Mac is by the by. Lindsey's idea is to give these songs a wider audience than they'd get on a solo record. And that isn't going to happen if the lineup changes.

[shackin'up]

Originally Posted by Dex

Because most people won't get it. They'll be confused. They'll write it off. And then the name Fleetwood Mac would no longer equate to massive commercial draw and big bucks for the band. The rhythm section of a band just isn't what is identifiable about it to most music listeners. People identify with lead singers/instrumentalists and songwriting. The fact that they are legally entitled to use the name Fleetwood Mac is by the by. Lindsey's idea is to give these songs a wider audience than they'd get on a solo record. And that isn't going to happen if the lineup changes.

That's a fact for all bands in general. Fleetwood Mac is an exception on the rule. And they all are 65+ soon. I agree with you what Lindsey's purpose is, but if Stevie is not on it with own songs, they still can use the name. And they should.

[Dex]

Perhaps they will. But I don't think it's a gamble they're willing to take at this stage in their careers. And it would be a gamble. People are unlikely to turn out in droves, shelling out ridiculous amounts of cash for a Fleetwood Mac concert if the name now means "just" Lindsey Buckingham + Rhythm section. And I don't think that's something the guys want to lose. Maybe I underestimate people. We shall see.

[AliceLover]

Let's be honest here. By December (after they tour Austrailia and New Zealand which I'm sure they will) they will all be exhausted. Lindsey and Stevie will be itching to get back to their solo careers. I bet Lindsey takes the recorded Mac stuff and turns it into a solo album.

[elle]

Originally Posted by Dex

Perhaps they will. But I don't think it's a gamble they're willing to take at this stage in their careers. And it would be a gamble. People are unlikely to turn out in droves, shelling out ridiculous amounts of cash for a Fleetwood Mac concert

disagree about the concert part. people are turning up to see legendary band while they are still around. like they do for many other iconic bands.... even though most of the main members may be dead or not interested in whatever the band is doing. in FM's case, audiences seem pleasantly surprised how great they actually still are in concert.

i do agree that in FM's specific case, if they loose 2 of their 3 front people in concert, that wouldn't work. neither would replacing one of them (Stevie) however huge the replacement might be... it would make them a lounge act, as someone said . at least imo.

although, you do have examples of parts of 2 legendary bands teaming up for shows singing each others songs and doing apparently really well (Queen and Bad Company?), but i personally don't like that.

most of the people turning up at FM shows don't care one bit whether FM has new songs or not and who is a part of those songs. same with other dinosaur bands that can make huge money touring these days. FM having some new songs however, makes them seem relevant and not only nostalgia act, even though they make their money on being a nostalgia act.

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by Dex

Because most people won't get it. They'll be confused. They'll write it off. And then the name Fleetwood Mac would no longer equate to massive commercial draw and big bucks for the band. The rhythm section of a band just isn't what is identifiable about it to most music listeners. People identify with lead singers/instrumentalists and songwriting. The fact that they are legally entitled to use the name Fleetwood Mac is by the by. Lindsey's idea is to give these songs a wider audience than they'd get on a solo record. And that isn't going to happen if the lineup changes.

I think your point about hurting the brand is a good one. That almost happened with the Time tour (I am not denigrating time. I am not saying that John and Mick are not Fleetwood Mac. I am just saying that because it wasn't what fans expected, when they bought tickets to the Time tour, it hurt the marketability of the name "FM") and I think Mick is quite conscious of that. Men of Mac is probably the best option -- unless they have a woman. They can use one of two women. With the resurgence of Everywhere in the UK this year, there is no better time to do that than right now.

Michele

[elle]

Originally Posted by michelej1

hey can tour together, but if he wants FM music, there are other ways to get it than in continuing to hope Stevie changes her mind. If he, John and Mick turned to Christine to work on music with them, I don't see Christine refusing.

Originally Posted by michelej1

They can use one of two women. With the resurgence of Everywhere in the UK this year, there is no better time to do that than right now.

i like this! it preserves nostalgia act with 2 of 3 FM singers so they can happily continue doing their cash grabs, but we get both new music and tours:

• if Christine has new songs to contribute they should record with her and continue releasing EPs or maybe even the whole album.
  
• if Christine doesn't want to tour and Stevie does, they can continue to tour as this year, with Christine's appearances from time to time, like London. or maybe Stevie can tour with them in the US, and Christine in Europe where she can travel by land?

[GypsySorcerer]

Wow- Lindsey managed to complete an interview without mentioning Christine "burning her bridges."

I'd love for a full FM album with Christine, but it's not going to happen. So at this point, I'd rather get solo material from Lindsey and Stevie. It's far more interesting to me now, anyway.