Neil Finn-Fleetwood Mac

Okay, this sounds pretty amazing. Never thought I'd want it, but now I do, greatly!

Hello all---

My first response, I'm a little ashamed to admit, was "Ewww...!"

But now that I'm over the shock, I have to admit, it might be fun for a while.  I'm not particularly eager to hear Neil singing with Nicks, but I think he and Christine McVie would work well together.

I really don't expect that they'll let Neil do any of his material.  He's joining their band, after all.  With Mike Campbell also on board, I assume Neil is mostly involved for his singing and rhythm guitar work, with an occasional guitar solo in the mix.

But wow, what I would give to hear "Private Universe" with Mick, John, and Christine backing Neil up.

I figure Neil will duet with Christine on songs like "Don't Stop" and "World Turning," and he might sing lead on things like "Oh Well."  My hope is that they don't make him sing Lindsey songs.  That would just be sad, and besides, FM has plenty of non-LB songs they could do.

matt

Surely he’ll be doing Lyndsey songs ?!

Inevitable Peter Green wisecracks landing in 3 .... 2 .... 1 .....

mattl posted:

My hope is that they don't make him sing Lindsey songs

um, that seems to be the exact reason he was hired. He and Campbell are replacing LB, Campbell presumably on lead guitar, Neil handling his vocals and secondary guitar.

This is a fascinating development. I have been waiting for Mick to drum on a Neil related album (it is still not clear if he might be playing on Light Sleeper or not) but never ever did I contemplate that Neil would join Fleetwood Mac as a touring member!

Personally, I love the idea.

I am a Fleetwood Mac fan and their legacy is far greater than just 1976 onwards. My guess (and it is only that) is that Lindsey may have thrown his toys when it was suggested that they do some of the pre 1976 era songs on the upcoming tour. 

This new line-up will actually provide more flexibility to open up their full back catalogue into their setlists.

I can't imagine them not doing Go Your Own Way, and it would be interesting to see Neil on vocals for that. Otherwise I can see Neil working really well on the likes of Don't Stop, World Turning and The Chain. Then it opens things up for Neil to sing some of the pre-Buckingham songs which would also work well. 

I do wonder what this means for Light Sleeper though. If that is still going to be released mid year, then this development rules out any chance of touring it off the back of the release. I just hope that this doesn't result in the release date moving further out.

This will be massive exposure for Neil and his music though. I'm sure there will be plenty of Fleetwood Mac fans who start exploring his back catalogue after seeing him in concert with them (or just hearing the news he is joining the band). If it weren't for ALT, I would have never become an Andy White or Hothouse Flowers fan. 

Quite a left turn, will be interesting to see how this plays out. Pretty much love everything Neil does, but honestly can’t see - and don’t want to see - him singing Lindsey Buckingham songs. I’ve loved Lindsey since his Buckingham Nicks days and no one can sing or play his songs like he does. He’s one of the greats, almost on par with Neil. Hopefully, Neil will go his own way (and not sing that song)...

Yes I managed to get the Peter Green line out of the way at 8.00 this morning while in the office. What a long day it has been.  I'm fascinated how this will turn out- love that Neil has such a vibe for it-the jam in Maui sounds like it was excellent. Maybe he'll add some fresh blood into Fleetwood Mac too seeing he is the whippersnapper of the band-just like joining Split Enz all over again (well not really).  Anything can happen. I applaud musical detours. 

It's exciting. I love Lyndsey's work  as much as the next guy, but someone has to fill in for a departed member, so why not Neil? He loves the songs, loves the band and sings better than ever. Boosts his profile worldwide, which means more audience for his future and past projects.

Maybe Mark Hart can back at him now for all those on stage Supertramp jibes.

It won't be the first time Neil's been on a tour with Stevie Nicks and Mike Campbell. Split Enz toured US and Canada with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in 1981.

Oh well......... This will be an exciting new phase  for all concerned

Even now that I’ve slept on this news, it still isn’t making a lot of sense to me.

Why would Neil, creatively restless and one who loves to be in charge, join such a well known band as a hired hand for an extended period of time?

I’m not appalled by the news, but I’m not jumping for joy either.

I hate to admit that the idea of someone other than Lindsey singing Lindsey songs on stage with Fleetwood Mac makes me cringe a little bit, even if that someone is Neil.

No one can replace Lindsey in Fleetwood Mac, not even Neil.

I'd correct my tragic spelling of Lindsey but it's too late...

It always is 

I’ve been thinking more about this (while listening to Fleetwood Mac). 

I can completely understand why Neil wants to do this and is genuinely enthused with the concept. Neil loves music and he loves collaboration. I think he also enjoys being part of something that he doesn’t have to lead or control. He seemed to be in his element when Bic Runga toured Birds and he was on piano. He doesn’t actually get that sort of opportunity often. If jamming with the band in Maui felt musically right, I can completely see him wanting to explore it further. If it didn’t feel right, he would have walked away immediately.

The more I think about it, I doubt he will be asked to do many if any Lindsey Buckingham songs or that he will try to be a Lindsey replica. That’s not Neil’s style and I don’t think it’s what the band will be asking for.

Fleetwood Mac have a massive back catalogue. I think it would be wrong to play Buckingham songs if they have made the choice to fire him. Lindsey was a massive part of the band though and not just with regard to his songs but what he contributed to Christine and Stevie’s songs. I am a big fan of his songs and love his guitar playing but I’m not so much of a fan of his vocal contributions to the others’ songs (particularly live). 

I think Neil could actually be a better vocal match to Christine McVie’s songs (think Everywhere, Don’t Stop, Tell Me Lies, Hold Me etc...). Lindsey is that good that you do need two people to replace his guitar and vocal contributions on songs to do them justice. I do hope that it will be to replace and not replicate because replication is not in anybody’s  best interest.

Neil would also be great on The Chain and supporting Stevie on some of her songs..

The only Buckingham songs that I think may be included in the set list for Neil to sing are Go Your Own Way and Task. I’m still not sure if that would be right or not. I have no doubt Neil would do a great job but it would feel very strange. I definitely can’t imagine Big Love, Second Hand News, I Know I’m Not Wrong or I’m So Afraid etc... being in the set list. They simply shouldn’t be done without Lindsey.

Looking at a typical Fleetwood Mac setlist, there would usually be about 7 Buckingham songs. As mentioned, I could see them potentially keeping one or two because people will be expecting to hear them but replacing the others with an extra couple of Christine and Stevie songs and then freeing up some space for the Peter Green era for Neil to do vocals on.

It also wouldn’t surprise me if during rehearsals that they came up with a new song or two... Who knows where this might lead...

It does still all seem very surreal though...

As others have said, I also had to check the date of the article that I saw posted on Facebook to make sure that it wasn't posted on April 1st.

Perhaps Neil was jealous of Mark being a member of Supertramp, and thought he also could also be a dual-member of CH and a massive band from the 70's.

I'm not sure what to think about it but if it's going to be fun for Neil then sounds good to me. I'm not really one for nostalgia concerts so I won't be attending but I will be following this to see where it leads.

Sorry not excited at all... seems like a cash grab by Neil... very disappointing would much rather have him back with Crowded House or solo but I guess that's not where the $ is... I also think fans are totally mistaken if they think Neil is going to get a chance to place his songs - this will be a FLEETWOOD MAC hits money money money tour - wailt till you see the ticket prices... 

To me,

Sean Cronin posted:

Sorry not excited at all... seems like a cash grab by Neil... very disappointing would much rather have him back with Crowded House or solo but I guess that's not where the $ is... I also think fans are totally mistaken if they think Neil is going to get a chance to place his songs - this will be a FLEETWOOD MAC hits money money money tour - wailt till you see the ticket prices... 

To me, Neil's songs are a natural fit with many Fleetwood Mac songs with a common thread of melody and elegant songwriting. I suspect, they'll play a couple of Neil songs (perhaps Don't Dream It's Over and Private Universe) and they'll also play a couple of Tom Petty songs. Neil has always been a collaborator and adventurer and this is an exciting new venture to embrace.

slowpogo posted:

mattl posted:

My hope is that they don't make him sing Lindsey songs

um, that seems to be the exact reason he was hired. He and Campbell are replacing LB, Campbell presumably on lead guitar, Neil handling his vocals and secondary guitar.

Um, I didn't say he wouldn't sing Lindsey songs.  I said I hoped he wouldn't, because I think that would be a little sad.

I assumed that "Neil is mostly involved for his singing and rhythm guitar work, with an occasional guitar solo in the mix."  Clearly he was brought in to be the male voice accompanying Stevie and Christine.

I don't expect the band to play many LB songs.  Lindsey actually split from the FM previously in 1987 after the successful TANGO IN THE NIGHT record. Similarly to our recent news, the band replaced him with two guitarists, once of whom also sang. 

A quick look at the set lists from the 1988 tour shows only one true Lindsey song---"Go Your Own Way." [For the sake of clarity, I should note that "Blue Letter," though a cover song, was sung by Lindsey during his time in the band, and he also dueted on "Don't Stop," "The Chain," and "World Turning."]

So, it's possible that Neil will only have to sing one Lindsey song.  Mick Fleetwood stated : "We’ll be surprising our audiences with some tracks from our historic catalogue of songs." That had me thinking he plans to include some oldies like "Oh Well" or even "Black Magic Woman" or "Hypnotized."  Of course, he could just be referring to RUMOURS (again).

Finally, this is a pretty clever analysis of the situation (albeit with very little Neil content).

https://www.rollingstone.com/m...y-buckingham-w518935

matt

Sugar Mouse posted:

To me,

Sean Cronin posted:

Sorry not excited at all... seems like a cash grab by Neil... very disappointing would much rather have him back with Crowded House or solo but I guess that's not where the $ is... I also think fans are totally mistaken if they think Neil is going to get a chance to place his songs - this will be a FLEETWOOD MAC hits money money money tour - wailt till you see the ticket prices... 

To me, Neil's songs are a natural fit with many Fleetwood Mac songs with a common thread of melody and elegant songwriting. I suspect, they'll play a couple of Neil songs (perhaps Don't Dream It's Over and Private Universe) and they'll also play a couple of Tom Petty songs. Neil has always been a collaborator and adventurer and this is an exciting new venture to embrace.

"Private Universe" is one that I think would sound perfect with FM behind Neil (as long as Stevie doesn't sing, that is).

I remember playing "Instinct" for the drummer in my band back when RECURRING DREAM was released, and he listened to the opening and said, "Wow, is that a new Fleetwood Mac song? It sounds great."  Then Neil's voice came in, and my drummer was like, "What the...? Who's THAT?"

It's really hard for me to picture CH songs popping up in a FM set.  After all, Neil is joining their band.  Maybe he'll be given a shot at opening some of the shows so that he can spotlight his own catalog?

matt

Sean Cronin posted:

Sorry not excited at all... seems like a cash grab by Neil... 

Nah, Neil doesn’t need the cash that badly, to do something he didn’t really want to do. Why wouldn’t he be psyched to play with a classic band he loves? And we know he’s musically adventurous and happy to drift into whatever good opportunity presents itself. This totally fits his MO. I don’t really care about Fleetwood Mac but I’m happy for Neil. And surely the (probably massive) payout from this tour could fund very interesting future projects of his own. I see no reason to be cynical about this. I just hope it goes well and he’s treated alright by FM fans.

A very interesting idea. I must say I'm pleased for Neil yet also worried that the CH remains on the back burner. He'll be as great as usual. 

Can't say that I'm very excited about this, but if Neil enjoys it, good on him. Like MattL, I can't see CH songs being played; 98% of FM fans have probably never heard Private Universe.

The biggest upside of this, to me personally, would be for the work Neil did with Mick a couple of years ago to be revived and finished in some format. It seems to have vanished into the ether, like most of that "burst of creativity" that was to lead to three releases in 2016 (or was it 2017?).

I find the notion that Neil won’t do any Buckingham songs ubsurd ! That’s a bit like saying he won’t do any Peter Green or Jeremy Spencer songs either ?! 

I forget the names of the 2 other guitarists that were in the band in between Green and Buckingham .... does that mean that all ex member songs will be off limits to Neil ?! 

Not much point in recruiting him in that case .....

I was listening to Spirit Of The Stairs from Volume 1 of The Kitchen Sink today and couldn't help it how amazing that particular take on the song would sound with Fleetwood Mac. Of course, Neil Finn is a member of Fleetwood Mac, not Fleetwood Mac AND Neil Finn. But, if I really had to pick one track, it would be this one for the band to perform. It's primed for Nicks' backing vocals. 

For those who don't see the Fleetwood/Finn connection, check out this obscure Fleetwood Mac song that could easily have been written by the good Mr. Finn.  I can almost see Neil standing next to Stevie singing these songs ...

TryWhistlingThis posted:

I was listening to Spirit Of The Stairs from Volume 1 of The Kitchen Sink today and couldn't help it how amazing that particular take on the song would sound with Fleetwood Mac. Of course, Neil Finn is a member of Fleetwood Mac, not Fleetwood Mac AND Neil Finn. But, if I really had to pick one track, it would be this one for the band to perform. It's primed for Nicks' backing vocals. 

Second that. "Spirit of The Stairs" is a perfect song to perform with Stevie and the band. Absolutely love the version you mentioned.

stuartjb posted:

I find the notion that Neil won’t do any Buckingham songs ubsurd ! That’s a bit like saying he won’t do any Peter Green or Jeremy Spencer songs either ?! 

I forget the names of the 2 other guitarists that were in the band in between Green and Buckingham .... does that mean that all ex member songs will be off limits to Neil ?! 

Not much point in recruiting him in that case .....

But there is a precedent for this...

Buckingham quit just before the Shake The Cage Tour in 1987/8. As MattL mentioned, Rick Vito and Billy Burnette were the replacements and only one Buckingham written song was on the setlist for that tour (Go Your Own Way). They did include 3 songs from the Peter Green era though.

Then you had the Behind the Mask tour in 1991 (again with Vito and Burnette instead of Buckingham). Again, only Go Your Own Way made the setlist, and again three Peter Green era songs were included. There were also songs of course from the Behind the Mask album that Vito and Burnette contributed to, and the first song of the encore was Burnette's father's song (Tear it Up).

Finally you had the Another Link In The Chain tour in 1994/95. Now by this time Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie had also left, so there were none of the original songwriters/singers! Still, the setlist only had the one Buckingham song (still Go Your Own Way!), only one Nicks song (Gold Dust Woman), one Peter Green era song (Oh Well), and three McVie. Dave Mason (who had by now replaced Vito) got 3 of his own/Traffic songs and Burnette got one of his as well as Tear It Up.

So for previous tours without Buckingham, he has been replaced by two strong singer/guitarist/songwriters. Yet on all three tours just Go Your Own Way was included. My guess is that won't change. I also reckon there will be 2 or 3 Peter Green era songs (again based on what has gone before), and it is not completely out of the question that Neil may get one of his songs on the setlist. If it was good enough for Billy Burnette, it should be good enough for Neil too!

Mike Campbell on joining Fleetwood Mac and his admiration of Neil:

http://www.tompetty.com/news/s...leetwood-mac-1767811

An informed, positive outlook on the new Fleetwood Mac touring lineup:

https://www.salon.com/2018/04/...good-things-to-come/

The Ligature posted:

Mike Campbell on joining Fleetwood Mac and his admiration of Neil:

http://www.tompetty.com/news/s...leetwood-mac-1767811

 

That's nice, but made me realize Neil neglected to mention Campbell in his statement (oops), an uncharacteristic oversight...

I'm a fan of Neil, and also 'the Mac'. I was pretty shocked and disappointed to hear this, on many levels. I think Buckingham is an integral part of what I like about Fleetwood Mac, and I'm far more interested in what's going on with Neil Finn than seeing him perform Fleetwood Mac songs.  I also think what Neil has been doing has been infinitely better than anything Fleetwood Mac have done this millennium. 

I'm sure he'll do it well and they'll put on a good show. I can see there being some beautiful harmonies, and I think they'll choose an appropriate set list. I couldn't imagine Neil singing many of Buckingham's lead vocals, and I think there will be far fewer of those than in recent tours.  I wouldn't be 100% surprised if Neil does get to sing one of his own songs on the tour, but I'd be about 90% surprised.  I don't think Fleetwood Mac fans will necessarily want to hear a Crowded House song. I know they've played solo material from band members before, but that's been for well-established members.

I hope it's a success, and fans are happy with the outcome. Will I pay £100+ plus to see it (if it even reaches the UK)? Probably not, and I hope we don't have to wait too long for Neil's next project (and tour).  It's a shame that so little will have come out of the Out of Silence era. 

Well, if he does well on their tour (passes the audition, erm), perhaps Mark's friend R. Starkey might ask Neil to be an All-Starr? I would love to see that as nearby Tuscaloosa might possibly be on the tour.  I'll take a Finn performance, anyhow they come my way.

Enjoying all the information and analysis from everyone.

Awful news. I've been so looking forward to new Neil music - he's supposedly been on a creative roll - and yet here we are musing on him postponing all this work just so he can be a hired hand for a while. Of course, if it's what he fancies doing (and it'll certainly be a change for him) fair play, but this fan is really disappointed by the news.

Paul H posted:

Awful news. I've been so looking forward to new Neil music - he's supposedly been on a creative roll - and yet here we are musing on him postponing all this work just so he can be a hired hand for a while. Of course, if it's what he fancies doing (and it'll certainly be a change for him) fair play, but this fan is really disappointed by the news.

Paul, this is exactly how I felt when I heard the news, and to some extent still how I feel. My positive spin is that maybe it will stir something up and there might be a project developing in the background, rather than everything Finn put on hold for a year. I do find it a strange move for an artist so keen on creativity to be a 'hired hand' as you put it. 

Neil guesting in FM is going to be great. Completely new spin on things for him I'm sure, and this time he gets free accommodation ,  free bar  ,and expenses ..although I think they have given up on the penguin powder there will be  lots of other freebies 

I'm surprised by all the negative comments. Neil playing with Stevie/Christine/Mick/John/Mike is an astounding level of talent and should make for an amazing night of music.

The events of this week got me to revisit the Fleetwood Mac back catalogue (from the self-titled album until Tango) and it stands up so well with no many hidden treasures just like Neil's catalogue. 

"Storms" (see below), for example, is another example of an obscure Mac song that would likely sound incredible with Neil.

And, who knows, maybe some new material will come out of this venture.

My true hope is to see a Finn/Nicks album which could be a classic.

Bottom line is that it's nearly impossible to say no if you're asked to join one of the greatest rock bands of all-time. 

Sugar mouse , I appreciate this is a great oppurtunity for Neil , and having many Fleetwood Mac albums , would definitely go and see this gig if I got the chance . 

I can however totally see why people are feeling negative as well though . They will feel they are going to be deprived of “ Neil” material for the foreseeable ....

From my perspective , exciting though this is , I’d be 1000 % more excited  if a new crowded house album and tour had been announced . 

Regarding Stevie Nicks , she’s my least favourite Mac member musically , so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed if a collaboration between her and Neil came to pass . I always thought she was the most dispensable member of the group . 

Hello all---

I get it.  We're here because we love Neil's music, and him committing to a Mac tour means his own projects will be sent to the back burner for months, perhaps a year, depending on the length of the tour and/or his continuing participation in it.

Personally, I thought the same thing, but then I remembered how many of Neil's projects over the last 15 years involved collaborations of varying kinds.  I think he's just at a place in his career where he values different experiences, and this one should be unlike anything he's done before.  And he'll definitely bring something new and different to the band, that's for sure.

I regularly visit an FM fan website and message board, and the comments there have been overwhelmingly negative.  In fact, some of them have been downright ugly about Neil's participation, as if he was to blame for Lindsey Buckingham's dismissal.

For what it's worth, it DOES sound like the band might have treated LB unfairly, but who knows if we'll ever get the truth.  Supposedly, the band wanted to tour, but LB wanted time to release a solo record and do a short solo tour, and he was fired because of it.  LB fans are up in arms because the band waited on Stevie Nicks when she did the same thing a few years ago.  Clearly, the message is that Nicks runs the band now.

matt