Fleetwood Mac, one of the most iconic rock bands in history, has faced extraordinary music, tumultuous relationships, and dramatic highs and lows. Mick Fleetwood remains hopeful for reconciliation between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham despite the multiple obstacles that have arisen. However, some members feel a tour will not be how this is achieved, as they don’t think another reunion is even possible.
Mick Fleetwood hopes for healing between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham
Mick Fleetwood, the iconic drummer of Fleetwood Mac, has expressed a desire to see reconciliation between former bandmates Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Their storied relationship has been fraught with emotional tension, and Fleetwood openly acknowledges this. “It’s no secret, it’s no title-tattle that there is a brick wall there emotionally,” he said, referring to the ongoing rift between Nicks and Buckingham. Despite this, Fleetwood remains hopeful. “Stevie’s able to speak clearly about how she feels and doesn’t feel, as does Lindsey. But I’ll say, personally, I would love to see a healing between them – and that doesn’t have to take the shape of a tour, necessarily.”
The last complete Fleetwood Mac lineup, which included Fleetwood, Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie, and additional support from Neil Finn and Mike Campbell, wrapped up their world tour in November 2019. This would ultimately be their final performance as a group. Reflecting on the conclusion of that tour, Fleetwood remarked, “There was a full intention, without waiting too long, that we’d go and pick things back up. That we’d play stadiums, big shows and festivals… and then at that point it was heading towards us saying goodbye.”
Roadblocks to a Fleetwood Mac reunion
The anticipated reunion of Fleetwood Mac faced numerous obstacles. Plans for another tour were significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, halting any momentum the band might have had. More tragically, Christine McVie, a beloved member of the band, passed away in November 2022. This loss hit the band hard and brought their plans to an abrupt end.
Mick Fleetwood had no inkling that their 2019 tour would be their last. “It’s been a strange time for me,” he shared. “Losing sweet Christine was catastrophic. And then, in my world, sort of losing the band too. And I [split] with my partner as well. I just found myself sort of licking my wounds.”
Stevie Nicks has also been candid about the impact of McVie’s death on her and the band’s future. “When Christine died, I felt like you can’t replace her. You just can’t. Without her, what is it? You know what I mean? She was like my soul mate, my musical soul mate, and my best friend that I spent more time with than any of my other best friends outside of Fleetwood Mac… When she died, I figured we really can’t go any further with this. There’s no reason to.”
A final goodbye
The death of Christine McVie was a profound blow to the members of Fleetwood Mac, leading them to face the harsh reality that the band could never be the same again. Mick Fleetwood, while reflecting on the band’s future shortly after McVie’s passing, stated, “The line in the sand has been drawn with the loss of Chris. I’d say we’re done, but then we’ve all said that before. It’s sort of unthinkable right now.”
Stevie Nicks echoed this sentiment, making it clear that Fleetwood Mac could not continue without McVie. “Without Christine, no can do. There is no chance of putting Fleetwood Mac back together in any way. Without her, it just couldn’t work,” Nicks said, emphasizing the irreplaceable role McVie played in the band.
Even if the emotional wounds between Nicks and Buckingham were to heal, Nicks noted practical concerns that would prevent a reunion. Referring to Buckingham’s health issues, including his open heart surgery in 2019, Nicks added, “Even if I thought I could work with Lindsey again, he’s had some health problems. It’s not for me to say, but I’m not sure if Lindsey could do the kind of touring that Fleetwood Mac does, where you go out for a year and half. It’s so demanding.”
More from us: Nicolas Cage Says He’s Only Got “Three or Four More Lead Roles” Left in Him Before Retirement
The loss of Christine McVie and the unresolved issues within the band have left a lasting impact, making it unlikely that Fleetwood Mac will ever reunite. The legacy of their music and the memories they created together, however, will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
Join The Vintage Newsletter community today and unlock a treasure trove of weekly curated content, exploring nostalgia, history, and fascinating facts from the past.