Fleetwood Mac’s Ex-Guitarist Suffers Vocal Cord Damage During Heart Surgery

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham underwent emergency open-heart surgery last week that damaged his vocal cords, his wife said on Friday. "While it is unclear if the damage is permanent, we are hopeful it is not", she writes.

"Our family thought it was important to share what's happening with Lindsey with the hope that inspires someone else to seek preventative care", she wrote.

"This past year has been a very stressful and hard year for our family to say the least", Mrs Buckingham said on social media.

His wife also revealed that Buckingham's family had had a history of heart-related health issues, and urged more reporting from people experiencing similar symptoms.

"Each day he is stronger than the last", she stated.

All his shows and tours have been canceled until he's fully recovered, she said.

"We feel so fortunate that he's alive".

The singer-guitarist was forced out of Fleetwood Mac a year ago in a push led by band member Stevie Nicks. We can't thank you enough for all you did for our family.

Buckingham's official departure from Fleetwood Mac came in April when the band announced Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Neil Finn of Crowded House were joining the lineup.

Last year, Buckingham's lawyer said his band mates had "cut him off entirely" after a disagreement reportedly emerged between them regarding a tour.