Music

Lindsey Buckingham leaves Fleetwood Mac ahead of live tour

Tom Petty guitarist Mike Campbell and Crowded House’s Neil Finn drafted into band

Lindsey Buckingham (right) has parted ways with Fleetwood Mac. Photograph: Andrew Kelly/Reuters

Tue Apr 10 2018 - 08:41

Lindsey Buckingham has parted ways with Fleetwood Mac months before they are scheduled to embark on a live tour.

In a statement, the band announced: “Lindsey Buckingham will not be performing with the band on this tour. The band wishes Lindsey all the best.”

It's been revealed that Buckingham will be replaced on tour by the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell and Crowded House's Neil Finn.

“Fleetwood Mac has always been about an amazing collection of songs that are performed with a unique blend of talents,” Mick Fleetwood said. “We jammed with Mike and Neil and the chemistry really worked and let the band realise that this is the right combination to go forward with in Fleetwood Mac style. We know we have something new, yet it’s got the unmistakable Mac sound.”

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The band's Facebook page has since changed its profile image from one of the band to an illustrated picture.

Buckingham originally joined the band in 1975 and played with them until 1987. In this incarnation, featuring Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks, they released 1977's Rumors.

The album sold over 40 million copies. Buckingham rejoined the band in 1997 and last year released a duet album with McVie.

His most recent performance with the band was during a concert in January honouring Fleetwood Mac as MusiCares Person of the Year.

The Fleetwood Mac tour is due to start in June. Last week, the band re-entered the US charts with Dreams after it was used in a meme. –Guardian

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