Former Fleetwood Mac singer and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham has sued his former bandmates, alleging he was wrongfully removed from the group and suffered a loss of at least $12 million in tour proceeds.
Buckingham was a part of Fleetwood Mac at various times for more than three decades. The Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit filed Tuesday names as defendants Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood as well as the Fleetwood Mac Partnership.
“Buckingham brings this lawsuit in order to assert his rights to the usurped Fleetwood Mac Partnership opportunity,” the suit states.
The 69-year-old Buckingham’s influence made Fleetwood Mac “one of the most successful bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.” the suit states.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Fleetwood Mac publicist Kristen Foster said, “Fleetwood Mac strongly disputes the allegations presented in Mr. Buckingham’s complaint and looks forward to their day in court.”
The band has retained Los Angeles attorney Dan Petrocelli to handle the case, Foster said.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and attorneys’ fees. The suit alleges breach of oral contract, breach of fiduciary duty and other civil violations.
The suit states that Buckingham was told Fleetwood Mac would tour without him five days after the band’s appearance at a Grammy Awards-related event Jan. 26 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
The lawsuit states that Buckingham was a prime contributor on the 1977 album “Rumours,” which sold 40 million copies worldwide and contained the single, “Go Your Own Way,” and that the band’s fortunes lagged when he was not one of its members.
When he was cut in January, Buckingham responded by “seeking an explanation” from band members and “expressing a willingness to carry on the tour,” according to the suit. Only Fleetwood responded with “a cryptic response.”
Fleetwood Mac will perform for six nights in December at the Forum.