Summary (tl;dr)

Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham was reportedly attacked by a known stalker in Santa Monica, California, on April 1, 2026, where an unknown substance was thrown at him. He was not injured, and an arrest is anticipated.

Essential Background

Lindsey Buckingham, a prominent musician known for his work with Fleetwood Mac from 1975 to 1987 and 1997 to 2018, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He faced significant health challenges, including emergency open-heart surgery in 2019 that resulted in vocal cord damage, impacting his ability to sing. Beyond health issues, Buckingham has been dealing with a persistent stalker, against whom he obtained a permanent restraining order in December 2024, citing years of harassment including threats of violence and false emergency calls.

The Full Story

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Lindsey Buckingham was attacked in Santa Monica, California, by a woman who threw an unknown substance at him as he was entering a building for an appointment. Police have identified the assailant as the same individual with a history of stalking Buckingham and against whom he had a restraining order. Authorities believe the woman discovered the time and location of his appointment to coordinate the attack. While Buckingham, 76, was unharmed, an arrest is expected soon. This incident comes shortly after Buckingham had teased a potential reunion or collaboration with former Fleetwood Mac bandmate Stevie Nicks, following the reissue of their 1973 album "Buckingham Nicks" in 2025.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the serious and ongoing threat of stalking faced by public figures, underscoring concerns for Buckingham's personal safety despite prior legal protections. The attack on a high-profile musician with a history of health issues draws significant public attention to the impact of such harassment, especially as he recently teased potential new musical ventures, which generate considerable interest among his fans and the broader entertainment community.

Geographic Location

• Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, United States (attack on Lindsey Buckingham)
• Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of prior legal proceedings related to stalking, and ongoing police investigation)