Oct 18, 2001, 9:40 am PT

Fleetwood Mac is about halfway through recording its latest album, which is due next year. The release will feature all the regular crew members except Christine McVie.

Mick Fleetwood tells allstar that he heard from McVie earlier this week, though, and she said she would like to record with the group, but not tour.

As a result, Fleetwood says he's a bit perplexed. "If she writes and records with us, and does not tour," he explains, "then it's hard to play those songs in concert. Lindsay [Buckingham] and Stevie [Nicks] have already done most of their work." Fleetwood is not sure if he will take her up on her offer at this time.

Fleetwood Mac will probably tour the states late next summer or early fall. Fleetwood favors indoor arenas rather than outdoor amphitheaters. "We can get better sound and lights indoors," he says.

-- Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen