Lindsey Buckingham Undergoes Open Heart Surgery, Vocal Cords Reported Damaged

Winslow Townson/Invision/AP – Lindsey Buckingham
Lindsey Buckingham performs at The Wilbur in Boston on Dec. 5.

Lindsey Buckingham underwent open heart surgery that left the former Fleetwood Mac guitarist with damaged vocal cords.

Buckingham’s publicist said in a statement Friday that he experienced chest pains last week and was taken to the hospital where he had the life-saving procedure. Buckingham is recovering at home with his family.

The 69-year-old rocker’s wife, Kristen Buckingham, said on social media that it’s unclear if the damage after the surgery is permanent. She says the past year has been stressful, but she is thankful her husband is still alive.

“I am sad to say that late last week Lindsey underwent emergency open heart surgery,” Kristen Buckingham wrote. “He is now recuperating at home and 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 is unclear if this damage is permanent, we are hopeful it is not.

“This past year has been a very stressful and difficult year for our family to say the least. But despite all this, our gratitude for life trumps all obstacles we have faced at this moment. We feel so fortunate he’s alive. As does he. He looks forward to recovery and putting this behind him. Needless to say, all touring and shows currently scheduled have been put on pause for the moment as he gathers the strength to heal completely.”

Lindsey Buckingham’s last performance was Dec. 9 at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa. The last box office report submitted to Pollstar was a sellout, with 1,040 tickets sold at The Wilbur in Boston on Dec. 5.  Since departing Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham has been touring in support of Solo Anthology: The Best of Lindsey Buckingham.

Last year, Buckingham sued Fleetwood Mac after being kicked off the band’s new tour. The guitarist-songwriter was seeking his share of the tour income because he felt he was able to perform. The suit was reportedly settled late in 2018. 

Fleetwood Mac disputed the allegations made by Buckingham.