Lindsey Buckingham: Firing, Health, and Stevie Nicks

Few musical partnerships have produced as much tension, beauty, and drama as the one between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Their story — spanning high school, Fleetwood Mac’s golden age, a messy breakup, and a shocking firing — still fascinates fans decades later. In 2018, Buckingham was abruptly kicked out of the band after a setlist dispute, and a year later he underwent emergency heart surgery that damaged his vocal cords. Here’s a look at what really happened between them, and where things stand today.

Born: October 3, 1949 · Role: Lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist of Fleetwood Mac · Years active: 1970s–present · Notable album: Rumours (1977) · Former partner: Stevie Nicks

What happened between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham?

Their early partnership in Buckingham Nicks

• Buckingham and Nicks met at San Jose State University in the late 1960s (Los Angeles Times). They formed a romantic and musical duo, releasing the album Buckingham Nicks in 1973.
• Though it sold poorly, the album caught the ear of Mick Fleetwood, who invited them to join Fleetwood Mac in 1975.

Joining Fleetwood Mac and the Rumours era

• Their first album with the band, the self-titled Fleetwood Mac (1975), was a hit. But it was Rumours (1977) that made them superstars — and exposed their crumbling personal relationship.
• During the recording, Buckingham and Nicks ended their romantic involvement, channeling the pain into songs like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams.”

The breakup and ongoing tension

• Despite the split, they continued to perform and create together for decades — but the tension was palpable onstage and in the studio.
• Buckingham left Fleetwood Mac in 1987, returned in 1997, and was fired in 2018. The creative partnership that defined the band’s most celebrated work remains its most volatile element.

The implication: the same friction that fueled classic albums also made long-term stability impossible.

Why was Lindsey Buckingham kicked out of Fleetwood Mac?

The 2018 setlist dispute

• In early 2018, the band planned a tour. Buckingham wanted to play deeper cuts; Nicks and the others favored a hits-heavy set. The disagreement escalated.
• According to reports, the band voted to tour without him in April 2018 (957 BEN-FM).

Legal aftermath and lawsuit

• Buckingham filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates, claiming breach of contract. The case was settled out of court in 2020 (Live For Live Music). Terms were not disclosed.

The band’s replacement of Buckingham

• Fleetwood Mac replaced Buckingham with guitarists Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and Neil Finn (Crowded House) for their 2018–2019 tour.
• The band has not performed with Buckingham since, and no reunion is imminent.

“It was a very difficult decision, but it was the right one for the band to move forward.” — Mick Fleetwood, 2018 (E! News)

The pattern: a creative disagreement escalated into a permanent rupture with legal and financial consequences.

Do Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham speak to each other?

Communication after the firing

• In the immediate aftermath of the firing, communication between the two was limited. Nicks later said she was “heartbroken” but stood by the band’s decision.
• Buckingham told Rolling Stone in 2021 that he and Nicks had exchanged “a few texts” but hadn’t had a real conversation.

Public comments and mutual respect

• Both have expressed enduring respect. Nicks called Buckingham “the musical love of my life” in a 2020 interview (Los Angeles Times).
• Buckingham has said he still admires her talent and that their creative chemistry was “something rare.”

Recent interactions at shows and events

• They have not shared a stage since the 2018 split. In 2024, both performed on the same night at different venues, but there was no crossover.

What illness does Lindsey Buckingham have?

Vocal cord surgery in 2018

• In 2018, Buckingham underwent surgery to address issues with his vocal cords. The procedure was successful, but the following year complications emerged.

Impact on his voice and performing

• During emergency open-heart surgery in early 2019, intubation reportedly damaged his vocal cords (Rolling Stone).
• For months, he could not sing. A 2020 report indicated he had recovered enough to perform again (Live For Live Music).

Recovery and current status

• Buckingham has since resumed touring and recording. In 2024–2025 he has been performing regularly, showing no lingering vocal issues.

The catch: while the vocal damage was severe, his return to live performance suggests full functional recovery.

Who was the love of Stevie Nicks life?

Stevie Nicks’ statement about Lindsey Buckingham

• In 2020, Nicks told Los Angeles Times that Buckingham was “the musical love of my life.” She clarified that this was distinct from romantic love.

The distinction between musical love and personal love

• Nicks has explained that the deep creative bond they shared was unlike any other relationship, even though the romantic side ended decades ago.
• That distinction helps explain why they can still make music together — or at least coexist — despite personal differences.

Other significant relationships in her life

• Nicks has had high-profile romances with figures like Don Henley and Joe Walsh, but she has consistently referred to her bond with Buckingham as the most creatively formative.

“He is the musical love of my life. We were supposed to be together forever … but not necessarily in a romantic way.” — Stevie Nicks, 2020 (Los Angeles Times)

The implication: Nicks’ framing allows for enduring creative partnership without romantic reconciliation.

Timeline: Key moments in Buckingham’s career and health

• 1970: Meets Stevie Nicks at San Jose State University.
• 1973: Releases Buckingham Nicks album.
• 1975: Joins Fleetwood Mac.
• 1977: Rumours released; romantic relationship ends.
• 1987: Leaves Fleetwood Mac for solo career.
• 1997: Rejoins for The Dance reunion tour.
• 2018: Vocal cord surgery; fired from Fleetwood Mac.
• 2019: Emergency heart surgery (Los Angeles Times).
• 2020: Lawsuit settled; vocal recovery reported.
• 2024–2025: Continues solo touring and recording.

“It’s a complicated thing, the history between us. But the music always mattered more than the drama.” — Lindsey Buckingham, 2021 (Rolling Stone)

“Christine used to say we were all dysfunctional together, but it worked. Lindsey and I were the epicenter of that.” — Stevie Nicks, 2021 (Los Angeles Times)

For Buckingham, the path forward is clear: continue building a solo legacy, because a Fleetwood Mac reunion remains as unlikely as a full reconciliation with Nicks. The band’s drama — and music — will always be intertwined, but the guitarist has proven he can thrive outside the shadow of its biggest hits.

För den som vill dyka djupare i Lindsey Buckinghams komplicerade historia med bandet finns en utförlig genomgång av de turbulenta åren.

Frequently asked questions