Lindsey Buckingham sues Fleetwood Mac for firing him ahead of North American tour

Former lead guitarist and singer claims no-one in the band called him to tell him of his sacking despite their 43-year relationship

Lindsey Buckingham with former bandmate Mick Fleetwood. (Getty)

Lindsey Buckingham has filed a lawsuit against Fleetwood Mac where he accuses them of breach of contract, after they cut him out of their North America tour.

Buckingham, 69, was dropped earlier this year and replaced by Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Neil Finn of Crowded House.

In legal documents filed in Los Angeles, the guitarist said he was informed by his manager in January that the band would proceed with its upcoming tour without him, according to Rolling Stone. He claims plans were in place the Rumours-era lineup to perform 60 shows across North America when he was let go without warning.

Buckingham also claims no-one in the band called him to tell him of his sacking despite their 43-year relationship.

He is suing former bandmates Stevie Nicks, 70, Mick Fleetwood, 71, Christine McVie, 75 and John McVie, 72, for breach of oral contract.

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

In the documents, filed at Los Angeles County Superior Court, Buckingham said he asked the group to postpone the start of their North American tour so he could release and promote his solo album. They refused, according to the lawsuit.

"This action is necessary to enforce Buckingham's right to share in the economic opportunities he is entitled to as a member of the partnership created to operate the business of Fleetwood Mac," the complaint states.

A spokeswoman for Fleetwood Mac said: "It's impossible for the band to offer comment on a legal complaint they have not seen. It's fairly standard legal procedure to service the complaint to the parties involved, something that neither Mr Buckingham nor his legal counsel have done.

"Which makes one wonder what the true motivations are when servicing press first with a legal complaint before the parties in dispute."

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".

Additional reporting by Press Association