Fleetwood Mac Fires Guitarist Lindsey Buckingham Ahead Of Fall Tour

Fleetwood Mac is parting ways with Lindsey Buckingham, the longtime guitarist who rejoined the band in 1997, before embarking on a tour.

Trouble In Paradise

Mick Fleetwood announced on Monday, April 9, that Mike Campbell, lead guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Neil Finn, frontman of Crowded House, will replace Buckingham.

"Fleetwood Mac has always been about an amazing collection of songs that are performed with a unique blend of talents," Fleetwood said in a statement. "We jammed with Mike and Neil and the chemistry really worked and let the band realized 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."

The news comes shortly after another Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Billy Burnette, said in a tweet on April 4, that he and Buckingham are out of the tour. The post was immediately taken down without any explanation or clarification.

Burnette replaced Buckingham back in 1987 until the band went on hiatus in 1995.

However, according to a source, Buckingham's exit from the upcoming tour is not exactly voluntary. Variety reported that the musician was fired. The reason behind Buckingham's sudden departure from the band has not been divulged to the press, but there were disagreements over the band's upcoming tour which will commence this fall, sources say.

Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974 as a replacement to Bob Welch. Together with Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, John McVie, and Christine McVie, the band released Rumours, one of their best-selling albums of its time. It sold more than 40 million copies and produced hits such as "Don't Stop," "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," "You Make Loving Fun," and "The Chain."

Delighted To Be Invited

In a statement, Finn told The Rolling Stone that he is excited to tour with Fleetwood Mac.

"Two weeks ago, I received a wonderful invitation to be a part of a truly great band," he said. "A few days later, I was standing in a room playing music with Fleetwood Mac. It felt fresh and exciting, so many great songs, a spectacular rhythm section and two of the greatest voices ever. Best of all, we sounded good together. It was a natural fit. I can't wait to play."

Campbell worked with Nicks when his band, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, backed the singer-songwriter on her first solo album Bella Donna. He worked as a lead guitarist of the band until last year when Petty died of an accidental drug overdose.

Meanwhile, Finn remains friendly with Fleetwood who played with his son, Liam, at a gig in New Zealand last year.

Internet Reacts To Lindsey Buckingham's Firing

Buckingham has been an integral part of Fleetwood Mac and the news of his sudden departure disappointed some long-time fans.

Actor Rob Lowe (Parks and Recreation, Code Black) said in a post that Fleetwood Mac is over after Buckingham's firing.

Other fans shared the same sentiment.

Tags

Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers