Neil Finn on Fleetwood Mac internal politics

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by David

but lord knows what they thought of Mick’s wish to hire Neil Finn, who had been off the American radio landscape for several decades.

I think they were probably thrilled. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” was one of the more iconic songs from the ‘80s, Neil Finn kept the critics darling art rocker vibe going, and he’s still popular amongst other major artists (like Eddie Vedder).

[David]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I think they were probably thrilled.

I don’t think they were “thrilled.” I think they just wanted to get Mac out on the road.

“Don’t Dream It’s Over” was one of the more iconic songs from the ‘80s, Neil Finn kept the critics darling art rocker vibe going, and he’s still popular amongst other major artists (like Eddie Vedder).

If Americans remembered Neil at all, it was because of “Don’t Dream” and “Something So Strong” — pop hits from 1986. Since that time, their fanbase has been Australian and Asian and UK, not US. A string of their albums got good writeups but didn’t chart in the US any higher than Lindsey’s solo albums. I think the businessmen would have preferred a commercial powerhouse in the US had joined Mac, like the lead guitarist from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. That pleased the moneymen and the public.

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by David

I don’t think they were “thrilled.” I think they just wanted to get Mac out on the road.



If Americans remembered Neil at all, it was because of “Don’t Dream” and “Something So Strong” — pop hits from 1986. Since that time, their fanbase has been Australian and Asian and UK, not US. A string of their albums got good writeups but didn’t chart in the US any higher than Lindsey’s solo albums. I think the businessmen would have preferred a commercial powerhouse in the US had joined Mac, like the lead guitarist from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. That pleased the moneymen and the public.

Wasn't Pete Townsend being considered back when LB quit?

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

Wasn't Pete Townsend being considered back when LB quit?

They REALLY wanted to play “Station Man,” didn’t they?

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

They REALLY wanted to play “Station Man,” didn’t they?

And Let My Love Open The Door

[David]

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

Wasn't Pete Townsend being considered back when LB quit?

Yes, but they didn’t feel that he quite captured “Everywhere” and “Gypsy.” Apparently, the kids were never alright with that.

[aleuzzi]

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

Wasn't Pete Townsend being considered back when LB quit?

Yes, but he balked when Stevie said she’d want to duet Magic Bus with him.

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

Yes, but he balked when Stevie said she’d want to duet Magic Bus with him.

“You can’t have it.”

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

Yes, but he balked when Stevie said she’d want to duet Magic Bus with him.

He didn't know there was a blue lamp on the magic bus.

[SteveMacD]

Originally Posted by jbrownsjr

Wasn't Pete Townsend being considered back when LB quit?

I just read that 1984 RS interview and Lindsey said there was a rumor that Fleetwood Mac was going to get PT if he didn’t start working on the new album (TITN).

You know it was bad when Pete Townshend would have been the less difficult option.

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I just read that 1984 RS interview and Lindsey said there was a rumor that Fleetwood Mac was going to get PT if he didn’t start working on the new album (TITN).

You know it was bad when Pete Townshend would have been the less difficult option.

That's hilarious. And, my memory has that article in my brain somewhere.

[SteveMacD]

Ugh, I’m now imagining Klonopin-era Stevie singing “Baba O’Riley” and getting nauseous.

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

Ugh, I’m now imagining Klonopin-era Stevie singing “Baba O’Riley” and getting nauseous.

She can do lead on Substitute!

You think my shoeeeesss bahhhh are made of leather....

I look pretty tall, but my heals are high!!

substitute, Your lies for fact!

[aleuzzi]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

I just read that 1984 RS interview and Lindsey said there was a rumor that Fleetwood Mac was going to get PT if he didn’t start working on the new album (TITN).

You know it was bad when Pete Townshend would have been the less difficult option.

Totally. Could you imagine Pete T managing Stevie?

[jbrownsjr]

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

Totally. Could you imagine Pete T managing Stevie?

Imagine them doing Silver Springs?