A Brief History
Lindsey Buckingham is an amazing guitarist and musician who has created some of the best rock music of the last quarter century. I was alerted to find that many did not know much about Lindsey and his body of work. Lindsey began his recording career in a duo with his girlfriend, singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks. Their out of print debut, "Buckingham Nicks", is a great piece of work, featuring alot of Lindsey's exquisite, fingerpicked guitar work. This caught the attention of 'Fleetwood Mac' member Mick Fleetwood, who needed a new guitarist. This led to the recording of "Fleetwood Mac", the first album to feature Lindsey and Stevie. The real attention came when their next album, Rumours, hit the top of the charts. Although more famous for it's romantic overtones, it holds up as a finely produced album. Lindsey, ever influential in the studio, brought much of the inspiration for 1979's "Tusk". A superb double album, it sold less than "Rumours", but I feel it to be the superior effort. Lindsey then took a break from Fleetwood Mac to release the solo album "Law and Order". Featuring an eclectic line up of material, it showed what Lindsey was pushing for. It was back to the mainstream with 1982's "Mirage". This Fleetwood Mac album sold better than "Tusk", but was said to be a lesser effort. I feel that it is a fine album, featuring Buckingham classics such as "Eyes of the World" and "Oh, Diane". In 1984, after an extremely short Fleetwood Mac tour, Lindsey released his second solo album. Entitled "Go Insane", it was a revolutionary rock album. It was very differant sounding and more elaborate than any other album up to this point. It is one of my favorites and I suggest picking it up. Lindey then began work on another solo album when he was called to produce another Fleetwood Mac album. Putting his own project on the backburner, songs like "Big Love" and "Family Man" were put on the expertly executed album "Tango in the Night". The biggest seller since rumours, 1987 was going to be a good year for Fleetwood Mac. That is, until unrest and stifled creativity forced Lindsey to quit the band before the "Tango..." tour. It was another five years until another Lindsey Buckingham album arrived. It was worth it. 1992 saw the release of "Out of the Cradle", one of the best albums of all time. Although a critical success, it failed to live up to commercial expectations. Lindsey embarked on a tour to support the new album, with a large band comprised mainly of guitarists and various percussionists. An exhuberant experience in itself, the tour showed that Lindsey was truly a great live talent. Forever considered a studio genius, he showed that even without Fleetwood Mac, he could really rock! Fleetwood Mac, in the meantime, lost Stevie Nicks and eventually called it quits. This made many skeptical if they would ever get back together. Since 1987, Lindsey guested with Fleetwood Mac twice, at the end of their 1990 tour, and at the 1992 Presidential Inauguration. Now, it was 1997. 5 years since "Out of the Cradle". Lindsey, working on a new solo work, brought in Mick Fleetwood to play some drums. Soon to follow were John McVie and Christine McVie. They decided to reform, along with Stevie Nicks, and release a new album. Fleetwood Mac was now getting back together for a new live album entitled "The Dance". Featuring Buckingham guitar showcases like "Big Love" and "I'm So Afraid", the album headed straight up the charts. This was followed by a US tour, a major attraction in the latter half of 1997. After 5 years working on his family, Lindsey prepared his next solo release, the epochal 'Gift of Screws'. This album was put on the backburner in 2001 due to Warner Brothers firings. Later, Lindsey reunited in LA with Fleetwood Mac to patch new tunes with 'Gift of Screws' gems to craft the new Fleetwood Mac opus, 'Say You Will'. This album, and the tour to follow took him through 2004. In 2006, Lindsey began a several year dedication to his solo career with the release of 2006's 'Under the Skin' and 2008's 'Gift of Screws'. He toured solo behind each release before reuniting with the Mac for 2009's Unleashed Tour of Greatest Hits. It is said FM is recording a new album due in 2010.
-Daryl Williams
This is a listing of the equipment Lindsey has used in the past. This may be an incomplete list, as I have not seen his personal collection (or met him at all, to be honest!), but is the best I have done using videos, pictures, etc. The guitar list: Rick Turner LB Model, Rick Turner Rennaisance Steel String, Gibson Chet Atkins Nylon String, Les Paul Custom, Ovation, Fender Telecaster, Martin Dreadnought(?).
Lindsey has also been known to use synthesizers. The Fairlight is used quite extensively on 'Tango in the Night' and it's B-Sides. I am not sure what other synths he uses. Any more info to add here would be appreciated!