Lindsey Buckingham facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lindsey Buckingham
Buckingham performing in 2018
Background information
Birth name	Lindsey Adams Buckingham
Born	(1949-10-03) October 3, 1949 (age 75) Palo Alto, California, U.S.
Genres	Rock
Occupation(s)	Guitarist singer songwriter record producer
Instruments	Guitar vocals
Years active	1966–present
Labels	Reprise Polydor Mercury Elektra Asylum Columbia Buckingham Records
Relatives	Greg Buckingham (brother)

Lindsey Adams Buckingham (born October 3, 1949) is an American musician and record producer. He is best known as the lead guitarist and co-lead singer for the rock band Fleetwood Mac. He was part of the band from 1975 to 1987 and again from 1997 to 2018. Besides his work with Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham has released seven solo studio albums. He was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 100th on their 2011 list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". Buckingham is famous for his unique fingerpicking guitar style.

Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975. He replaced guitarist Bob Welch. He also convinced the band to bring in his musical partner and girlfriend, Stevie Nicks. Buckingham and Nicks became key members during Fleetwood Mac's most successful time. This included their huge album Rumours (1977), which sold over 40 million copies. Even with great success, the band often had creative and personal disagreements. Buckingham left the band in 1987 to focus on his solo music. Some hit songs he wrote and sang with Fleetwood Mac include "Go Your Own Way", "Never Going Back Again", "Tusk", and "Big Love".

A special reunion happened at the 1993 inauguration party for President Bill Clinton. This helped the former band members get along better. Buckingham sang on one song for their 1995 album Time. He rejoined the band full-time in 1997 for the tour and live album The Dance. In 2018, Buckingham left Fleetwood Mac. He was replaced by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.

Early Life and Musical Start

Lindsey Adams Buckingham was born on October 3, 1949. His birthplace was Palo Alto, California. His parents were Rutheda and Morris Buckingham. He had two older brothers, Jeffrey and Gregory. Growing up in Atherton, he went to Menlo-Atherton High School. Lindsey and his brothers were encouraged to swim competitively. Lindsey stopped sports to focus on music. His brother Gregory won a silver medal in swimming at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Buckingham attended San José State University but did not finish his degree.

Buckingham first played guitar on a toy Mickey Mouse guitar. He played along to his brother Jeff's large collection of 45s (small records). His parents saw his talent and bought him a $35 Harmony guitar.

Buckingham never took guitar lessons. He also does not read music. By age 13, he became interested in folk music. He was influenced by banjo players and practiced the energetic style of The Kingston Trio.

Music Career Highlights

From 1966 to 1971, Buckingham played in a high school rock band. It was first called the Fritz Rabyne Memorial Band. He was a bassist and singer. The band changed its name to Fritz in 1967. Buckingham asked his friend Stevie Nicks to join Fritz as a backing singer. Their romantic relationship started after they both left Fritz five years later.

Buckingham Nicks Duo (1973–1974)

Stevie Nicks and Buckingham on the Say You Will Tour in 2003

Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, his girlfriend at the time, recorded seven demo songs in 1972. They used a special recorder at his father's coffee plant in Daly City, California. Then they went to Los Angeles to try and get a record deal. In 1973, Polydor Records signed them. Their album, Buckingham Nicks, came out in September 1973. But Polydor soon dropped them because the album did not sell well. To earn money, Buckingham toured with Don Everly's backing band. He sang Phil Everly's parts.

Joining Fleetwood Mac and Big Success (1975–1980)

Mick Fleetwood was visiting Sound City Studios in California. He heard the song "Frozen Love" from the Buckingham Nicks album. He was very impressed and asked about the guitarist. By chance, Buckingham and Nicks were also at Sound City recording demos. Buckingham and Fleetwood met. When Bob Welch left Fleetwood Mac in December 1974, Fleetwood quickly called Buckingham. He offered him the guitar spot in his band. Buckingham told Fleetwood that he and Nicks were a team. He did not want to work without her. Fleetwood agreed to hire both of them without an audition. Buckingham and Nicks then did a short tour to promote their Buckingham Nicks album.

Fleetwood Mac released their self-titled album in 1975. It reached number one on the American music charts. Buckingham wrote two songs for the album: "Monday Morning" and "I'm So Afraid". He also sang lead on "Blue Letter" and Nicks' song "Crystal". "I'm So Afraid" and "Monday Morning" were meant for a second Buckingham Nicks album. Instead, they were used with Fleetwood Mac.

Their second album, Rumours, made the band superstars. It became one of the best-selling albums ever. Buckingham's song "Go Your Own Way" was the first single. It became a top ten hit in the US. Other songs by Buckingham on the album were "Second Hand News" and "Never Going Back Again". He also sang lead on "The Chain" and "Don't Stop".

After Rumours was a huge hit, Buckingham wanted to try new musical ideas. The result was Tusk (1979), a double album that Buckingham mostly guided. He wrote the lead single, the title track, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tusk had three hit singles: Buckingham's "Tusk", Christine McVie's "Think About Me", and Stevie Nicks' "Sara". Even though Tusk was a hit, it did not sell as much as Rumours. The band then took a break from recording new music.

Solo Career Begins (1981)

While working on Tusk, Buckingham also produced albums for other artists. In 1981, he released his first solo album, Law and Order. He played almost every instrument on it. His bandmates Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie also appeared. The album had a unique, experimental sound. It produced the hit single "Trouble". This song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 in Australia.

Mirage and More Solo Work (1982–1986)

After a big world tour in 1980, Fleetwood Mac took a year off. They then recorded Mirage (1982). This album was more pop-friendly and brought the band back to the top of the US album chart. However, by this time, different band members were having success with their own solo music. The next Fleetwood Mac album would not come out for five more years.

In 1983, Buckingham wrote "Holiday Road" for the film National Lampoon's Vacation. "Holiday Road" was released as a single and reached No. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1984, he released his second solo album, Go Insane. The title song was a small hit, reaching No. 23 on the Hot 100. In 2008, he said the song was about his relationship with Stevie Nicks after their breakup. The last song on the album, "D. W. Suite", was a tribute to The Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson. In 1985, Buckingham performed on the charity song "We Are the World". He also worked on other movie soundtracks, like "Time Bomb Town" from Back to the Future (1985).

Leaving Fleetwood Mac (1987)

Buckingham’s fifth album with Fleetwood Mac, Tango in the Night, came out in 1987. Buckingham had already released two solo albums. He gave up much of the music he had planned for his third solo album for this project. These songs included "Big Love", "Tango in the Night", and "Family Man". "Big Love" was the first single and became a top ten hit in the US and UK.

Tango in the Night became the band's biggest album since Rumours. But after its release, Buckingham left Fleetwood Mac. He mainly wanted to avoid touring and felt a lot of stress within the band. He said he needed to move on from his relationship with Stevie Nicks. Fleetwood Mac continued without him. Guitarists Rick Vito and Billy Burnette replaced him.

Solo Album Out of the Cradle (1988–1992)

After leaving Fleetwood Mac in 1987, Buckingham spent five years working on his third solo album, Out of the Cradle. It was released in 1992. Many songs on the album were about his relationship with Nicks and his choice to leave the band. He said the album helped him deal with old feelings. Out of the Cradle received good reviews but did not sell as much as Fleetwood Mac albums. However, Buckingham toured for the first time as a solo artist in 1992–93.

Returning to Fleetwood Mac (1993–2004)

In 1993, President Bill Clinton asked Fleetwood Mac to perform "Don't Stop" at his inauguration. Buckingham agreed to perform. This was a one-time event, and the band did not plan to reunite officially.

While working on a solo album in the mid-1990s, Buckingham asked Mick Fleetwood for help. Their work together lasted longer than expected. They decided to call Stevie Nicks, John, and Christine McVie. The band's old chemistry was still there. Plans for a reunion tour began. In 1997, Buckingham and the other four members from the Rumours era of Fleetwood Mac toured together for the first time since 1982. The tour was called The Dance. It was very successful and helped heal old disagreements. However, Christine McVie left the band in 1998 to be with her family. The band became a foursome.

Buckingham had recorded a fourth solo album called Gift of Screws. But the record company asked him to use some of those songs for a new Fleetwood Mac album instead. In 2003, the reunited band released Say You Will. This was their first studio album with Buckingham and Nicks in 15 years. Buckingham's song "Peacekeeper" was the first single. The band then went on a world tour that lasted almost a year and a half.

More Solo Music (2006–2008)

On his 57th birthday, October 3, 2006, Buckingham's fourth solo album, Under the Skin, was released. This was an acoustic album. Buckingham played almost all the instruments himself. The album included a cover of the Rolling Stones song "I Am Waiting". Buckingham toured to support the album. A live album and DVD, Live at the Bass Performance Hall, documented a show from this tour.

In 2008, the Gift of Screws album was finally released. It had three songs from the original planned album and seven new recordings. Buckingham then did a short tour to promote Gift of Screws.

Tours and New Albums (2009–2015)

Fleetwood Mac toured in 2009 on the "UNLEASHED" Tour. Christine McVie was not part of this tour.

In 2010, Buckingham announced he was working on a new album. It was called Seeds We Sow and released on September 6, 2011. He also filmed a concert for a DVD release. Buckingham started the Seeds We Sow Tour in September. In November 2012, he released a solo live album, One Man Show. This album was recorded from a single night in Des Moines, Iowa.

The "Live World" tour for Fleetwood Mac began on April 4, 2013. On April 30, the band released their first new music since 2003. It was a four-song EP with three new songs from Buckingham. Buckingham also played guitar on three songs for the band Nine Inch Nails' 2013 album, Hesitation Marks.

Buckingham performing with Fleetwood Mac in 2013

On January 11, 2014, Mick Fleetwood announced that Christine McVie was rejoining Fleetwood Mac. This was confirmed two days later. The "On with the Show" tour started on September 30, 2014. Tickets for UK shows in 2015 sold out quickly.

In January 2015, Buckingham hinted that the new album and tour might be Fleetwood Mac's last. He said it would be a "beautiful way to wrap up this last act". Mick Fleetwood, however, said the new album could take a few years.

Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie Album (2016–2017)

In August 2016, Fleetwood said the band had a lot of recorded music. But almost none of it featured Stevie Nicks. Buckingham and Christine McVie had contributed many songs to the new project. Fleetwood said they could have a "mighty strong duet album".

Buckingham and McVie performing live in 2017.

Buckingham and Christine McVie announced a new album called Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie. It also featured Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. This album was first planned as a Fleetwood Mac album. Stevie Nicks did not join because she preferred to tour solo. Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie was released on June 9, 2017. A tour with 38 dates began on June 21, 2017.

Leaving Fleetwood Mac Again (2018–Present)

After Fleetwood Mac performed at the MusiCares Person of the Year event in January 2018, Buckingham left the band. The reason was said to be a disagreement about the tour. Buckingham wanted to include newer or less well-known songs.

Buckingham and his solo band in 2018

Mick Fleetwood said on April 25, 2018, that Buckingham would not agree to a tour they had planned for a year. He said they reached a "huge impasse". When asked if Buckingham was fired, Fleetwood said, "Well, we don't use that word because I think it's ugly." He added that Buckingham has "huge amounts of respect" for his work with Fleetwood Mac. In October 2018, Buckingham filed a lawsuit against Fleetwood Mac. The lawsuit was settled in December of the same year.

Buckingham said he learned about leaving the band from Fleetwood Mac's manager. The manager told him that Stevie Nicks "never wants to be on a stage with you again." Buckingham stated that Nicks gave the other band members "an ultimatum: Either [Buckingham] go[es] or she's going to go." They decided to let him go. Mike Campbell and Neil Finn were named to replace Buckingham. Buckingham has said he would be open to rejoining Fleetwood Mac, but he does not expect it to happen.

In August 2018, a new solo collection, Solo Anthology: The Best of Lindsey Buckingham, was announced. It focused on his solo career since 1981. The collection was released on October 5, 2018. A solo tour followed. In 2020, Buckingham worked with the Killers on their album Imploding the Mirage. He played guitar on the song "Caution". In 2021, Buckingham played on a new version of "The Past Is the Past" by Brandy Clark.

On June 8, 2021, Buckingham announced his seventh solo studio album, Lindsey Buckingham. The first single was "I Don't Mind". The album was released on September 17, 2021. His tour to support it started that same month.

Buckingham also played on Halsey's 2021 album If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power. In 2022, Buckingham joined the Killers on stage in Los Angeles. He performed his guitar solo from "Caution" and a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way".

Personal Life

Buckingham and Stevie Nicks went to the same high school. He was a year behind her. They started a relationship after their band Fritz broke up. They recorded an album together before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1975. Their relationship ended by 1977. This breakup was written about in many songs by both of them. Examples include "Silver Springs" and "Dreams" by Nicks. Buckingham's songs included "Go Your Own Way" and "Second Hand News".

Buckingham had his first child, William Gregory, with Kristen Messner on July 8, 1998. Buckingham married Messner in 2000. They had two daughters, Leelee (born 2000) and Stella (born 2004). Buckingham and Messner, who is a photographer and interior designer, have built homes in Los Angeles.

Buckingham had emergency open heart surgery in February 2019. His wife Kristen said the surgery caused damage to his vocal cords. He has since recovered. Kristen Messner filed for divorce from Buckingham in Los Angeles on June 2, 2021.

Musical Style and Influences

Unlike many rock guitarists, Buckingham does not use a pick. Instead, he plays the strings with his fingers and fingernails. He often strums with his middle and ring fingers. When he first joined Fleetwood Mac, he used a Gibson Les Paul Custom guitar. Before that, his main guitar was a Fender Telecaster. He used it on his first Fleetwood Mac album. In 1978, he worked with Rick Turner to create the Model One guitar. He has used this guitar a lot since then. For acoustic performances, he uses a Taylor Guitar 814ce or a Rick Turner Renaissance RS6. He uses a custom-made Gibson Chet Atkins guitar for live performances of "Big Love".

His musical influences include Brian Wilson and Phil Spector. Buckingham has also worked a lot as a producer for Fleetwood Mac and his solo music. He sees himself as a "stylist." He believes that writing a song and putting it together in the studio are connected.

In an interview, Buckingham said: "I've always believed that you play to highlight the song, not to highlight the player. The song is all that matters." He compared himself to guitarists like Chet Atkins. Atkins used the guitar to make good records, not just to show off his skills.

He also explained why he uses his fingers instead of a pick: "I started playing very young. From early on, the people I was listening to had some element of finger style." He mentioned Scotty Moore and Chet Atkins. He also listened to classical guitar and folk music. He said it was "less of a choice than what I fell into." He sometimes uses a pick in the studio for a certain sound. But playing with his fingers is how he became comfortable.

Discography

Studio Albums

Live Albums

Compilation Albums

Singles

Soundtrack Appearances

Other Appearances

Music Videos

• 1981 – "Trouble"
• 1981 – "It Was I"
• 1983 – "Holiday Road"
• 1984 – "Go Insane"
• 1984 – "Slow Dancing"
• 1992 – "Countdown"
• 1992 – "Wrong"
• 1992 – "Soul Drifter"
• 1993 – "Don't Look Down"
• 1996 – "Twisted" (with Stevie Nicks)
• 2006 – "Show You How"
• 2006 – "It Was You"
• 2006 – "Shut Us Down"
• 2011 – "Stars Are Crazy" (performance clip)
• 2011 – "In Our Own Time" (performance clip)