Neil Finn, the lead singer of Crowded House, has opened up about his time playing with Fleetwood Mac, revealing what he learned during his tenure with the legendary band. Finn joined Fleetwood Mac in 2018 after Lindsey Buckingham was dismissed from the group, reportedly due to an ultimatum issued by Stevie Nicks. Though the circumstances weren't ideal, Finn has said he loved his time with the band.

Finn described his experience as “unexpected” and “amazing.” He likened it to “stepping into another life for a while.” He also spoke about the challenges of learning the band's intricate arrangements and the distinctive personalities that made Fleetwood Mac unique.

Learning Fleetwood Mac’s Songs

Finn acknowledged the complexities of learning Fleetwood Mac’s music. “Learning somebody else’s songs and the way they put songs together is really fascinating,” he said, “getting deep inside it because you think you know the way that songs work, but then when you actually learn them, you find that there’s more going on than you realized.”

The Dynamic of Fleetwood Mac

Finn also reflected on the band’s dynamic, emphasizing the unique personalities and musical contributions of each member. “What I did learn was that classic bands are a result of – and music is a result of – five, in that case, individuals having quite distinctive personalities musically,” he explained. “And something about that being undeniable and un-replaceable. Although, having said that, I did replace Lindsey.”

The Challenge of “Monday Morning”

One particular Fleetwood Mac song proved especially challenging for Finn: “Monday Morning,” from the band’s 1975 self-titled album. “Certainly, ‘Monday Morning’,” Finn admitted. “Just quite a strange song and a weird lyric as well.”

Finn explained that the song’s high vocal range and lack of breath breaks made it incredibly demanding. “It’s because there’s no gaps in the vocal [to take a breath],” he explained. Finn eventually told the band, “I don’t think I can do that one unless we drop the key quite a bit.” Since he was “blowing [his] voice out every night trying to do it,” Fleetwood Mac decided to drop the song from their set list.

Resurrecting Crowded House

Finn’s experience with Fleetwood Mac also inspired him to revive Crowded House with his sons Elroy and Liam, as well as founding bassist Nick Seymour and keyboardist Mitchell Froom. “Fleetwood Mac have redefined themselves so many times, they have been so many different kinds of bands,” he explained. “I related to that, and I thought, oh, maybe I can do that. And at the same time as I thought that, and I was appreciating that about Fleetwood Mac, I thought, I’ve been playing music with Elroy and Liam for the last few years and it’s been feeling great, so why not just one ring to bind them all?”

Looking Back on the Experience

Finn admitted that he never met Lindsey Buckingham but hoped there was no ill feeling about how things played out. “I have a feeling we’d probably get on just fine,” Finn noted. “He was not happy about the situation, I understand that, but I don’t think he would have blamed me for it, particularly. And I think he probably had some awareness of my songs and probably, I would hope at some point he might have thought, ‘Well, at least somebody that can write a good song is taking my part.”

Finn’s experience with Fleetwood Mac was a remarkable chapter in his musical career. It allowed him to step into the world of a legendary band, learn their music, and gain a deeper understanding of what makes a classic band truly unique. While he ultimately chose to return to Crowded House, his time with Fleetwood Mac undoubtedly left a lasting impact on him and his music.

A Legacy Defined by Dynamic Personalities

It’s clear that Finn holds great respect for Fleetwood Mac and its members. He acknowledges the band’s enduring legacy and the undeniable talent of each individual. His time with the group, despite the unusual circumstances, proved to be both challenging and inspiring, ultimately enriching his musical journey.

The story of Neil Finn’s time with Fleetwood Mac is a testament to the power of music to bring together diverse personalities and create something truly special. It’s also a reminder that the journey of a musician is often filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the experiences, both good and bad, shape who they are as artists.