What is Lindsey Buckingham's net worth?
Lindsey Buckingham, a renowned American guitarist, singer, composer, and producer, boasts a net worth of $150 million. This figure is a result of his extensive career, even after a significant settlement with his wife Kristen, who filed for divorce in June 2021 after 21 years of marriage. At his peak, Buckingham's net worth exceeded $250 million.
Buckingham is best known as the guitarist and male lead-singer for Fleetwood Mac. He has also produced several solo and live albums. In 1998, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among the greatest guitarists of all time.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lindsey Adams Buckingham was born in 1949 in Palo Alto, California, the youngest of three brothers. Raised in Atherton, he attended Menlo Atherton High School, where his musical journey began with a toy Mickey Mouse guitar. Recognizing his talent, his parents upgraded him to a $35 Donald Duck guitar. At 13, Buckingham found inspiration in folk music, particularly the banjo methods of the Kingston Trio. Despite no formal training, between 1966 and 1971, he played folk and psychedelic rock with his high school band as a vocalist and bassist, later inviting Stevie Nicks to join as a second vocalist.
In 1972, Buckingham and Nicks began dating and recorded a series of demos. By 1973, they were signed by Polydor Records, but were soon dropped after their debut album "Buckingham Nicks" saw poor sales.
Success with Fleetwood Mac
In 1975, while recording at Sound City studio, Buckingham and Nicks met Mick Fleetwood, who invited them both to join Fleetwood Mac without an audition. Their first album with the band, "Fleetwood Mac," reached number one on the American charts, thanks to songs like "Monday Morning" and "I'm So Afraid." Buckingham's leadership further skyrocketed the band's fame with the 1977 release of "Rumours," one of the best-selling albums of all time. Buckingham's "Go Your Own Way" became a US Top Ten hit, alongside other contributions like "Second Hand News."
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New Albums and Solo Projects
Seeking a new sound, Fleetwood Mac released the experimental "Tusk" in 1979, with Buckingham directing and writing its lead single. During the band's hiatus, Buckingham released his solo debut, "Law and Order," in 1981, which featured Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie. The lead single, "Trouble," found success in the US and Australia. Returning with Fleetwood Mac in 1982 for "Mirage," Buckingham continued his solo path with "Go Insane" in 1984. In 1987, Fleetwood Mac released "Tango in the Night," producing multiple hits, but Buckingham left due to creative constraints.
Further Albums and Tours
In 1992, Buckingham released "Out of the Cradle," reflecting on his relationship with Nicks and leaving Fleetwood Mac. Touring as a solo artist, he briefly reunited with the band for 1997's "The Dance" tour. Holding back his fourth solo album, Buckingham contributed to Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Will" in 2003. His subsequent solo albums included "Under the Skin" (2006), "Gift of Screws" (2008), and "Seeds We Sow" (2011). Touring extensively, both solo and with Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham was, however, fired from the band in 2018.
Fleetwood Mac Earnings
In October 2018, Buckingham sued Fleetwood Mac for his termination, citing a loss of $12-14 million from a canceled tour contract. He argued he was fired without cause or explanation, having prioritized the band's tour over his solo plans.
Catalog Sale
In 2012, Buckingham sold 25% of his music catalog to Kobalt for an estimated $30 million. By 2020, Hipgnosis Songs Fund acquired Kobalt for $323 million. In January 2021, Buckingham sold his remaining catalog stake to Hipgnosis for an estimated $60-80 million, granting them 100% rights to royalties from songs like "Go Your Own Way" and "The Chain."
Personal Life
In 1998, Buckingham welcomed his first son, William Gregory, with photographer and interior designer Kristen Messner. The couple married in 2000 and had daughters Leelee and Stella. Regrettably, Kristen filed for divorce in June 2021.
Real Estate
In 2005, Buckingham sold a Bel-Air home for $19.5 million. In January 2018, he listed a 11,000-square-foot Los Angeles mansion for $22 million, eventually selling it to Disney film executive Dana Walden for $19 million. In April 2019, he listed a Brentwood mansion for $29.5 million. Purchased in 2004 for $6.6 million, the custom home sold for $28 million to Michael Gross.
In 2020, Buckingham and Messner bought a $3.7 million home in La Quinta, California's Hideaway golf club community. Built in 2014, the 5,500-square-foot residence features four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, white oak floors, steel-framed windows, two patios, and a swimming pool. The couple owns additional properties in Southern California. In June 2022, Buckingham acquired a Brentwood home for $14 million from producer Lauren Shuler Donner.
