Mike Campbell, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, June 16, 2017 (Photo: Greg Brodsky)
Two days after the April 9 surprise announcement that he would be replacing Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac, Heartbreakers co-founder Mike Campbell has released a statement about the transition. The guitarist praised Buckingham while offering relief to the band’s fans that Buckingham’s songs will still be performed. He also noted he was “honored and excited to join the band.” Campbell expressed his admiration for Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, who was also named part of the classic rock group’s touring band.
“Though I was sad to hear Lindsey Buckingham is no longer with Fleetwood Mac, I am honored and excited to join the band,” wrote Campbell. “Lindsey is one of my favorite musical artists. A true genius at songwriting and guitar playing. I intend to honor his songs while at the same time bring my musicality to the band. After one rehearsal I can tell it’s going to be an amazing collaboration.
“I am also very happy to have an opportunity to play with Neil Finn, who I greatly admire. Fleetwood Mac not only has one of the greatest rhythm sections in rock history, it also has two of the finest voices and songwriters in Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie. I am looking forward to the tour with great anticipation.”
Related: Campbell’s close relationship with Nicks
In the April 9 statement concerning Buckingham’s departure, Mick Fleetwood said: “We jammed with Mike and Neil and the chemistry really worked and let the band realize 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.”
Finn took a rather low key approach when he tweeted the news on April 9
Snow warnings for parts of the country, the mystery of Stonehenge solved and yes I’ve joined Fleetwood Mac
— neil mullane finn (@NeilFinn) April 9, 2018
While details of the tour haven’t been revealed, both Fleetwood and Christine McVie talked about a big world tour commencing in 2018.
Buckingham’s departure is reminiscent of 1987 when he left and was replaced, also by two musicians: Billy Burnette and Rick Vito.
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationThis is going to alienate real Mac fans. I like Mike and Neil but they belong in The Heartbreakers and Crowded House respectively, NOT Fleetwood Mac . Those that participate in this are just mouth-breathing fanboys and fangirls period. If that pisses you off, well life isn’t fair……….