Volume 6: Year of the Mac: 1992/1993

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by MacShadowsBall

Sometimes I wonder why this wasn't enough for the Fab 5 to get back together. I guess it took another 4 years for everybody's feelings to be right again.

Lindsey was in the process of putting his first solo tour together and establishing himself as a solo artist. He had spent five years trying to distance himself from the band and wasn't about to rejoin. Stevie was super pissed at the band as it was, and really had no interest in being in it anymore. The other three were game, though Christine had retired from the road by that point.

Back in 1992/1993 , what did you guys think of this performance and of Fleetwood Mac in general? Did you think this would turn into more than what it was?

When 1992 started, the band was in shambles. Stevie and Rick had already quit the band, and Christine was off the road. I thought it was over, but I wasn't too upset. With a new Zoo album (that featured a Bramlett), a John solo record, and the long awaited first post-Fleetwood Mac album from Lindsey, things were looking up. Lindsey's album was brilliant, but sterile. John's album had a few great pop gems, but was somewhat bland at times, though Billy's contributions were amazing. The Zoo were too bar band metal for my tastes, but there was potential. I got to see the Zoo at a bar here in town, and actually got to sing with Bekka for a sec. I thought Bekka was an amazing performer. I thought that the Zoo would be an acceptable substitute for Fleetwood Mac if the latter was no longer around. It was at this show that Mick got me hip to Dave Mason. (I kid you not, the next day I put on "Alone Together" and thought this guy needed to be in Fleetwood Mac.)

When Clinton used "Don't Stop," I thought there was a chance there would be a new Fleetwood Mac. I didn't see Stevie or Lindsey coming back. Mick, John, Burnette, Bekka, and maybe Thorpe, Lola, Mick Taylor, or even Dave Mason. When the box set came out, I remember not really wanting it. A friend said that there were a few unreleased game changers on it, so I had to get it. Good call. It seemed as if anything was possible for the band.

I thought the Inauguration performance was horrid. Stevie looked and sounded bad. Lindsey playing through a Marshall seemed goofy. Having EVERYBODY up on stage, including Jacko being front and center, killed their rock cred (which had already taken a beating with "Alternative" rock). It hurt all of them for a few years. I was also pissed that Billy Burnette, who was still a member of the band, was not allowed to play. Yeah, I know he wasn't in the "Rumours" band, but he was still in the band at that moment.

I was glad that Stevie was out of the band. I thought her look and performances were hurting the band. It was getting in the way at that point. I was happy when they announced that she wouldn't be playing the Super Bowl pre-show. I was hoping the band would just announce that Bekka Bramlett was the new singer (since it was obvious she was going to be the new girl).

I was shocked to see Rick Vito at the Super Bowl pre-show. He had quit the band. Since this was just a one-off, I thought it was cool that he got a swansong. I really wish he hadn't quit the band, but I understand how frustrating it had to be dealing with band/label politics, and having the best material left off the record.

A few weeks later, I remember being sad to learn that Billy Burnette quit the band. I thought he was a good fit with Mick, John, and Christine, and had hoped to hear more from him.

I saw Lindsey with an army of guitarists in July, and it was awesome. You could tell he was enjoying not having to deal with band politics, but was frustrated that he couldn't shake the "ex-Fleetwood Mac" tag.

Billy's country solo album was a pleasant surprise. With a few tweaks, there were some gems that would've sounded great with Fleetwood Mac. He's another one they let get away too easily.

I remember reading in Rolling Stone that Bekka had officially replaced Stevie. A few weeks later, I found out that Dave Mason had also joined. I really couldn't wait to hear what they would come up with.