Still think Stevie is going to do the FM album?

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by johnnystorms

what female rocker is more popular than Stevie? they'd have to find a country or pop chick to fill that bill

But the point would be just to find someone to sing Stevie's songs, wouldn't it? To me, it would be better to go with a no name than to replace her with a singer with her own catalog of hits that would have to be shoehorned in.

That said, I don't want any replacements for anyone. Just put out the album as a foursome and tour as a foursome, if it comes to that. No new people at this stage of the game. They could find 2 Stevie songs to add to the setlist to pay homage to her, like they did when Christine was gone and that can be the end of it. No new singer. Then Stevie can return in a couple of years and they can get "reunion" publicity for the umpteenth time.

Michele

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by FuzzyPlum

Sheryl Crow.

Originally Posted by FuzzyPlum

Tori Amos (sure, they don't need another pianist but her kooky personality would add so much fun to the band)
Annie Lennox (a bit bland for my liking, but if Stevie wants to go off and work with Dave then maybe AL could join FM edit: and I bet she could belt out a half-decent Rhiannon)
Wendy James (no particular reason except I had a crush on her when I was 15)

None of those women have been in a band like Fleetwood Mac. Annie Lennox comes the closest, and would be an amazingly empathetic figure in that she understands what it's like working with an ex. The reason this is a problem that solo artists don't understand the challenges of being in a band. I think Fleetwood Mac has already seen this with the issues they had with Dave Mason. Even when he was in Traffic, Dave was never really a part of the band, so he never really learned the art of being in a band. There are challenges and compromises that solo/duo artists don't really have to deal with.

Originally Posted by michelej1

But the point would be just to find someone to sing Stevie's songs, wouldn't it?

That's a good question. I would hope that adding another woman to the band would be so they would continue for a few more years, both on stage and in the studio, which means they would need her to be a contributing member of the band. This is the only reason I could see to bring in new blood.

To me, it would be better to go with a no name than to replace her with a singer with her own catalog of hits that would have to be shoehorned in.

If that's the case, just bring back Bekka Bramlett. But, I think that bringing in somebody just to fill in for Stevie is the type of lounge act move Lindsey really detests. What they need is somebody who has some hits that could be shoehorned in (so that the distinction between the new girl and Stevie can be made), somebody who could cover a couple of Stevie's songs, and somebody who could contribute new material.

For me, it's the Sammy Hagar rule. David Lee Roth was the face and voice of Van Halen. They replaced him with Sammy Hagar, and that version of the band went on to sell 46 million albums. Sammy was a well known commodity when he joined, and people were willing to buy into it. They did some DLR songs, some Sammy solo songs, and new songs on those tours, and fans enjoyed it. By contrast, Gary Cherone had a #1 hit with Extreme, but it was "More Than Words" which was hardly a Van Halen-esq song. Not like "There's Only One Way To Rock" or "I Can't Drive 55."

I still maintain Susanna Hoffs is the perfect choice.

1. There would be no expectation for her to be Stevie #2. She was the face of a band that sold 23 million albums. She sang lead vocals on seven of eight of their Top 40 singles, co-wrote the band’s only # 1 single (Eternal Flame), and had a solo song in the Top 40. Hoffs could join Fleetwood Mac and just be herself.

2. She’s in a band that has multiple lead vocalists. The fact she was made to be the star of that band is ultimately what split the band up. Susanna was the one who fought the hardest to get the band back together. She learned the value of being in such a band, and now understands the challenges and compromises that being in such a band entails, as well as the value of being humble. She's NOT a diva, and that's exactly what Fleetwood Mac needs at this point.

3. Musically, she’d be a perfect fit. She’s in a band that uses lush harmonies throughout their music. Her voice is reminiscent of a younger Stevie Nicks, while Christine’s voice has a similar range and timbre to Debbie Peterson’s. She would be able to come into the band and instinctively fit in.

4. She’s a contemporary of Fleetwood Mac. The Bangles had their greatest success between 1986-1990, which is the same timeframe that Fleetwood Mac had the last of their mainstream success with new material. Susanna’s only nine years younger than Lindsey. She wouldn’t seem terribly out of place in Fleetwood Mac.

5. She still has sex appeal. She’s as gorgeous a woman as Lindsey is a man, but especially so considering their ages (56 and 65, respectively). There could be a chemistry there well worth exploring. Bringing somebody in who's of a different generation would be creepy, especially if there was a bit of a flirtation (that whole "chemistry" thing) on stage.

[Jondalar]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

None of those women have been in a band like Fleetwood Mac. Annie Lennox comes the closest, and would be an amazingly empathetic figure in that she understands what it's like working with an ex. The reason this is a problem that solo artists don't understand the challenges of being in a band. I think Fleetwood Mac has already seen this with the issues they had with Dave Mason. Even when he was in Traffic, Dave was never really a part of the band, so he never really learned the art of being in a band. There are challenges and compromises that solo/duo artists don't really have to deal with.


That's a good question. I would hope that adding another woman to the band would be so they would continue for a few more years, both on stage and in the studio, which means they would need her to be a contributing member of the band. This is the only reason I could see to bring in new blood.


If that's the case, just bring back Bekka Bramlett. But, I think that bringing in somebody just to fill in for Stevie is the type of lounge act move Lindsey really detests. What they need is somebody who has some hits that could be shoehorned in (so that the distinction between the new girl and Stevie can be made), somebody who could cover a couple of Stevie's songs, and somebody who could contribute new material.

For me, it's the Sammy Hagar rule. David Lee Roth was the face and voice of Van Halen. They replaced him with Sammy Hagar, and that version of the band went on to sell 46 million albums. Sammy was a well known commodity when he joined, and people were willing to buy into it. They did some DLR songs, some Sammy solo songs, and new songs on those tours, and fans enjoyed it. By contrast, Gary Cherone had a #1 hit with Extreme, but it was "More Than Words" which was hardly a Van Halen-esq song. Not like "There's Only One Way To Rock" or "I Can't Drive 55."

I still maintain Susanna Hoffs is the perfect choice.

1. There would be no expectation for her to be Stevie #2. She was the face of a band that sold 23 million albums. She sang lead vocals on seven of eight of their Top 40 singles, co-wrote the band’s only # 1 single (Eternal Flame), and had a solo song in the Top 40. Hoffs could join Fleetwood Mac and just be herself.

2. She’s in a band that has multiple lead vocalists. The fact she was made to be the star of that band is ultimately what split the band up. Susanna was the one who fought the hardest to get the band back together. She learned the value of being in such a band, and now understands the challenges and compromises that being in such a band entails, as well as the value of being humble. She's NOT a diva, and that's exactly what Fleetwood Mac needs at this point.

3. Musically, she’d be a perfect fit. She’s in a band that uses lush harmonies throughout their music. Her voice is reminiscent of a younger Stevie Nicks, while Christine’s voice has a similar range and timbre to Debbie Peterson’s. She would be able to come into the band and instinctively fit in.

4. She’s a contemporary of Fleetwood Mac. The Bangles had their greatest success between 1986-1990, which is the same timeframe that Fleetwood Mac had the last of their mainstream success with new material. Susanna’s only nine years younger than Lindsey. She wouldn’t seem terribly out of place in Fleetwood Mac.

5. She still has sex appeal. She’s as gorgeous a woman as Lindsey is a man, but especially so considering their ages (56 and 65, respectively). There could be a chemistry there well worth exploring. Bringing somebody in who's of a different generation would be creepy, especially if there was a bit of a flirtation (that whole "chemistry" thing) on stage.

No one can replace Stevie. Just get over yourself. She decides the fate of the band.

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by Jondalar

No one can replace Stevie. Just get over yourself. She decides the fate of the band.

It's not so much about replacing Stevie as it is about going forward with someone else who would be a good fit creatively, professionally, and personally.

No, Stevie doesn't decide the band's fate. The other four could easily continue without her if they would so choose.

[nicole21290]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

No, Stevie doesn't decide the band's fate. The other four could easily continue without her if they would so choose.

[tabruns]

Well they had an album with no Lindsey, it went Gold. They had an album with no Chris, it went Gold. They could probably do an album with no Stevie and it could go Gold.

I just don't see it happening. I think there'll be an album with all five of them, but on Stevie's timeline (ie, after she re-releases 24KG with additional tracks and tours to promote it).

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

It's not so much about replacing Stevie as it is about going forward with someone else who would be a good fit creatively, professionally, and personally.

No, Stevie doesn't decide the band's fate. The other four could easily continue without her if they would so choose.

They sure could. You would hope she smartens up, but I agree they certainly could. And the music would most definitely be top notch.

[MikeInNV]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

She sang lead vocals on seven of eight of their Top 40 singles, co-wrote the band’s only # 1 single (Eternal Flame), and had a solo song in the Top 40.

A minor correction, but "Walk Like an Egyptian" was also a #1 single.

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by MikeInNV

A minor correction, but "Walk Like an Egyptian" was also a #1 single.

Hmmm. I thought that only want to #2. What's weird about looking at the charts from that era is that there were songs that were more popular on MTV than on radio. For example, "If She Knew What She Wants" only went to #29, while "Walking Down Your Streets" went to #11, but the former always seemed to be much more popular.

[Nick]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

For example, "If She Knew What She Wants" only went to #29

Not that this is relevant to the Stevie/FM thread, but "If She Knew What She Wants" was a jam and my fave Bangles single. Carry on.

[Macfanforever]

I love The Bangles and Manic Monday "Walk Like an Egyptian" and other tunes.I just love the 1980's.

I dont know what the future holds for our favorite band .I dont have a crystal ball that works anymore.LOL.I never got them updated.

I doubt the band will dump Stevie or she sings my favorite Johnny Paycheck tune"Take This Job And Shove It" to Mick and the band this late in the game.

Don't kill me guys .LOL .I like to see Sheryl Crow do a stint with them as rumoured years ago.She could add some country twang to the band and appear on the Grand Ole Opry like Charlie Daniels Band on tonight's show.

BTW Charlie still sounds great and his band was on fire on tonight's show.

[PenguinHead]

Originally Posted by Nick

Not that this is relevant to the Stevie/FM thread, but "If She Knew What She Wants" was a jam and my fave Bangles single. Carry on.

It's relevant to me! I love the Bangles, and that song -- a classic! Susanna Hoffs is very cool. Her cover albums with Matthew Sweet are wonderful.

OK, now back to the velvet underground, and the gypsies that we love.

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by PenguinHead

It's relevant to me! I love the Bangles and that song! Susanna Hoffs is very cool. Her cover albums with Matthew Sweet are wonderful.

Me too! Good stuff.

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I still maintain Susanna Hoffs is the perfect choice.

She and Lindsey could discuss their different versions of Trouble.

Michele

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by michelej1

She and Lindsey could discuss their different versions of Trouble.

Not to mention "Second Hand News" (although the Sweet-Hoffs version featured Lindsey on guitar).

What I'd like to see is a "Monday" encore set:
Monday Morning
Manic Monday
Monday Monday (another Sweet-Hoffs cover)