Fleetwood Mac icon Lindsey Buckingham has been targeted in a disturbing attack where an unknown substance was poured over him by a woman who authorities suspect has been stalking the legendary musician. The incident occurred in Santa Monica, California, after the 76-year-old guitarist and vocalist arrived for an appointment in the coastal Los Angeles County city.
Police Investigation Underway
According to reports from NBC News, the assailant threw the mysterious liquid at Buckingham before fleeing the scene. Santa Monica police have identified the female suspect and confirmed she is known to Buckingham from previous encounters. While no arrests have been made at this time, authorities have indicated an arrest is expected imminently.
Police revealed the woman had discovered the time and location of Buckingham's appointment and deliberately showed up to confront him. Fortunately, the renowned musician emerged physically unharmed from the assault. Both the Santa Monica Police Department and Los Angeles Police Department are actively collaborating on the investigation.
Buckingham's Storied Career
Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, replacing guitarist Bob Welch and convincing the band to also recruit his then-romantic partner Stevie Nicks. This decision proved monumental as Buckingham and Nicks became central figures during the band's most commercially successful era, particularly with the landmark 1977 album Rumours, which has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
During his tenure with Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham contributed signature hits including "Go Your Own Way," "Tusk," and "Big Love," establishing himself as one of rock music's most distinctive guitarists with his innovative fingerpicking technique. The band won two Grammy Awards during this period, including Album of the Year for Rumours.
Complicated Band History
Buckingham's relationship with Fleetwood Mac has been marked by multiple departures and returns. He initially left the group in 1987 to focus on his solo career, during which he released seven studio albums and three live recordings. He rejoined in 1997 for the successful The Dance tour and album, only to be dismissed from the band in 2018 and replaced by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.
The musician's personal and professional dynamics with bandmate Stevie Nicks have been particularly complex. The pair, who attended the same high school and began dating after their previous band Fritz disbanded, broke up in 1977, two years after joining Fleetwood Mac. Their tumultuous relationship inspired several classic songs including "Dreams" and "Go Your Own Way."
Recent Developments and Health
In 2019, Buckingham underwent emergency open heart surgery that resulted in vocal cord damage, though he has since recovered. More recently, the musician has been working on new material, revealing just days before the attack that he is "one song away" from completing a new solo album he has been developing for several years.
Buckingham also mentioned an upcoming Fleetwood Mac documentary directed by Frank Marshall for Apple TV, which will feature interviews with the four core surviving members: Buckingham, Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie. The documentary is expected to be released this year.
Beyond his musical career, Buckingham married photographer and interior designer Kristen Messner in 1998, and the couple has two daughters together. Representatives for Buckingham, Santa Monica police, and the Los Angeles Police Department have been contacted for further comment regarding the recent attack.
