No rumour: Neil Finn has joined Fleetwood Mac, and he 'can't wait'

Crowded House front man Neil Finn has revealed the full story behind his shock decision to join rockers Fleetwood Mac.

Finn today confirmed to the Herald he has joined the legendary band for an upcoming world tour after the departure of the band's longtime guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

Variety first reported the news that Finn and Mike Campbell, a guitarist in Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, would join Fleetwood Mac as replacements for Buckingham on the tour.

Finn, who has just released and toured behind his latest solo album, told the Herald he got the invite just a fortnite ago.

He said it seemed like "a natural fit".

"Two weeks ago I received a wonderful invitation to be a part of a truly great band. A few days later I was standing in a room playing music with Fleetwood Mac.

"It felt fresh and exciting, so many great songs, a spectacular rhythm section and two of the greatest voices ever," he said in a statement.

"Best of all, we sounded good together. It was a natural fit. I can't wait to play some more."

Mick Fleetwood said the group had always performed with "a unique blend of talents".

"We jammed with Mike and Neil and the chemistry really worked and let the band realize that this is the right combination to go forward with in Fleetwood Mac style.

"We know we have something new, yet it's got the unmistakable Mac sound."

The group said it was "thrilled to welcome the musical talents of the caliber of Mike Campbell and Neil Finn into the Mac family".

With tour dates to be announced shortly, they'll be "performing all the hits that the fans love, plus we'll be surprising our audiences with some tracks from our historic catalogue of songs.

"Fleetwood Mac has always been a creative evolution. We look forward to honoring that spirit on this upcoming tour."

Known for hits like Dreams and Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac formed in 1967 and still tour regularly. Fronted by Stevie Nicks, they were last here in 2015.

Neil Finn has just released his latest solo album Out of Silence, and has shows booked in Australia and America in May and June.