Fleetwood Mac Moves Forward Without Lindsey Buckingham, Welcomes New Guitarists

In a significant shakeup for music fans, Fleetwood Mac has officially parted ways with longtime guitarist Lindsey Buckingham following internal disagreements regarding the band’s upcoming tour. The iconic rock band confirmed this strategic change on Monday, announcing that Mike Campbell, known for his tenure with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Neil Finn of Crowded House will be stepping in to fill Buckingham's role. The news first surfaced through a now-deleted tweet from former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Billy Burnette, who humorously noted, "Breaking news: Lindsey Buckingham is out but I'm not in." Subsequent reports from Rolling Stone have confirmed Buckingham's exit, although the band has yet to divulge specific tour dates. In a collective statement, the remaining members of Fleetwood Mac expressed their excitement about the new lineup, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome the musical talents of the caliber of Mike Campbell and Neil Finn into the Mac family." They added that with Campbell and Finn on board, they plan to deliver a setlist that includes beloved hits as well as some deep cuts from their extensive catalog. The band also emphasized their commitment to the ongoing evolution that has characterized their career. Mick Fleetwood, the band's drummer, elaborated on this philosophy, noting, "Fleetwood Mac has always been about an amazing collection of songs that are performed with a unique blend of talents." He shared insights from their recent jam sessions, stating, "We know we have something new, yet it's got the unmistakable Mac sound." Finn, who expressed his enthusiasm upon joining the band, mentioned that his initial experience jamming with the group felt both fresh and exciting. "It was a natural fit. I can't wait to play," he remarked, highlighting the chemistry he felt with his new bandmates. Buckingham's departure marks a pivotal moment in Fleetwood Mac's storied history. Since joining the band in 1974 alongside Stevie Nicks, Buckingham has been integral to the group’s sound, penning and performing many of their most enduring tracks, including "Go Your Own Way," "Tusk," and “Second Hand News.” His influence was felt during his previous stint with the band, which included a hiatus in the late '80s and a triumphant reunion in the late '90s. The band last performed together in July 2022 and had a brief appearance in January at a pre-Grammy event. Looking ahead, Fleetwood Mac has hinted at a more innovative approach to their performances. In a previous interview, Mick Fleetwood teased that the band is considering revisiting material that has been largely forgotten, indicating a desire to break from the formulaic setlists of past tours. “We always played nearly three hours, and we cut it back a little bit for the wear and tear, but we do over two hours," he said, alluding to the complex dynamics that arise with three lead vocalists. As Fleetwood Mac embarks on this new chapter, the spotlight now shifts to how their distinct sound will evolve with the fresh talents of Campbell and Finn. Fans are left to speculate on how the absence of Buckingham will influence the band's musical direction and what surprises lie in store for their next tour.