For someone who had his entire career sidetracked, Lindsey Buckingham seems remarkably at peace.
Those of a certain age know Buckingham is a leader of Fleetwood Mac, labeled a “super group” before the moniker was doled out like candy from a Pez dispenser. But despite all the awards and adulation that come from his work with the band, Buckingham has always longed for a solo career.
“There have been times, especially with solo work, that I liken it to the painting process,” Buckingham said. “As a solo artist you don?t have to present a fully fleshed-out song. Like a painter, you can go where the canvas takes you.”
Buckingham admitted his introspection might be due to the major life changes he?s experienced in the past decade, including marriage and the birth of three children. Looking at his career through the eyes of his children has given him pause, and he?s had room to explore that musically in his recent critically acclaimed album “Under the Skin.”
The opening track, “Not too Late,” which Buckingham said is “totally autobiographical,” is the perfect example. Consider the lyrics: “Reading the paper, saw a review, said I was a visionary, but nobody knew.”
Well, some do. Certainly critics and musicians continue to revere Buckingham?s musical chops.
“He is an amazing songwriter and guitar player,” said musician Devon Allman, 31, son of the legendary Gregg. “Anybody in my age group and up could play you his guitar solos, they are so memorable. I can only hope to be able to achieve part of what he has.”
Not that it came easily. When Buckingham and his then-musical/romantic partner Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974, Buckingham had to change the “fingerpicking” playing style so he could produce the rock sound of Fleetwood Mac. Feuds with band members over musical direction and a very public split with Nicks were all played out in the media.
It wasn?t until recently, three decades after first joining Fleetwood Mac, that Buckingham felt very comfortable onstage with the band.
“I had more fun than I?d ever had with them on tour,” Buckingham said. “Maybe it?s a level of maturity, but I know now what I am talking about [in music]. It is all very clear to me.”
IF YOU GO
Lindsey Buckingham
» Venue: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
» Time: 7 p.m. doors, 8:30 p.m. show today
» Tickets: $49.50 to $59.50; 410.244.1131
