Lindsay Buckingham tells Rolling Stone that he thinks a new record and tour are in the works for Fleetwood Mac in 2012. It would be their first album since 2003′s Say You Will, which peaked at #3 on the USA charts. The band last toured in 2009.

There is no word yet on the lineup, but it’s safe to assume Lindsay, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie will be on board again. The big question: Will Christine McVie remain in retirement?

If so, that would be such a shame. The band just doesn’t sound right without her. Compare the great “Say You Love Me” with Christine in 1997 and without Christine in 2009. You decide, but to me it’s clear. Her voice is an integral part of the classic FM sound, whether singing lead or adding vocal harmony.

A significant portion of FM’s parade of hits were penned or co-written by Christine. Fleetwood Mac had 17 top 30 hits on the USA Billboard charts between 1975 and 1987. McVie wrote or co-wrote more than half of them! Here is the list:

Over My Head – #20
Say You Love Me – #11
Don’t Stop – #3
You Make Lovin’ Fun – #9
Songbird – never released as a single, but closed out every FM concert for years
Think About Me – #20
Hold Me – #4
Love in Store – #22
Little Lies – #4
Everywhere – #14
As Long as You Follow – not top 30, but did reach #1 on Adult Contemporary chart

I saw FM back in 1997 and they were terrific… probably one of the highlights of my concert-going life. The sound was pure and crystal clear. Better yet, the feel-good vibe from the crowd was palpable – hearing so many great songs one after another. Pick up a copy of The Dance on DVD to see what I mean. Christine quit the band after this tour. I did not go to see them on their subsequent tours in 2003 or in 2009. It just isn’t FM without Christine Anne Perfect and I just didn’t want to see them without her.

In 2003, she was invited to play keyboards and sing backing vocals once again for Fleetwood Mac. She appeared on two memorable tracks from Say You Will, “Bleed To Love Her” and “Steal Your Heart Away”. Click here to listen to the latter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBGtuGihs9s

Who knows why she quit the band in the first place. Tired of the grind? Not getting along with the band? She did release an album (with no tour to support it) in 2004 called In The Meantime, showing there’s no doubt she can still do it, if she wants. The songs offer her trademark tight songwriting, great keyboard work and smooth vocals. Unfortunately, most great artists from the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s can’t get airplay in the 2000′s, so you probably didn’t hear this record. The single “Friend” died a quick death (I don’t even recall hearing it), but did make a small noise on the Adult Contemporary chart – reaching #29. What a great, mostly-unknown song this is!! Check it out here:

C’mon Lindsay and Stevie… Bring Christine back for one more go-round, please! I will purchase tickets for certain.