Lindsey Buckingham Net Worth

What is Lindsey Buckingham’s Net Worth? A Look at His Career and Finances

Lindsey Buckingham, the iconic guitarist, singer, composer, and producer, is a name synonymous with musical innovation and the legendary band Fleetwood Mac. But what about the financial side of this musical genius? This article delves into Lindsey Buckingham’s net worth, exploring his career milestones, Fleetwood Mac’s success, solo ventures, catalog sales, real estate, and more. We’ll provide a detailed look at the financial journey of one of rock music’s most influential figures.

Early Life and Career

Lindsey Adams Buckingham was born in Palo Alto, California, in 1949. Growing up in Atherton, he developed an early passion for music. Starting with a toy Mickey Mouse guitar, his parents recognized his talent and upgraded him to a better instrument. By age 13, he found inspiration in folk music, particularly the banjo methods of the Kingston Trio. Buckingham’s musical journey began in high school. From 1966 to 1971, he performed both folk and psychedelic rock with his high school band, showcasing his skills as a vocalist and bassist. He later invited Stevie Nicks to join the band as a second vocalist, marking the beginning of a significant musical partnership. The duo recorded a series of demos that led to a record deal with Polydor Records in 1973. However, their debut album, “Buckingham Nicks,” did not achieve commercial success, and Polydor dropped them shortly after.

Success with Fleetwood Mac

The turning point came in 1975 when Buckingham and Nicks crossed paths with Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. Impressed by their unique sound, Fleetwood invited Buckingham to join the band, filling the void left by guitarist Bob Welch. Due to Buckingham’s close relationship with Nicks, Fleetwood agreed to include both musicians. The self-titled album “Fleetwood Mac,” marked Buckingham’s debut with the band and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the American charts. Buckingham’s contributions, including songs like “Monday Morning” and “I’m So Afraid,” and lead vocals on “Crystal” and “Blue Letter,” played a crucial role in the album’s success.

The band reached superstardom with the release of “Rumours” in 1977, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Buckingham’s song “Go Your Own Way” was a major hit, charting in the US Top Ten, while his other contributions included “Second Hand News” and “Never Going Back Again.” He also shared lead vocals on “Don’t Stop” and “The Chain,” solidifying his role as a key creative force within the band. Buckingham’s distinctive guitar style and songwriting proved essential to Fleetwood Mac’s iconic sound.

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Solo Career and Projects

In 1979, Fleetwood Mac released the experimental album “Tusk,” where Buckingham took on a more prominent creative role. He wrote and directed the album’s title track, which reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. He also contributed other hits, including “Think About Me” and “Sara.” Buckingham launched his solo career during a hiatus from Fleetwood Mac, releasing his debut album “Law and Order” in 1981. He played most of the instruments on the album and invited bandmates Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie to make guest appearances. “Trouble,” the album’s lead single, achieved remarkable success, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the charts in Australia.

After rejoining Fleetwood Mac for 1982’s “Mirage,” Buckingham pursued his solo career further. In 1984, he released “Go Insane,” which produced a modest hit with the title track. He later returned to Fleetwood Mac for the album “Tango in the Night” in 1987, contributing to its commercial success, but ultimately decided to leave the band, feeling artistically constrained. In 1992, he released his third solo album, “Out of the Cradle,” which delved into his relationship with Stevie Nicks and his decision to leave Fleetwood Mac. Buckingham began touring as a solo artist around this time, often accompanied by a band of seven guitarists. In 1997, he reunited with his former bandmates for a reunion tour called “The Dance.”

In 2003, Buckingham released “Say You Will,” the first Fleetwood Mac studio album in 15 years that included both Buckingham and Nicks, after executives persuaded him to hold back tracks from his fourth solo album, “Gift of Screws.” Subsequent solo albums include “Under the Skin” (2006), “Gift of Screws” (2008), and “Seeds We Sow” (2011). He continued to tour, both solo and with Fleetwood Mac, including notable tours like the “One Man Show” in 2012 and the “On with the Show” tour from 2014 to 2015. Artistic disagreements eventually led to his departure from Fleetwood Mac in 2018, following a performance.

Fleetwood Mac Earnings and Lawsuit

Seven months after being fired from Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham filed a lawsuit against the remaining members of the band in October 2018. He claimed he was fired without cause or explanation after agreeing to postpone his solo tour and album plans, leading to a loss of approximately $12-14 million from a Live Nation contract for a future tour. This legal action highlighted the financial impact of his departure from the band and the significant earnings at stake.

Catalog Sales and Financial Movements

In 2012, Buckingham sold 25% of his music catalog to Kobalt for an estimated $30 million. Later, in September 2020, Kobalt was acquired by Hipgnosis Songs Fund for $323 million. In January 2021, Buckingham agreed to sell his remaining 75% stake in his catalog to Hipgnosis for an undisclosed amount, with estimates ranging from $60 to $80 million. This sale transferred 100% of Buckingham’s rights to royalties and license fees from iconic songs like “Go Your Own Way” and “The Chain,” significantly impacting his net worth.

Personal Life and Real Estate

Buckingham’s personal life includes his first son, William Gregory, born in 1998 with Kristen Messner, a photographer and interior designer. The couple married in 2000 and later had daughters Leelee and Stella. Unfortunately, Kristen filed for divorce in June 2021 after 21 years of marriage, which likely impacted Buckingham’s net worth due to the settlement.

Buckingham has also been involved in significant real estate transactions. In 2005, he sold a home in Los Angeles’ Bel-Air neighborhood for $19.5 million. In January 2018, he listed his 11,000-square-foot Los Angeles mansion for $22 million, which he had remodeled after buying it in 2013 for $6 million. The mansion eventually sold for $19 million to Disney film executive Dana Walden. In April 2019, Buckingham listed another Brentwood mansion for $29.5 million. He and Kristen had bought the double lot in 2004 for $6.6 million and built a 10,000-square-foot custom mansion, which was sold for $28 million to Michael Gross, the one-time Vice Chairman of WeWork.

In 2020, they purchased a home for $3.7 million in the Hideaway golf club community in La Quinta, California. Additionally, Buckingham and Messner own other properties in Southern California. In June 2022, Buckingham acquired a home in Brentwood for $14 million, purchasing it from mega-producer Lauren Shuler Donner, who had bought the house seven months prior for $13 million.

Conclusion

Lindsey Buckingham’s net worth of $150 million reflects a career marked by exceptional talent, strategic business decisions, and the enduring legacy of Fleetwood Mac. While the divorce settlement with his wife Kristen likely reduced his net worth, his successful solo career, the sale of his music catalog, and significant real estate holdings continue to solidify his financial standing. Buckingham’s journey is a testament to the multifaceted nature of success in the music industry, blending creative genius with shrewd financial management. His story remains an inspiration for aspiring musicians and a captivating narrative of an enduring musical career.