Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham suffers vocal cord damage after emergency surgery

He is now recuperating at his home, his wife Kirsten Buckingham wrote in a statement

(Winslow Townson/Invision/AP)

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham has undergone emergency open heart surgery that resulted in vocal cord damage.

He is now recuperating at his home, his wife Kirsten Buckingham wrote in a statement, adding: “Each day he is stronger than the last. While he and his heart are doing well, the surgery resulted in vocal cord damage. While it is unclear if the damage is permanent, we are hopeful it is not.”

Lindsey filed a lawsuit last year against Fleetwood Mac, accusing them of breach of contract after they cut him out of their North America tour.

He was dropped earlier in the year and replaced by Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Neil Finn of Crowded House. The lawsuit was later settled out of court.

“This past year has been a very stressful and difficult year for our family to say the least,” Kristen Buckingham continued in her statement. “But despite all of this, our gratitude for life trumps all obstacles we have faced at this moment. We feel so fortunate that he’s alive. As does he.”

“He looks forward to recovery and putting this behind him. Needless to say, all touring and shows currently schedule have been put on pause for the moment as he gathers the strength to heal completely.” 

Buckingham joined the group in 1975 before leaving in 1987. He rejoined in 1997 and performed with them until January.

Fleetwood Mac were founded in London in 1967 and have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups ever. Their best known songs include “Dreams”, “Go Your Own Way” and “Everywhere”.